Medically reviewed
by
Jamie Winn, Pharm.DWritten by
Rajive Patel, B.PharmUpdated on
26 Apr 2024
Learn more about VRAYLAR
What is VRAYLAR?
VRAYLAR is the brand name for cariprazine and is available as an oral capsule.
What dosages is VRAYLAR available in?
VRAYLAR is available as a 1.5 mg, 3 mg, 4.5 mg, and 6 mg oral capsule.
What is VRAYLAR used for?
VRAYLAR is an atypical antipsychotic and is used for the following:
- Schizophrenia
- Manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder
- Bipolar depression of bipolar I disorder
- Major depressive disorder (MDD), as an add-on medication
How does VRAYLAR work?
VRAYLAR is an atypical antipsychotic. The exact way it works isn’t well-understood. But it’s thought to make dopamine and serotonin levels more stable in your brain to help control your thoughts, mood, and behaviors.
How do I take VRAYLAR?
VRAYLAR is typically dosed as follows:
- Schizophrenia and bipolar mania: The typical starting dose is 1.5 mg by mouth once a day. Your provider might raise your dose after a few days. The usual dosing range is 1.5 mg to 6 mg once a day
- Bipolar depression and MDD: The typical starting dose is 1.5 mg by mouth once a day. Your provider might raise your dose after 2 weeks. The usual dosing range is 1.5 mg to 3 mg once a day
Is it safe for me to take VRAYLAR?
VRAYLAR is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
VRAYLAR Common Side Effects
Common side effects of VRAYLAR:
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Headache
- Restlessness
- Trouble sleeping
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Toothache
VRAYLAR Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with VRAYLAR. 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, blood pressure changes
Extremely high blood sugar levels: feeling very hungry or thirsty, urinating more often, stomach pain, weakness, fruity-smelling breath - Uncontrolled muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia): involuntarily sticking out your tongue, puffing out your cheeks, puckering your mouth, lip smacking, chewing, and foot tapping
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Seizures
- Dizzy or fainting spells that cause falls
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on VRAYLAR
The following medications may interact with VRAYLAR:
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Reduce VRAYLAR dosage by half
- CYP3A4 inducers: Concomitant use is not recommended
Who makes VRAYLAR?
AbbVie Inc.
Is VRAYLAR safe in pregnancy?
VRAYLAR may harm your unborn baby. Taking VRAYLAR during your third trimester of pregnancy may cause your baby to have abnormal muscle movements or withdrawal
symptoms after birth. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk to your unborn baby if you take VRAYLAR during pregnancy. There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to
VRAYLAR during pregnancy. For more information, contact the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics at 1-866-961-2388 or visit women’s health
What to do if you missed your VRAYLAR dose
The FDA's medical product safety reporting program for health professionals, patients and consumers.
Drug Savings Tips
How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my VRAYLAR prescription?
How can I find out more about the NowPatient VRAYLAR savings programs and how do I apply?
Are the NowPatient VRAYLAR savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?
Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of VRAYLAR?
I have Medicare and none of the VRAYLAR savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the VRAYLAR prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
I am commercially or privately insured and none of the VRAYLAR prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?
If Ihave federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the VRAYLAR prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay?
Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information in this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
