Abstract

About 1 in 100 people has bipolar disorder (manic depression) at some point in their lives.1 Associated mood swings of depression and mania can be both unpleasant and destructive.2 It is advised to start medical treatment early, and traditionally this has involved the use of mood stabilisers, antipsychotics and antidepressants.2 ▼Asenapine (Sycrest – Lundbeck) is a new sublingual antipsychotic drug, licensed for the treatment of moderate to severe manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults.3 Here we review the evidence and practical implications associated with the use of this new medication.