Safety assessment of asenapine in the FAERS database: real adverse event analysis and discussion on neurological and psychiatric side effects

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to comprehensively assess the safety of Asenapine by conducting an comprehensive statistical analysis of adverse event reports in the FAERS database, with a particular focus on potential adverse reactions related to its use in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Methods Event reports from the first quarter of 2009 to the third quarter of 2023 were collected and analyzed. Detailed examinations of gender, age, reporter identity, and other aspects were conducted to reveal the fundamental characteristics of Asenapine-related adverse events. Signal mining techniques were employed to systematically evaluate various adverse reactions associated with Asenapine. Results The study found that adverse event reports involving Asenapine were more common among female patients, with the age group mainly distributed between 18 and 45 years. Physicians were the primary reporters of adverse events, and psychiatric disorders, neurological disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders were the most common areas affected by adverse reactions. In addition to known adverse reactions, potential risks not mentioned in the drug label were identified, such as anosognosia, attentional drift, and psychogenic compensation disorder. Conclusion Asenapine carries the risk of various adverse reactions alongside its therapeutic effects. In clinical practice, physicians should closely monitor the occurrence of neurological disorders, psychiatric disorders, and gastrointestinal system disorders. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40360-024-00772-4.