
Vraylar
Vraylar (cariprazine) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder in teens and adults. It can also be added to other medications to help treat depression in adults. You take a dose by mouth once a day. Common side effects include uncontrolled body movements and restlessness. Compared to some other antipsychotic medications, Vraylar (cariprazine) usually causes little to no weight gain.
What is Vraylar (cariprazine)?
What is Vraylar (cariprazine) used for?
- Schizophrenia - age 13 years and older
- Manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder - age 10 years and older
- Bipolar depression of bipolar I disorder - adults
- Major depressive disorder (MDD), as an add-on treatment - adults
How Vraylar (cariprazine) works
Vraylar (cariprazine) is an atypical antipsychotic. The exact way it works isn't fully understood. But it's thought to help balance brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which can help improve your thinking, mood, and behavior.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Vraylar |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Atypical antipsychotic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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Side effects of Vraylar (cariprazine)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Uncontrolled muscle movements (up to 19%)
- Trouble sleeping (up to 13%)
- Headache (up to 11%)
- Drowsiness (up to 8%)
- Constipation (up to 7%)
- Nausea (up to 7%)
- Restlessness (up to 6%)
*Note: Side effects listed were reported by people in studies who took Vraylar (cariprazine) for schizophrenia.
Less Common Side Effects
- Toothache
- Dizziness
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Indigestion
- Vomiting
Vraylar (cariprazine) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Stroke: numbness or weakness typically on one side of the body, loss of balance, headache, blurred vision, difficulty speaking
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): high fever, sweating, confusion, stiffness, changes in breathing/heart rate/blood pressure
- Uncontrolled body movements: sticking out your tongue, puffing out your cheeks, puckering your mouth, lip smacking, chewing, foot tapping
- Extremely high blood sugar levels: feeling very hungry or thirsty, urinating more often, feeling sick to your stomach, weakness, fruity-smelling breath
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior: thoughts about harming yourself, depression, agitation or restlessness, trouble sleeping, aggression, anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, impulsivity
- Seizures: shaking or jerking movements, staring or not responding, confusion, stiff muscles, falling down, trouble speaking
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The following Vraylar (cariprazine) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)—increased thirst or amount of urine, unusual weakness or fatigue, blurry vision
- High fever, stiff muscles, increased sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, and confusion, which may be signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Infection—fever, chills, cough, or sore throat
- Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
- Pain or trouble swallowing
- Seizures
- Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
- Uncontrolled and repetitive body movements, muscle stiffness or spasms, tremors or shaking, loss of balance or coordination, restlessness, shuffling walk, which may be signs of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
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Pros and cons of Vraylar (cariprazine)
Pros
- Taken once a day
- Can be taken with or without food
- Longer lasting compared to other similar medications
- Lower risk of weight gain compared to some antipsychotics
Cons
- Might take several weeks to fully work
- Risk of uncontrolled body movements
- Can cause restlessness or feeling like you can't sit still
- Not safe during pregnancy
Pharmacist tips for Vraylar (cariprazine)
- You can take Vraylar (cariprazine) with or without food, in the morning or at night. Try to take your dose at the same time each day.
- Keep taking Vraylar (cariprazine) as directed, even if you don't feel better right away. Some people with schizophrenia saw improvement within 1 to 2 weeks, but it might take several weeks before you see the full effects. Your psychiatrist might adjust your dose during this time.
- When starting Vraylar (cariprazine) or after a dose increase, you might feel dizzy. Stand up slowly to avoid falls. And talk with your psychiatrist if this continues to bother you.
- Watch for new or worsening thoughts about harming yourself while taking Vraylar (cariprazine). Tell your care team right away if this happens.
- Vraylar (cariprazine) can affect your blood sugar and cholesterol. Your care team might check your labs more often during treatment, especially if you have diabetes or high cholesterol.
- Vraylar (cariprazine) can make you sleepy, especially when you first start this medication. Don't drive or do any activities that need focus until you know how it affects you.
- Avoid alcohol while taking Vraylar (cariprazine) because the combination can make side effects like dizziness, nausea, and sleepiness worse.
- Vraylar (cariprazine) can cause unusual or uncontrolled body movements. If you experience these symptoms, contact your care team right away. These might be signs of tardive dyskinesia, a side effect that might become permanent.
- Vraylar (cariprazine) can make it harder for your body to handle heat. Drink water to stay hydrated and be careful in hot weather
- Chew your food well and swallow carefully while taking Vraylar (cariprazine). Rarely, this medication can cause swallowing problems.
- Vraylar (cariprazine) can interact with many other medications. Tell your care team about all medications and supplements during treatment in case they need to adjust your dose.
- Don’t stop Vraylar (cariprazine) suddenly. It isn't clear if stopping treatment all of a sudden can cause withdrawal symptoms, but this has been seen with similar medications. Talk to your prescriber so they can help you stop it safely if needed.
- Pregnancy: Let your prescriber know you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Vraylar (cariprazine) since this medication can be harmful to an unborn baby. There's a pregnancy registry that collects information about women who take Vraylar (cariprazine) during pregnancy. To learn more, visit http://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/ or call 1-866-961-2388.
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Risks and warnings for Vraylar (cariprazine)
Vraylar (cariprazine) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
- Risk factors: Older adults with dementia-related psychosis
Older adults with dementia can sometimes have symptoms of schizophrenia, like hallucinations and delusions. This is called dementia-related psychosis, and it shouldn't be treated with Vraylar (cariprazine) since it can cause death. Deaths are often linked to heart problems, stroke, or infections. Let your prescriber know if you or your loved one has dementia before starting Vraylar (cariprazine).
Suicidal thoughts and behavior
- Risk factors: People age 24 or younger | Taking antidepressants
Taking Vraylar (cariprazine) can raise your risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Your risk is higher if you're 24 years old or younger, or taking other antidepressants like sertraline or fluoxetine.
Watch for worsening depression or changes in your mood, behavior, or thoughts, especially in the first few months or after a dose change. Tell your prescriber right away if you notice these symptoms.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Risk factors: Taking antipsychotic medications
Vraylar (cariprazine) can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which is a rare but serious condition that can lead to death. Stop this medication and get medical attention right away if you notice very high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, and changes in heart rate or blood pressure.
Difficulty controlling movements (tardive dyskinesia)
- Risk factors: Older adults | Older women | Higher than recommended doses of Vraylar (cariprazine) | Taking Vraylar (cariprazine) for a long time
Vraylar (cariprazine) can cause a condition called tardive dyskinesia. This leads to movements you can’t control, like face twitching, tongue movements, or shaking of your arms or legs. These movements can sometimes be permanent, and the risk is higher the longer you take the medication.
Tell your prescriber right away if you notice any unusual movements. Your care team might lower your dose or stop Vraylar (cariprazine). They will also try to use the lowest dose for the shortest time to reduce your risk.
High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
- Risk factors: History of diabetes | History of high cholesterol
Vraylar (cariprazine) can raise your blood sugar, sometimes to dangerous levels leading to coma or death. Tell your care team right away if you feel very thirsty or hungry, urinate more often, have stomach pain, feel weak, or notice a fruity-smelling breath.
Vraylar (cariprazine) can also cause high cholesterol and weight gain. Your prescriber might check your weight and order blood tests to monitor your blood sugar and cholesterol.
Low white blood cell count
- Risk factors: History of low white blood cell counts | Taking other medications that lower white blood cell counts
Vraylar (cariprazine) can lower your white blood cells count, which can raise your risk of serious infection. Your care team might check your blood regularly to make sure your levels stay safe. If your levels get too low, your prescriber could stop the medication.
Tell your prescriber right away if you have signs of infection, such as fever, weakness, or a sore throat while taking Vraylar (cariprazine).
Higher risk of falls and fainting
- Risk factors: Starting Vraylar (cariprazine) for the first time | Increased Vraylar (cariprazine) dose | Older adults | Not enough fluids in your body | Dehydration | History of heart problems | History of low blood pressure | Taking medications that lower blood pressure
Vraylar (cariprazine) can make you feel sleepy or dizzy and can affect your balance. It can also cause your blood pressure to drop when you stand up too quickly, which can lead to fainting or falls.
Sit or stand up slowly, especially when you first start Vraylar (cariprazine) or when your dose is increased. Your risk is higher if you have heart problems or are dehydrated. Talk to your prescriber if the dizziness doesn’t go away.
Seizures
- Risk factors: History of seizures | Health conditions that raise the risk of seizures | Older adults
Taking Vraylar (cariprazine) puts you at higher risk for seizures. Let your prescriber know if you have a history of seizures before starting this medication.
Trouble controlling body temperature
Vraylar (cariprazine) can make it harder for your body to control its temperature. You might have trouble cooling down in hot weather or during exercise. Drink plenty of water and stay in cool, shaded areas when it’s hot.
Difficulty swallowing
Rarely, Vraylar (cariprazine) can affect the muscles in your throat and make it hard to swallow. This can be dangerous because it could cause choking. Chew your food well and swallow carefully while taking this medication.
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Vraylar (cariprazine) dosage
Typical dosage for Vraylar (cariprazine)
- Schizophrenia:
- Adults: The typical starting dose is 1.5 mg by mouth once a day. Your dose might be increased after a few days. The usual range is 1.5 mg to 6 mg once a day.
- Children 13 to 17 years old: The typical starting dose is 0.5 mg by mouth once a day. The dose might be increased after a few days. The usual range is 1.5 mg to 4.5 mg once a day.
- Manic or mixed episodes in Bipolar I
- Adults: The typical starting dose is 1.5 mg by mouth once a day. Your dose might be increased after a few days.The usual range is 3 mg to 6 mg once a day.
- Children 10 to 17 years old: The typical starting dose is 0.5 mg by mouth once a day. The dose might be increased after a few days. The usual range is 3 mg to 4.5 mg once a day.
- Bipolar depression and MDD:
- Adults: The typical starting dose is 1.5 mg by mouth once a day. Your dose might be increased after about 2 weeks. The maximum dose is 3 mg once a day.
Your dose might differ if you're also taking medications that interact with Vraylar (cariprazine).
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