Asenapine review, part II: clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability

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.