{"id":628194,"date":"2024-05-10T17:00:43","date_gmt":"2024-05-10T21:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628194"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:57:36","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:57:36","slug":"vraylar-withdrawal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/vraylar-withdrawal\/","title":{"rendered":"Vraylar withdrawal: What to expect when stopping the drug"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vraylar<\/span><\/a> (cariprazine) is a brand-name prescription drug used to treat <\/span>schizophrenia<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>bipolar disorder<\/span><\/a>. It is also sometimes used with antidepressants for major depressive disorder. Vraylar is <\/span>not<\/i><\/b> intended to treat dementia-related psychosis in older adult patients as it may cause an increased risk of death. <\/span><\/p>\n

This drug is part of a class of medications called second-generation, or atypical, <\/span>antipsychotics<\/span><\/a>. Vraylar reduces symptoms of mental health conditions by balancing levels of serotonin and dopamine—the brain chemicals responsible for mood. Although actual drug withdrawal is not a known issue with this medication, abruptly stopping Vraylar may still cause issues, namely a relapse.<\/span><\/p>\n

“The issue I worry about with my patients the most is that the underlying psychiatric disorder that we were using [antipsychotics] to treat may re-emerge as the medications are tapered or discontinued,” said <\/span>Howard Weeks, MD<\/span><\/a>, chief medical officer at Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center in Denver, Colorado.<\/span><\/p>\n

Causes of Vraylar withdrawal<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are no studies or clinical trials on Vraylar withdrawal. Withdrawal is not known to be an issue with this medication, according to psychiatrist <\/span>Sid Khurana, MD<\/span><\/a>, the medical director for Nevada Mental Health in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, stopping antipsychotic drugs such as Vraylar may cause a return of symptoms of the treated mental illness. That’s why it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider before stopping antipsychotic drugs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although Vraylar withdrawal is not a documented issue, there are reports of withdrawal-like symptoms from quitting other antipsychotics. <\/span>Research published in 2021<\/span><\/a> found that while antipsychotic withdrawal is not widely recognized, some patients do experience symptoms after quitting second-generation antipsychotics. However, none of the clinical trials in the report included Vraylar or other brands of cariprazine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Quitting Vraylar changes brain chemical activity, and despite the fact that withdrawal symptoms haven’t been documented, such chemical changes can trigger unpleasant symptoms or even mental health condition relapse. Dr. Khurana says withdrawal-like symptoms are most likely when:<\/span><\/p>\n