Asenapine is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

Asenapine is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression) in adults.

Asenapine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Asenapine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Asenapine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

While you are taking asenapine, you may be more sensitive to temperature extremes such as very hot or cold conditions. Avoid getting too cold, or becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking asenapine.

Asenapine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Before taking asenapine, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, low white blood cell counts, diabetes, trouble swallowing, or a history of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, or "Long QT syndrome."

Drinking alcohol can increase some of the side effects of asenapine.

Stop taking asenapine and call your doctor at once if you have fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, restless muscle movements in your face or neck, tremor (uncontrolled shaking), trouble swallowing, feeling light-headed, or fainting.

Asenapine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Asenapine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

You should not use asenapine if you are allergic to it.

To make sure you can safely take asenapine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver disease;

• heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems;

• a history of heart attack or stroke;

• a history of breast cancer;

• seizures or epilepsy;

• diabetes (asenapine may raise your blood sugar);

• trouble swallowing;

• Parkinson's disease;

• a history of low white blood cell (WBC) counts; or

• a personal or family history of"Long QT syndrome."

FDA pregnancy category C. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking asenapine, do not stop taking it without your doctor's advice.

Asenapine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor.