Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

To use the sublingual tablet:

  • Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the tablet.
  • Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take it.
  • Remove the tablet from the blister pack by peeling back the foil, then taking the tablet out. Do not push the tablet through the foil.
  • Place the tablet under your tongue. It should melt quickly.
  • Do not split, crush, chew, or swallow the tablet.
  • Do not eat or drink anything for at least 10 minutes after using this medicine.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (sublingual tablets):
    • For bipolar disorder:
      • For patients taking asenapine only:
        • Adults—At first, 5 to 10 milligrams (mg) two times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
        • Children 10 to 17 years of age—2.5 to 10 mg two times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated.
        • Children younger than 10 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • For patients taking asenapine together with lithium or valproate:
        • Adults—At first, 5 milligrams (mg) two times a day. If needed, your doctor may adjust your dose to 10 mg two times a day.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder:
      • Adults—5 to 10 milligrams (mg) two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For schizophrenia:
      • Adults—At first, 5 milligrams (mg) two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

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