asenapine vs cariprazine
PlainMeds reviewed this comparison against our methodology in August 2026. It places FDA and CMS record fields side by side, without recommending either medication.
Side-by-side comparison of asenapine and cariprazine. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
Saphris
Vraylar
Asenapine (Saphris) is an antipsychotic medicine. It is used to treat bipolar I disorder in adults and children ages 10-17.
Vraylar is a medicine used to treat certain mental health conditions. It can help with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.
Asenapine is used to treat bipolar I disorder. In children ages 10 to 17, it can treat manic or mixed episodes on its own. In adults, it can be used with lithium or valproate to treat these episodes.
Vraylar can treat schizophrenia in adults and kids 13 and older. It also treats manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults and kids 10 and older. In adults, Vraylar treats the depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder. Vraylar can also be used with antidepressants to treat major depressive disorder in adults.
Asenapine affects certain chemicals in the brain. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. By changing the balance of these chemicals, asenapine can help reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Vraylar affects certain chemicals in the brain. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. By changing the balance of these chemicals, Vraylar can help reduce symptoms of mental health conditions.
- • Sleepiness
- • Numbness in the mouth
- • Dizziness
- • Changes in taste
- • Nausea
- • Problems with muscle movement
- • Feeling restless
- • Upset stomach
- • Throwing up
- • Feeling sleepy
- Drug Interaction 78
- Toxicity To Various Agents 64
- Completed Suicide 61
- Myocarditis 53
- Sedation 39
- Weight Increased 441
- Akathisia 395
- Anxiety 354
- Tardive Dyskinesia 347
- Nausea 331
Asenapine may increase the risk of death in elderly patients who have psychosis related to dementia. Asenapine is not approved to treat this condition.
Vraylar may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Vraylar and antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teens, and young adults. Tell your doctor right away if you have thoughts of harming yourself.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Babies born to mothers who use antipsychotics in the last 3 months of pregnancy may have withdrawal symptoms after birth. There is a pregnancy registry, call 1-866-961-2388.
Vraylar may harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take Vraylar during pregnancy; you can contact them at 1-866-961-2388.
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How to Read This asenapine vs cariprazine Comparison
asenapine is classified in the Atypical Antipsychotic drug class, while cariprazine sits within the Atypical Antipsychotic class. Because both drugs share the same classification, they are often considered interchangeable in theory, but clinical outcomes rarely track that cleanly. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, asenapine has 295 submissions while cariprazine has 1,868. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. No direct interaction between these two drugs is listed in our FDA-derived dataset, though co-prescription still warrants pharmacist review. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot represent individual circumstances. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This registry does not provide medical, treatment, substitution, or medication-change directions for asenapine or cariprazine.
Registry boundary: This comparison displays source-record fields and does not provide individualized medical direction.