Saphris and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• LJ ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 13, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Saphris for nine months. I am taking 20 mg at night. I find the medication puts me to sleep 10-15 minutes after taking my dosage. If I wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, I stumble around in a daze. After sleeping 9-10 hours, I wake up feeling refreshed. I also take Lamotrigine and Sertraline. To manage anxiety, I take Lorazepam as needed. It took me several months to see the full benefits. Today, I am under control. No suicidal thoughts. No aggressive behavior. I am no longer having the delusions that people are out to get me and/or I am being followed. Best of all the medication did not throw me into depression. I still have problems when I become overwhelmed or in a busy environment."

• Sco...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 1, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I started Saphris after experiencing some episodes of violent anger as a result of mixed episodes of my bipolar disorder. There was an almost immediate lessening of symptoms, making me feel calmer right away. I have experienced almost no side effects from the medicine other than occasional sleepiness, but nothing debilitating. I had little or no weight gain, which made me very happy. It also has a lower incidence of causing cholesterol and blood sugar issues than many other AAPs. I find Saphris very helpful for both the immediate treatment of a breakthrough mixed/manic episode as well as for daily maintenance."

• sad...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 20, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I love this medicine. I have Bipolar 2 and post-traumatic stress disorder. I have been on this medicine for 9 months. It puts me to sleep about 15 minutes after taking it. I have lost 35 pounds (I had gained 50 pounds on Lamictal and Abilify). I am off the Lamictal. I have been able to stay out of the hospital. I feel better overall. I am trying to take 1 course in college and may even try to work again."

• Hap...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 2, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "First things first, I love this drug! I started out on 2.5 mg, and the first time I took it, I actually sat down. And I was able to sit with family and have a conversation, rather than go be in my room to talk with my fantasy world. The first problem that appeared was ankle pain. I’m still unsure if that was the medicine or I actually had injured my ankles, but it went away once I was given 5 mg. This medicine makes me feel in control of my emotions and has actually helped me to feel a bit more organized. The side effects that I have seen are mainly drowsiness, numb tongue, and weird dreams. Like, really weird dreams. The taste is a bit nasty, but you get used to it quick. I really enjoy this drug, and it’s not only me that has noticed a change. It’s my family too, they were originally a bit wary about me going on an antipsychotic, but now they’re glad I did. For me, it’s a miracle drug."

• Twi...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 23, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I had been taking Saphris 10mg at bedtime for well over a year and then suddenly stopped taking it for a month to see how I would feel. In this month, I was a wreck and had racing thoughts and couldn't fall asleep until 2 am and would be up 6 hours later. I also found myself fantasizing about stuff and being unrealistic about things. I started taking it again close to a month ago and I really see how much it helps me. The only downside is that I sleep over 11 hours now and I get into such a deep sleep without waking up once."

• Deb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 25, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I have Bipolar I with some psychotic episodes in the past. I used to be on Abilify, but I had weight gain and shaking of my hands. Saphris has been wonderful for me. I used to take Ambien because I couldn't sleep, but with Saphris I fall asleep within 10-15 minutes. I only take 5mg at night. I don't take it in the morning because of how sleepy it makes me. I've also tried 10mg at night and that worked well too. As for the flavor, I have to have the black cherry. I couldn't stand the original, mint, I think it was. I feel great and would definitely recommend it."

• And...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 19, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "Been on Saphris for almost a year. Have tried almost all of the others except for Latuda. My experience is that I have had the best dreams and put on the least amount of weight on this medicine. Also, not nearly as drowsy."

• Kat...
• September 16, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I do not deal with fits of rage anymore, nor do I go to extreme lows of sadness and the world is ending. Side effects I had were initially insomnia, grogginess after taking the medication, and a little bit more hungry. I eat a well-balanced diet with lots of vegetables, some fruit, high protein, and I notice having a snack before taking it helps with hunger pains. I make sure to get regular low-impact exercise such as walking. I am now able to be a better mother, keep my jobs, and feel much, much, much better mentally. Give it a try at least a month. It has been 3 weeks, and I do not have insomnia at night anymore and have dropped 14 pounds. Stay positive, don't let side effects get you down!"

• Anonymous
• March 30, 2010

For Schizoaffective Disorder "Wow - this is interesting. First I was scared to try another antipsychotic as I typically get akathisia, but for some reason I have not had issues with it this time around (so far). I have to say that Saphris works wonders on negative symptoms that most medicines would not really touch. I find myself actually wanting to go outside and be around people and just do things in general - my lack of desire has just gone. This makes me so much happier. I just didn't think it was possible, and that I was just stuck the way I was. It tastes nasty though and it numbs your tongue for 15-20 minutes. Also, it puts me to sleep. But other than that I have to say the pros definitely do outweigh the cons. I just wish it would come in pill form!"

• Stp...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 3, 2021

For Bipolar Disorder "Currently on 5 mg at night. Best medication so far. Have tried risperidone (PTD), Invega (weight gain), and Latuda (bad anxiety). Only 3 lbs of weight gain...not sure if it's the pandemic or the Saphris. The only 'side' effect I experienced is the sedative side. It put me right to sleep in 15 minutes, which I like! I wake up after 9 hours of sleep without an alarm, feeling refreshed. It tastes bad, but I really don't care, for the first time in my life, I feel good! You should try it."

• Alm...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 8, 2013

For Schizophrenia "I was put on Saphris after being on Clozaril for 13 years. My schizophrenia is completely controlled on this medicine. However, it is much less sedating than Clozaril, and sleep is sometimes a challenge. It also seems to not increase my appetite-the first of its kind! For a while, it was also prolonging the QT wave of my heart, but that seems to have leveled off. But I do have one major complaint. It sometimes makes me forget how to pronounce words. I guess this is similar to an effect of Topamax. All things said, it's good to be almost normal."

• Sta...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 4, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I would really recommend this medication because I’ve tried almost every antipsychotic medication, and I’ve never been able to stabilize my mood until I found this medication. The only side effect I get from this medication is twitching on my toes, but it goes away a few minutes later. I’ve had worse side effects from Latuda, which was making me sedated and giving me milk from my breasts, and I wasn’t even pregnant. I really like this medication because it also helps me with sleep, and without it, I overthink a lot at night. My mood has definitely improved with this medication. I’ve been taking it for four years, and it’s worked. I’ve only had to increase the dosage two times, unlike other medications where I constantly have to increase the dosage."

• Lif...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 9, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I started out with 20 mg of Saphris but stayed groggy. Went down to 10 mg and have been on it for 6 months. I also take a sleep aid at night and now I sleep 6-7 hrs compared to 3-4. No running thoughts in my head. The longest time I have ever stayed out of the hospital in 12 years. I feel wonderful, when I start getting anxious, I take a 5 mg with my Xanax, and I am good to go. Downside: Gained 50 lbs, and cholesterol is through the roof, even though I do not eat red meat. Always have the munchies, though. Had to start on a statin medicine. Blood sugar is higher than usual but within range. Keeping an eye on this too. But this is the only medicine that has worked for me without being a zombie or continued mixed episodes."

• HiS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 7, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "Diagnosed ADHD, bipolar, major depression, GAD, panic disorder. Have been on Saphris 5 mg at night for 1 week. After the first dose, I could tell a huge difference in my mood. For the first time in months, I woke up in a great mood. After a few days, I knew I was no longer in mania, which I've been in for at least 4 months. My thinking is back to normal. The only problem I'm having is keeping my mood stabilized. When I take it at night, it puts me to sleep in 15 minutes. No longer using sleeping meds. For one week of use, I think it's a great medicine."

• Yve...
• March 28, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Seroquel for 6 years and have had nightmares the whole time. I switched to Saphris 4 days ago, 5 mg morning and night plus 112.5 mg Effexor. I'm amazed at waking up early in the morning after 8 hours of sleep on Saphris, where I've been sleeping 12 hours a night previously on Seroquel, then still a zombie for the next 3 hours. The morning dose sedated me, so I'm changing to 10 mg at night and also adding lamotrigine this week. I haven't felt this good in many years, but I'm not elevated, I have BP 1 and live in Australia. As I'm on disability, all of my medications only cost $6.20 each as it's subsidized by the government. I feel very sad for everyone in the USA with chronic illnesses. It's just not fair."

• PTS...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 13, 2014

For Post Traumatic Stress Disorder "I have complex post-traumatic stress disorder. Currently taking Effexor, lorazepam, Remeron, prazosin, propranolol, and Saphris. Despite the medication regimen, I was having a very hard time with anxiety. The panic attacks were debilitating, so my psych doc decided to try me on Saphris. He told me to take 5 mg at night and 2.5-5 mg in the morning if I needed it. The most noticeable side effects I've had are sleepiness, numb/tingly tongue, and clumsiness. The first three days, the taste of the tablet (regular 'flavor') was awful. Today, about one week since starting, it's tolerable. My anxiety has reduced significantly. My flashbacks have reduced in severity, I feel more mellow and calm. Saphris is really helping me get the most out of my therapy."

• Nic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 8, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I suffer from ADHD, bipolar disorder, and PTSD. Saphris has helped take the edge off the bipolar symptoms. I would have to leave the office, whether to walk around the building or to go to the bathroom to splash water on my face, but now I can stay at my desk the entire day most days and am good with only leaving for bathroom breaks or to go get water. I went from having PTSD nightmares 1 - 6 nights a week and waking up myself and my fiancée from moaning, growling, or yelling to having the nightmares about once a week on average or sometimes even going a week without any. I take it at bedtime, and within 10 - 15 minutes, I am really drowsy and falling asleep, which has also helped me. As a result of these last two, I am now more rested."

• Edw...
• July 20, 2013

For Schizophrenia "I'm 28 and was just diagnosed with schizophrenia about a month ago. I was given Saphris, this is my first antipsychotic medication, and it makes me immensely drowsy after 10 minutes. It slowed down the racing thoughts and negative ideas in my head in order to set aside my wants and needs and socially accept what is happening around me and what I need to do. The only downside so far is the intense drowsiness and that gnawing restless sleep feeling when I tried to go to sleep before my regular sleeping schedule. I can't remember falling asleep at all due to the tossing and turning. I do recommend taking it when you're 100% positive you're going to sleep and not a moment sooner. Woke up calm and well-rested. DAY 1."

• ky1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I was prescribed asenapine 5 mg 2x/day. Was assured by my psychiatrist that it would only make me mildly drowsy. The very first dose hit me hard. Within 40 minutes, I was nodding off while trying to talk to people. I slept for ten hours after that. Side note, medications don't typically affect me like that! This made me scared to keep taking it at all, but my psychiatrist said I could just take it at night and see how it went. Over the course of a month, I began feeling extremely agitated (like a mixed episode but worse), and it put me in a dark place. Looking back, I'm honestly surprised that I didn't attempt suicide, that's how bad things got. I'm glad to see that this works for so many, but it's 100% a no from me. For those worried about the taste, it isn't good, but I got used to it after the first dose. It does make your tongue numb, which lasted about an hour for me, but I think it's definitely something you can get used to. I'm quite sensitive to taste and have a sensitive gag reflex, but that aspect was tolerable."

• Kah...
• June 8, 2010

For Schizoaffective Disorder "The medicine tastes bitter. It causes temporary numbness in my tongue. I take the 10 mg sublingual form twice a day. I am careful to space it 12 hours apart because it drops my blood pressure taken too close together. Other medicines that cause sedation make me much sleepier than they did before. Sometimes I feel restlessness or muscle stiffness. My moods are much more even than they were before. The audio or visual hallucinations I was having are almost completely gone. I am responding to this medication a lot more than any of the others (I have tried almost everything). Putting up with the side effects is definitely worth the good effects of the medication I am having!"

• Kah...
• June 8, 2010

For Schizoaffective Disorder "The medicine tastes bitter. It causes temporary numbness in my tongue. I take the 10 mg sublingual form twice a day. I am careful to space it 12 hours apart because it drops my blood pressure taken too close together. Other medicines that cause sedation make me much sleepier than they did before. Sometimes I feel restlessness or muscle stiffness. My moods are much more even than they were before. The audio or visual hallucinations I was having are almost completely gone. I am responding to this medication a lot more than any of the others (I have tried almost everything). Putting up with the side effects is definitely worth the good effects of the medication I am having!"

• pur...
• January 22, 2012

For Schizophrenia "I'm happy. I've tried all medicines for schizophrenia on the Australian market, this just came out here. I've been on it for a couple of months, and my old depot of flupentixol is washing out now. I'm pretty amazed at how few side effects there are. I can wake up in the mornings and have sex. I suffered from female sexual dysfunction and/or somnolence for years, I was so unhappy with both those scenarios. Now I'm only sleeping about 9 or 10 hours, and I can date and romance. As far as these antipsychotics go, this is the best for me. It still makes me a little sleepy and sedated, but I am approaching normalcy again for the first time in 20 years. It's easier on my heart as well, I can go a lot further in my workouts."

• pur...
• January 22, 2012

For Schizophrenia "I'm happy. I've tried all medicines for schizophrenia on the Australian market, this just came out here. I've been on it for a couple of months, and my old depot of flupentixol is washing out now. I'm pretty amazed at how few side effects there are. I can wake up in the mornings and have sex. I suffered from female sexual dysfunction and/or somnolence for years, I was so unhappy with both those scenarios. Now I'm only sleeping about 9 or 10 hours, and I can date and romance. As far as these antipsychotics go, this is the best for me. It still makes me a little sleepy and sedated, but I am approaching normalcy again for the first time in 20 years. It's easier on my heart as well, I can go a lot further in my workouts."

• Ozr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 5, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I started taking this at 5 mg for bipolar disorder. Firstly, the wafer I had to put under my tongue was horrendous! The taste can only be described as the taste of poison. It made my tongue numb. It made me extremely drowsy, but it was hard to sleep because I had almost a painful restlessness in my legs, so I felt I couldn't stop moving, yet I was so tired. It was a very uncomfortable feeling. This drug, an anti-psychotic, MADE me psychotic. It dramatically changed my personality from the moment I took it. I became aggressive and angry at everyone. If I'd had a higher dose, I think I could have become homicidal. This was a terrible drug for me, so I didn't last on it long at all, it was just too dangerous for me."

• Anonymous
• November 19, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking Saphris for the last week, and I have to say that I am impressed. Before this, I tried Abilify, and that was a nightmare. I was sick for three days off one 2 mg dose. My whole life, I have had huge amounts of anxiety and racing thoughts. I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder, not bipolar disorder, until two weeks ago. Saphris has destroyed my anxiety, my racing thoughts, my negative attitude, and my aggravation at everything and everyone in sight. My family notices a difference like night and day. The only side effect I've had is a touch of Restless Leg Syndrome, and for the first few days, sleepiness, but that went away. I use a heating pad on my leg to stop the RLS and otherwise side effect-free."