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Saphris User Reviews & Ratings

Saphris has an average rating of 7.3 out of 10 from a total of 273 reviews on Drugs.com. 69% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 18% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Saphris

  • that1...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 8, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I have bipolar1, general & social anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder. I've been on pretty much everything over the last 14 years. Seroquel worked well for over a year but the weight gain was awful. Regular exercise and healthy eating. Lithium and Lamictal replaced the Seroquel and seemed efficient, couldn't handle the nausea anymore after 2 yrs. 5 weeks ago I decided I wanted try Saphris. Psych agreed, decided to start low and slow as I tend to have allergic or increased anxiety with most medicines. Started on 2.5mg for a week. I literally felt better the next morning. I had increased energy and felt happy for the first time in over 10yrs. I'm up to 5mg pm, 2.5mg am. Anxiety decreased, and down to 1.5mg of Klonopin daily from 3mg. This is a miracle for me! "

9 / 10
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  • LJ Ar...
  • 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."

10 / 10
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  • viper...
  • April 3, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been severely depressed for six years after coming off my medications in May 2006, due to a bad manic episode. I have tried so many medicines, even the ones that worked before. Nothing could get me out of the dark hole I was in. I went to my Doctor and told him I wanted to try ECT therapy because I was suicidal. He set it up, but asked me to try a new medicine (Saphris) in the mean time. I was willing to try anything. He placed me on 5mg at night, and told me it would probably allow me to eliminate the Ambien for sleep problems. Man, did it. My wife noticed a difference in my mood the next day. I have been on it now for two weeks, and cross my fingers I have not felt this good for twelve years."

10 / 10
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156 Report
  • Jordy
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 11, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I have Bipolar 1. I am currently taking 1500mg of lithium, 300mg of lamictal, and 10mg of Saphris. Since starting Saphris my paranoia has decreased, I’m not distracted with deluded thinking. I sleep much better, have quit smoking cigarettes, and I’m exercising 4 days a week at the gym. I haven’t had any side effects. I also regularly see my psychiatrist and psychologist."

9 / 10
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68 Report
  • Anonymous
  • March 1, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "Been on Saphris for about two months. Taste is bad but the benefits of medicine far outway that. Only side effect is slight numbness in mouth after taking pill but that goes away after about 30 minutes. No other side effects. Racing thoughts, shadows, voices, have now disappeared. First time that has happened in years. Have been able to decrease dosages of other medicines and wean off some all together. So far it has been a miracle drug for me. Feel better now than I ever have."

10 / 10
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154 Report

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  • Scorp...
  • 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."

9 / 10
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110 Report
  • bipolar
  • March 10, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I take a low dose of Saphris (5 mg). My experience with this medicine is simply incredible. It makes me feel so "zen" and happy, it's a feeling difficult to describe. I used to take clonazepam, but it never made me feel that great. Another good point is that it helps going to sleep, but waking up is easy (not like Seroquel and Zyprexa!!)"

9 / 10
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103 Report
  • Maya...
  • July 2, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I have tried so many medications for my numerous manic episodes and nothing even came close to the benefits I have experienced with Saphris. It reduced my anxiety and agitation profoundly. I have not had another episode after being on Saphris for over six months. I have an overall sense of well being and much more functional. I've lost 50lbs after being on Zyprexa. Saphris is a wonderful medicine and has given me hope and I am slowly rebuilding my life. It might taste really bad but it is all worth it."

10 / 10
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110 Report
  • Never...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • September 4, 2019

For Schizophrenia "After being none responsive to all antipsychotics I was given Saphris at 27. My life was very hard up until this point. Saphris has given me a life free of all mental illness. I have absolutely nothing wrong with me now. I run my own business and was previously on a disability pension and couldn’t work. 8 years on and I have never been sick. Only downside is I get restless for a few hours at night when I take it and get sugar cravings and can’t sleep until I eat sugar , also this effects my weight. I’m quite hungry on Saphris and gain weight very easy which bothers me but it’s given me a normal life so I have to deal with it"

10 / 10
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57 Report
  • Gary...
  • June 17, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "You have to be aware of the positives and negatives of any medicine you take. Even Tylenol. I have found that Saphris has worked pretty well despite a few side effects that I've learned to live with. My doc tried me on Latuda first because I was a bit concerned with taking something sublingually. I should have tried Saphris first. Latuda had me wanting to jump out of my skin and made me want to eat all of the time. I gained 50 pounds in the six months I was on Latuda and have lost all but 7lbs on Saphris. I don't mind the numb tongue because it goes away. I am even used to the taste now. Overall Saphris gave me my life back."

10 / 10
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103 Report
  • Anonymous
  • May 20, 2010

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on many Bipolar medicines, Lamictal, Seroquel, Geodon, lithium, also Xanax to help me sleep. I have been on Saphris for one week and started feeling better the next day. I will admit it tastes terrible, but my doctor told me the trick is to take a sweet tart with it, and it isn't so bad. Works for me. My dosage has gone from 5mg to 10 mg, but I'm getting the best sleep I've ever had except for some strange dreams, but I cant complain. The benefits outweigh the taste and dreams any day. I highly recommend this medicine (and a sweet tart!)."

10 / 10
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123 Report
  • Seismic...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • April 20, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "Yes, Saphris allowed me to finally sleep at night. But after having taken the drug for 2 or 3 years, my speech had become so distorted that I was virtually impossible to understand. Thinking that I may have had a minor stroke (I was in my early 50s at the time), I went to see a neurologist. He is the one who asked me if I were taking any antipsychotic drugs, and told me he believed that I had developed tardive dyskinesia in my tongue from the saphris. I was compulsively moving my tongue constantly within my mouth, and it had destroyed my ability to speak coherently. I immediately stopped the Saphris, then spent the next year diligently and constantly training my tongue to stay put and stay relaxed. My speech is nearly perfect again, with just a very mild lisp that no one but me can hear. But I still spend every moment of every day monitoring where my tongue is, if it’s relaxed, and making sure that it’s not moving. And I’ll be doing that every day for the rest of my life."

1 / 10
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  • mom
  • July 25, 2018

For Schizophrenia "I want everyone to know that my son has taken Saphris for about 4 years. His biggest side effect problem was the jaw tightening and the facial contortions. However, we recently found that if he eats a banana within 20-30 minutes of taking Saphris, these symptoms do not happen. This is based on Saphris removing dopamine and the banana gives a little boost of dopamine back so it counteracts these side effects. I tried to call Allergan to let them know this works but I have not heard back from this. This really does work. So if you take Saphris and have this side effect, try eating a banana within 20-30 minutes after taking it and the facial contortions do not occur. This would probably work with other anti psychotics drugs also. It has made my sons life so much easier. Anti psychotic drugs shut down certain dopamine receptors in the brain. The banana gives a small boost of dopamine, just enough to counter the effects of the drug."

10 / 10
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58 Report
  • amayy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 6, 2019

"I registered with this website to specially write a review. I have depression (MDD) and I was put on Saphris (10mg) a few weeks ago after reading positive reviews on this site. I have tried; ziprasidone, latuda, rexulti And I have to say wow about Saphris it really works ! My whole family are noticing the extreme improvements in my mood, it makes me sleepy at night but thats all - no negative side effects :) I don't feel like a zombie at all and am no longer feeling the complete helplessness I once was. I thought I'd share this and say don't be afraid to try it ! As for the cost, I live in Australia, so it only costs me $5.60. I sincerely feel for all you in the US. I guess they call Australia the lucky country for a reason.."

9 / 10
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  • sadmd
  • 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 mins 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 taking 1 course in college and may even try to work again."

10 / 10
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89 Report
  • Anon
  • February 9, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "Saphris is the best bi-polar medication I have taken. I sleep the best I ever had on Saphris and do not experience manic out bursts. Other bi-polar medications made me gain weight. On other medications I have gained 30 lbs in a short time frame. On Saphris, I haven't gained any weight and weigh a few pounds less than I did before I started to take Saphris."

8 / 10
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79 Report
  • Twigh...
  • 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 2am 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."

8 / 10
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75 Report
  • Happy...
  • 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 5mg. 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 is mainly the 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."

9 / 10
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48 Report
  • robke...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 18, 2019

"Saphris has returned my ability to sleep at night. I have severe anxiety due to sleep deprivation (fear of falling asleep). I take 5 mg dose of Saphris and I can fall asleep within 30 to 60 minutes. The drug is very expensive here in the US. I pay about $300 a month for a 30 day supply. My insurance covers half the cost."

9 / 10
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44 Report
  • Debmas
  • 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."

10 / 10
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78 Report
  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • September 4, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I take 3/4 of a 5mg Saphris and 200mg Epilim which helps to take the edge off of my anxiety and depression. I felt a difference within days of taking my first dose, like I could breathe again and didn't have the weight of the world on my shoulders. What I will say though is that medication is never the complete answer. My medicines have allowed me to get to a stable enough place where I am able to deal with the underlying issues causing my depression and anxiety. Does help me feel more comfortable in my own skin."

9 / 10
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  • Carey...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • May 15, 2015

For Schizophrenia "I take Saphris 25 mg every day. I have BIPOLAR/SCHIZOAFFECTIVE/OCD/PTSD. I has been 2 1/2 weeks and it is helping a ton! Negatives: kinda annoying to take but you'll get use to it. It is a tablet that you put under your tongue and wait for 10 min. to eat or drink. It just came out with a black-cherry taste which tastes like a little piece of candy. Other negative are headache, some insomnia but then sometimes it will help a lot with sleep. I think the insomnia is due to my caffeine intake. So if you really want this medicine to work, don't use pop/coffee, big pupils. Positives: calmer, deeper and longer sleep, increased motivation, weight loss, decreased irritability, more stable mood, more creative, can pay attention more, more creativity, and more clear mind.."

9 / 10
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63 Report
  • Anony...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 18, 2018

For Schizophrenia "I was put on Saphris for voices and intrusive thoughts. I think it works really well. Most all of my voices are gone, and as far as my intrusive thoughts, there better. I'm on 10mg at bedtime and 10mg in the morning. It also helps with sleep. After about a month on Saphris, once I got stable I started being more active and exercising. I even started volunteering at a job. I know it works differently for everybody, but it really works well for me."

8 / 10
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44 Report
  • 9...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • January 13, 2018

For Bipolar Disorder "My son has Autism and Bi polar disorder and had intense violent rages and breakdowns almost constantly. He didn't know how to interact with peers, he saw himself as superior to all and totally disconnected from reality. He would stay awake head banging every night. He had huge bags under his eyes and we tried everything we could to get him to sleep. He never slept through the night, and when he was an infant all he did was cry. He is nine now and has been on Saphris for about a year and a half. He is a different person. He was different the first day. He is actually loving towards me and family members and at least tries to interact with other kids. It is a godsend. He now sleeps 10 hrs"

10 / 10
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47 Report
  • Bipolar...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • August 16, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm Bipolar 1 Rapid Cycling & also have ADD; this medication saved my life. I have been on it for a year now (along with a cocktail of others, I am BP 1, let's be realistic) titrating from 5 mg to 30 mg all at night. I was in constant mixed states, I couldn't control my impulses, my anxiety and paranoia were through the roof and I was unemployed - leaving the house, let alone working wasn't an option. I work fulltime now in a professional environment, back on my career track. My mood is stable, and for once in my 15 year diagnosis I can say I'm stable. Side effects take time to pass, and some never go away, for me, its AM daily muscle pain for 90 mins. I haven't been able to touch a drop of liquor, not even a sip of beer; I prefer sanity."

10 / 10
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58 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.