Abstract
Introduction: Asenapine is a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic currently marketed for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar mania/mixed episodes.
Areas covered: The purpose of this review is to describe the clinical profile of asenapine.
Expert opinion: Asenapine's efficacy in the treatment of schizophrenia and in the acute management of bipolar manic or mixed episodes, within the recommended therapeutic dose range of 5 – 10 mg twice a day, is evidenced by a broad clinical development program. Asenapine's overall tolerability profile is notable for the potential for sedation (time-limited) and, to a lesser extent, extrapyramidal symptoms/akathisia, dizziness, and oral hypoesthesia. Asenapine's effects on weight and metabolic variables appear modest, as are its effects on the ECG QTc interval and on prolactin.
Declaration of interest
No external writing assistance or financial support was utilized in the production of this article. In the past 36 months, L Citrome has engaged in collaborative research with, or received consulting or speaking fees, from Alexza, Alkermes, AstraZeneca, Avanir, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Envivo, Forest, Genetech, Janssen, Lundbeck, Merck, Mylan, Novartis, Noven, Otsuka, Pfizer, Reckitt Benckiser, Reviva, Shire, Sunovion, Takeda and Valeant. The author has no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.