Vraylar vs. Saphris

Vraylar (cariprazine) and Saphris (asenapine) are atypical antipsychotics indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Side effects of Vraylar and Saphris that are similar include extrapyramidal symptoms (muscle spasms, muscle rigidity, tremor, jerking movements), sleepiness/drowsiness, restlessness, weight gain, sleep problems (insomnia), constipation, dry mouth, and dizziness.

Side effects of Vraylar that are different from Saphris include agitation, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, headache, abdominal pain, toothache, anxiety, diarrhea, pain in the extremities, loss of appetite, back pain, and cough.

Side effects of Saphris that are different from Vraylar include numbness or tingling of the mouth and upset stomach.

Vraylar may interact with CYP3A4 inducers (such as rifampin and carbamazepine) and inhibitors (such as itraconazole and ketoconazole).

Saphris may interact with alpha blockers, anticholinergic/antispasmodic drugs, amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, antibiotics, alcohol, antihistamines, theophylline, tramadol, antidepressants, drugs for sleep or anxiety, muscle relaxants, and narcotics.

Side effects of Vraylar include:

• extrapyramidal symptoms (muscle spasms, muscle rigidity, tremor, jerking movements),
• agitation,
• indigestion,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• sleepiness,
• restlessness,
• weight gain,
• headache,
• insomnia,
• abdominal pain,
• constipation,
• toothache,
• anxiety,
• diarrhea,
• pain in the extremities,
• dry mouth,
• loss of appetite,
• back pain,
• dizziness, and
• cough.

Common side effects of Saphris include:

• drowsiness,
• dizziness,
• numbness or tingling of the mouth,
• restlessness,
• constipation,
• dry mouth,
• sleep problems (insomnia),
• upset stomach, and
• weight gain.

Saphris may cause muscle/nervous system problems (extrapyramidal symptoms-EPS). Tell your doctor if you notice the following side effects of Saphris including:

• feelings of anxiety/agitation/jitteriness,
• drooling or trouble swallowing,
• constant need to move,
• shaking (tremor),
• shuffling walk,
• stiff muscles,
• severe muscle spasms or cramping (such as twisting neck, arching back, eyes rolling up), and
• mask-like expression of the face.

Vraylar (cariprazine) is an atypical antipsychotic indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia, and the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.

Saphris (asenapine) is an atypical antipsychotic psychiatric medication used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder).

Vraylar may interact with CYP3A4 inducers and inhibitors. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

Saphris may interact with alpha blockers, anticholinergic/antispasmodic drugs, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, antibiotics, alcohol, antihistamines, theophylline, tramadol, antidepressants, drugs for sleep or anxiety, muscle relaxants, and narcotics. Check labels of allergy or cough-and-cold products for ingredients that cause drowsiness. Tell your doctor all medications you are taking. During pregnancy, Saphris should be used only when prescribed. Babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may develop symptoms including muscle stiffness or shakiness, drowsiness, feeding/breathing difficulties, or constant crying. If you notice these symptoms in your newborn during their first month, tell the doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

The starting dose of Vraylar is 1.5 mg once daily.

Saphris is a sublingual (under the tongue) tablet. Dosage is individualized to the patient's need and response to treatment. The usual dose ranges from 5 to 10 mg taken twice daily.