Vraylar is an atypical antipsychotic, sometimes referred to as a second-generation antipsychotic. Vraylar is used for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar depression, mania, or mixed episodes of bipolar 1 disorder, and as an adjunct for major depressive disorder (MDD).
Vraylar overview
BRAND NAMES:
Vraylar titration kit, Vraylar
Generic Names:
Vraylar
Uses:
Treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (including mania and depression)
Therapeutic Classes:
Antipsychotic (second generation, atypical)
Forms:
Capsule
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Vraylar used for?
Vraylar is considered a first-line treatment choice for schizophrenia. It can also be used for the manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar 1 disorder. Vraylar treatment can be effective in bipolar depression and as an adjunct treatment option in major depression. Off-label, it has been used to treat severe behavioral or psychological symptoms of dementia.
Key takeaways
Vraylar should be taken at the same time every day, with or without food. It is important not to miss a dose, and if you do, take it as soon as you remember.
Talk to your prescriber if you have a history of hematological disorders, seizure disorders, have liver disease, or are being treated for high blood pressure before taking Vraylar.
Do not take Vraylar if you have had an allergic reaction to Vraylar (cariprazine) including rash, swelling of the face or airways, or angioedema (fluid retention).
Monitor for signs of metabolic changes including weight gain, increased blood sugar, and increased cholesterol readings. These can be related to antipsychotic use. A healthy diet and exercise regimen is important when taking these drugs.
You should not take Vraylar if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as there is inadequate safety information for these conditions.
What form(s) does Vraylar come in
Capsule
1.5 mg
3 mg
4.5 mg
6 mg
The titration pack contains both the 1 mg and the 3 mg capsules
What are common Vraylar doses?
Schizophrenia: 1.5 mg to 6 mg orally once daily
Bipolar mania or mixed episodes: 3 mg to 6 mg orally once daily
Bipolar depression: 1.5 mg to 3 mg once daily
More information on Vraylar titration and dosing can be found here: Vraylar dosage, forms, and strengths
Common Vraylar prescriptions
Vraylar
7 capsules therapy pack boxVraylar
1.5mg capsuleVraylar
3mg capsuleVraylar
4.5mg capsuleVraylar
6mg capsule
How to take Vraylar
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Some side effects may not happen right away and can start a few weeks after you start using this medicine or if your dose increases. Do not change your dose or stop using your medicine without first checking with your doctor.
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
What to do if you miss a dose of Vraylar
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Vraylar contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to cariprazine.
Vraylar warnings
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
For some children, teenagers, and young adults, this medicine may increase mental or emotional problems. This may lead to thoughts of suicide and violence. Talk with your doctor right away if you have any thoughts or behavior changes that concern you. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of bipolar disorder or suicide attempts.
This medicine lowers the number of white blood cells. This weakens your immune system, so you may get infections more easily. Wash your hands often. Avoid people who are sick.
This medicine may cause you to become overheated. Drink plenty of water during hot weather or when exercising.
This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded, especially when you first use it or when the dose is changed. It may also cause trouble with controlling body movements, which may lead to falls, fractures, or other injuries. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Standing up slowly from a sitting or lying position can lessen the chance of getting dizzy.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which can be life-threatening
Tardive dyskinesia (trouble controlling movements), which may become permanent
Increased risk of seizures
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, trouble swallowing, or a history of seizures. Tell your doctor if you have heart or blood vessel problems, including low blood pressure, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, or a history of heart attack or stroke.
Vraylar interactions
Some medicines can affect how cariprazine works. Tell your doctor if you are using carbamazepine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or rifampin.
Vraylar side effects
Vraylar does cause some adverse effects, and some are more serious than others. You must get emergency medical assistance for an allergic reaction to Vraylar. Signs of this are hives, rash, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat. Some other serious side effects warrant contacting your prescriber immediately including sudden numbness or weakness, slurred speech, blurry vision, or seizures.
Serious side effects
Sudden numbness or weakness (especially if on one side of your body)
Jerky muscle movements that you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw), problems with balance or walking, restlessness
Lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness
Unusual changes in behavior, thoughts or attempts of killing oneself
Seizures, tremors
Sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, muscle stiffness
Increased hunger or thirst, frequent urination
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
Abnormal vision or speech
Trouble swallowing
High blood sugar
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Less serious side effects
Headache, trouble sleeping
Weight gain
Toothache
Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion
Drowsiness or sleepiness
Restlessness
Sources:
VRAYLAR- cariprazine capsule, DailyMed (NIH) (2022)
Vraylar: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Warnings, Drugs.com (2024)
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