Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Saphris.  It can help you feel better and have fewer mood swings.  You should take Saphris exactly as prescribed by your doctor.  It can take several weeks to start working. Your doses can be taken with or without food. You should place the tablet under your tongue and allow it to dissolve. Do not chew or swallow it.  Also, do not eat or drink for 10 minutes after your dose.  Read the Instructions for Use for more information about this medicine.

Common side effects can occur, like weight gain, restlessness and feeling like you need to move around.  It can also cause sleepiness or dizziness.  You should wait until you know how it affects you before doing activities that require you to be alert like driving or riding bike.  Some people may notice either a tingly or prickly feeling in their mouth, or a loss of feeling in their mouth. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

As with any medicine, rare but more serious side effects could occur.  You should read the Patient Information sheet to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report them.  To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow your condition closely and may order blood tests.  You should call your doctor right away if you have thoughts of suicide, or worsening moods or behaviors, especially in children or young adults.

Saphris can interact with other medicine. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines.  It is also important to drink plenty of fluids and avoid getting overheated.

Women should talk to their doctors before becoming pregnant or breastfeeding.

For best results, you should continue taking Saphris exactly as prescribed.