Today, Charles B. Covert, M.D., a Houston psychiatrist, and his staff attended a scientific program presented to members of the psychiatric community. Roger S. McIntyre, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology at the University of Toronto (Canada), a board certified psychiatrist, presented the results of his research study involving 480 patients diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder experiencing an acute manic episode.
These patients were randomly assigned to treatment with placebo, Asenapine (Saphris) at mean doses of 18.2mg and to Olanzapine (Zyprexa) at mean doses of 15.8mg.
Superiority of both second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) over placebo was noted on treatment day 2 and was maintained through 21 days. Incidence of adverse events and extra pyramidal symptoms were comparable, but dry mouth and increased weight were noted with Olanzapine.
This study indicates that Asenapine at 10mg twice daily provides benefit which compares favorably with other SGAs.
It provides the additional benefit of minimally affecting weight and metabolic homeostasis, of benefit because of the higher prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus in Bipolar Disorder patients.
