Asenapine for the treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder: from clinical research to clinical practice.

Article Details

Citation

Fagiolini A, Forgione RN, Morana B, Maccari M, Goracci A, Bossini L, Pellegrini F, Cuomo A, Casamassima F

Asenapine for the treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder: from clinical research to clinical practice.

Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2013 Mar;14(4):489-504. doi: 10.1517/14656566.2013.765859. Epub 2013 Jan 29.

PubMed ID
23356509 [ View in PubMed
]
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Asenapine is a sublingually administered second-generation antipsychotic with proven efficacy for the treatment of moderate to severe manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults. Its relatively favorable weight and metabolic profile, as well as the lack of appreciable activity at muscarinic cholinergic receptors and the sublingual administration are of clinical interest. AREAS COVERED: This paper comprises a review and commentary regarding the use of sublingual asenapine in the treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes of bipolar disorder. Basic principles in dosing, switching, management of side effects and co-administration with other medications are provided. EXPERT OPINION: Asenapine displays quick and reliable effects on manic symptoms, very low risk of depressive switches, efficacy on depressive symptoms during manic and mixed episodes, usually good tolerability and continued longer-term efficacy on residual and subthreshold symptoms. The fast-dissolving sublingual route of administration may favor those who have difficulties in swallowing medications. Also, the sublingual administration reduces the risk of overdose when more than the prescribed tablets are swallowed. The relatively low metabolic risk and the lack of anticholinergic side effects contribute to making this medication a useful tool for the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drugs
Drug Targets
DrugTargetKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
AsenapineBeta-1 adrenergic receptorProteinHumans
Unknown
Antagonist
Details
AsenapineBeta-2 adrenergic receptorProteinHumans
Unknown
Antagonist
Details
Drug Enzymes
DrugEnzymeKindOrganismPharmacological ActionActions
AsenapineCytochrome P450 3A4ProteinHumans
Unknown
Substrate
Details
AsenapineUDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1-4ProteinHumans
Unknown
Substrate
Details