How Does Saphris Help Bipolar Disorder?

The New Drug for Mental Illness

Sep 7, 2009 Jennifer Marsh

Saphris is a drug approved by the FDA to treat patients with bipolar disorder.

In August of 2009, the FDA approved Saphris for the treatment of bipolar and schizophrenia. Bipolar disorder is a mood condition in which patients have extreme highs and extreme lows. Schizophrenia is another mental illness in which the patient has hallucinations including hearing voices and believing others are controlling thoughts. Saphris promises to help bipolar and schizophrenia cope with each mental illness. Each mental illness causes depression, which is also a focus for Saphris drug therapy.

Saphris Helps People with Mental Illness like Bipolar Disorder

Saphris is considered one of the drugs that is atypical. This means that Saphris does not follow the same protocol as other medications on the market. One atypical medication for bipolar disorder is Seroquel. Seroquel has been used for years as an antipsychotic. The drug helps people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia with the mood swings that are common with each mental illness. The drug helps people control the mood swings, which are the typical parts of the disease that interfere with the patient’s normal activities. Some of these side effects inhibit the patient’s ability to work and process daily activities. Saphris is a new alternative for patients who normally use Seroquel for the severe psychotic reactions.

The Tests Regarding Saphris for Bipolar Disorder and Schizphrenia

The Sphris drug is new, but it carries some hope for people with mental illness. The goal of the people who suffer from these mental illnesses is a way to control the disease. People with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia are constantly battling the effects of the mental illness. Atypical medications have been reported by many of the people who suffer from these problems as a way to fight the debilitating effects of mental illness. Many of these drugs cause sleepiness and fatigue in normal patients. However, the schizophrenia or bipolar disorder patient finds refuge in the atypical treatments that help them cope with the mental illness.

Side Effects of Saphris

As with any new drug on the market, some patients are concerned with any side effects of a new drug. The FDA reports that the side effects reported by patients are mostly restlessness, fatigue, and the inability to relax. These are minor compared to the advantages of the drug.

If a loved one is struggling with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, the idea of another drug to help fight the disease is promising. Check with a doctor before taking Saphris. If there are any severe side effects from taking the drug, consult a physician immediately.

The FDA Approval of Saphris

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