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Compare Vraylar vs. Saphris

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Vraylar (cariprazine) and Saphris (asenapine) are both atypical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but they have some key differences. Vraylar is taken once a day by mouth, while Saphris is a dissolvable tablet taken under the tongue twice daily. Vraylar is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas Saphris is available as a lower-cost generic. Vraylar (cariprazine) is used for adults only, but Saphris can be used for bipolar disorder in children aged 10 and older. Weight gain is less common with Vraylar compared to Saphris, which often causes weight gain. Additionally, Vraylar has a higher risk of causing uncontrolled muscle movements, while Saphris can cause mouth numbness and requires you to avoid eating or drinking for 10 minutes after taking it.

  • Vraylar (cariprazine)
    Asenapine (Saphris)
  • Vraylar (cariprazine)
    Asenapine (Saphris)

  • Summary of Vraylar vs. Saphris

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Vraylar (cariprazine) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder in teens and adults. It can also be added to other medications to help treat depression in adults. You take a dose by mouth once a day. Common side effects include uncontrolled body movements and restlessness. Compared to some other antipsychotic medications, Vraylar (cariprazine) usually causes little to no weight gain.

    Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Asenapine (Saphris) is an atypical antipsychotic. It's used to treat schizophrenia in adults and bipolar I disorder in people ages 10 years and older. It comes as sublingual (under the tongue) tablets in both a brand-name and generic versions. The usual dosage is to dissolve a tablet under the tongue twice a day. Some potential side effects of this medication include sleepiness, trouble sleeping, and movement problems.

  • Indications of Vraylar vs. Saphris

    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia - age 13 years and older
    •Manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder - age 10 years and older
    •Bipolar depression of bipolar I disorder - adults
    •Major depressive disorder (MDD), as an add-on treatment - adults
    Indications for
    •Schizophrenia in adults
    •Bipolar I disorder in adults and children ages 10 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Vraylar vs. Saphris

    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Taken once a day
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Longer lasting compared to other similar medications
    •Lower risk of weight gain compared to some antipsychotics
    Cons
    •Might take several weeks to fully work
    •Risk of uncontrolled body movements
    •Can cause restlessness or feeling like you can't sit still
    •Not safe during pregnancy
    Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Dissolved under the tongue; good option for people who have a hard time swallowing tablets
    •Possible option for children who have bipolar I disorder
    •Less likely to cause weight gain than some other antipsychotic medications, like olanzapine (Zyprexa)
    Cons
    •Can cause drowsiness or trouble sleeping
    •Taken twice a day
    •Can't be taken by people who have severe liver problems

  • Common Side Effects of Vraylar vs. Saphris

    Common Side Effects for
    •Uncontrolled muscle movements (up to 19%)
    •Trouble sleeping (up to 13%)
    •Headache (up to 11%)
    •Drowsiness (up to 8%)
    •Constipation (up to 7%)
    •Nausea (up to 7%)
    •Restlessness (up to 6%)

    *Note: Side effects listed were reported by people in studies who took Vraylar (cariprazine) for schizophrenia.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Trouble sleeping (up to 16%)
    •Sleepiness (up to 15%)
    •Movement problems (up to 12%)
    •Restlessness (not being able to sit still, up to 11%)
    •Dizziness (up to 7%)
    •Constipation (up to 7%)
    •Vomiting (up to 7%)
    •Mouth numbness (up to 7%)

    *Note: Side effects listed above were reported by adults with schizophrenia. Similar side effects are seen in adults and children with bipolar disorder.

  • Warnings of Vraylar vs. Saphris

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Difficulty controlling movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
    •Low white blood cell count
    •Higher risk of falls and fainting
    •Seizures
    •Trouble controlling body temperature
    •Difficulty swallowing
    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Low blood pressure and changes in heartbeat
    •Low white blood cell count
    •Seizures
    •High prolactin levels
    •Phenylketonuria

  • Prices with our coupons for Vraylar vs. Saphris

    Learn more about Vraylar
    Learn more about Asenapine

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