Let's learn about the sublingual Asenapine tablet?

Has your doctor prescribed you or someone close to you a medicine called Asenapine? When that happens, it is normal for questions to come to mind about the medicine. So don't worry. For any treatment to be successful, it is very important to have a good understanding of the medicine we are using. So today, let's talk about this medicine called Asenapine in a simple and friendly way.

What exactly is Asenapine?

Simply put, Asenapine is a medication used to treat several mental health conditions. It is most commonly used for conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder .

Several chemicals in the brain help control our mood, behavior, and thoughts. Dopamine and serotonin are two of the main ones. Sometimes, when these are out of balance, mental problems arise. So, this medicine, Asenapine, works by balancing the levels of these chemicals in the brain and helping to stabilize your mood and thoughts. This medicine belongs to a class of drugs called antipsychotics .

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

Before prescribing this medication, it is essential that your doctor knows your complete health history. If you have any of the conditions listed below, you should tell your doctor without hiding anything .

• Dementia or memory problems.
• If you have diabetes or if someone in your family has it.
• Difficulty swallowing food or liquids.
• A history of heart disease or irregular heartbeat.
• High cholesterol levels.
• If you have suffered a stroke .
• Liver disease .
• Low blood pressure .
• Parkinson's disease .
• A history of seizures .
• Problems with blood counts, such as a decrease in the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets.
• A history of breast cancer .
• If you have had an allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicine or food.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

How exactly do I use this medicine?

This is not a pill that you swallow with water like a regular pill. This is a sublingual pill that you place under your tongue and dissolve . So follow these instructions exactly.

1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before taking the pill.

2. Keep the pill in its sealed packet until you are ready to take it.

3. When you are ready to take the pill, carefully open the packet and take out the pill. If the pill is broken or crushed, throw it away and get a new one.

4. Take the pill and place it under your tongue .

5. Wait until it completely dissolves. It won't take long. Then swallow the saliva.

6. Never cut, crush, chew, or swallow this tablet whole.

7. Most important: After the pill dissolves, do not eat or drink anything for 10 minutes.

8. Take your medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals. Do not stop taking your medicine without your doctor's advice.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

What if I take too much medicine?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Alternatively, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

Asenapine can interact with some other medications, so you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and Ayurvedic medicines).

Things to be careful about when taking medicine

• Dizziness and drowsiness: This medicine may make you feel a little drowsy and dizzy . So do not do anything that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this affects you.
• Avoid getting up too quickly: Don't get up suddenly from a sitting or lying position. Especially if you are elderly, get up slowly. Otherwise, you may get dizzy and fall.
• Blood sugar levels: This medicine may increase your blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels regularly. Talk to your doctor about whether you need to make any changes to your diet or medications.
• Dry mouth: If you feel like your mouth is dry, chew sugar-free gum, suck on a piece of candy, or drink small amounts of water frequently.
• Body temperature: This medicine may affect the way your body regulates its temperature. This means that your tolerance to extreme cold and extreme heat may be reduced. Therefore, avoid being in the sun during extreme heat, drink plenty of water, and wear warm clothes on very cold days.

What side effects can be expected?

Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Most of these are not serious. But there are some things you should be aware of.

Asenapine, Schizophrenia, Bipolar , Bipolar Disorder, Mental Health, Antipsychotics, Saphris