Cariprazine
Vraylar
Vraylar is an FDA-approved medication used to treat certain mental health conditions. This prescription drug contains Cariprazines as its active drug that helps in relieving symptoms of bipolar I disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. This medication comes in oral capsules that adults can use with a medical professional’s prescription. While Vraylar is effective for managing mental health conditions, it can have serious side effects if the medication is not taken appropriately. Therefore, patients are advised to follow the instructions mentioned on their prescription label. Do not change any dosage range without asking your medical provider. If the condition worsens, immediately seek medical assistance.
Product Overview
Vraylar is a prescription medication that is FDA-approved to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It contains Cariprazine, an atypical antipsychotic that helps stabilize mood and reduce symptoms of psychosis by acting on dopamine & serotonin receptors in the brain.
Vraylar is available in oral capsule form, with strengths of 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6 mg. It is typically taken once daily with or without food, as your medical practitioner prescribes. This medication is suitable for adults diagnosed with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The active ingredient, cariprazine, works by regulating neurotransmitter activity in the brain, promoting mental stability, and reducing symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and mood swings.
While the medication effectively helps in treating mental health conditions, it can also have certain common side effects, which may include restlessness, extrapyramidal symptoms (such as tremors or stiffness), and weight gain. Moreover, patients should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions closely to avoid potential interactions with other medications or substances. If a person misses their dose of Vraylar, they should take it as soon as possible unless it is almost time for the next dose. However, if someone mistakenly takes an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Vraylar should be stored at a specific room temperature, away from moist places and heat, and out of reach of children.
What Are the Uses of Vraylar?
This medication is used to treat the following conditions:
- Maniac or Mixed Episodes of Bipolar I Disorder: Maniac episodes (high mood) can last up to 7 days, and if it persists for an extended period, hospitalization is needed. On the other hand, mixed episodes are defined by combined symptoms of mania and depression (low mood).
- Depressive Episodes of Bipolar I Disorder: This condition is referred to as bipolar depression.
- Major Depressive Disorder or Depression: This condition may result in a constant low mood, difficulty sleeping, and not feeling motivated. To treat such disorders, doctors usually prescribe antidepressants with Vraylar.
- Schizophrenia: Patients with such disorders may experience symptoms of psychosis like hallucinations and delusions.
What Are the Forms & Strengths of Vraylar?
Vraylar comes in the form of an oral capsule with four distinct strengths:
- 1.5 mg
- 3 mg
- 4.5 mg, and
- 6 mg
What Are the Recommended Dosage of Vraylar?
Dosage for Manic/Mixed Episodes of Bipolar I Disorder
- Usual Dosage: The usual dosage range of Vraylar is between 3 to 6 mg once daily.
- Day 1: On the first day of the treatment, take 1.5 mg.
- Day 2: Later, take a 3 mg dose. Doctors may gradually increase the dosage if needed.
- Maximum Dosage: 6 mg once daily.
Dosage for Depressive Episodes (Depression) in Bipolar I Disorder
- Initial Dosage: The recommended starting dose is between 1.5 mg once daily.
- Maintenance Dosage: On the 15th day of treatment, doctors may increase your dosage to 3 mg once daily. This boost only happens when the doctor feels the need.
Dosage for Schizophrenia
- Usual Dosage: The typical dosage range of Vraylar is between 1.5 to 6 mg once daily.
- Day 1: On the first day of the treatment, you will be prescribed 1.5 mg.
- Day 2: Your dosage will be increased to 3 mg later. Doctors may gradually increase your dosage if needed.
- Maximum Dosage: 6 mg once daily.
Dosage for Major Depressive Disorder (Depression)
- Initial Dosage: The recommended starting dose is between 1.5 mg once daily.
- Maintenance Dosage: On the 15th day of treatment, doctors may increase your dosage to 3 mg once daily. This boost only happens when the doctor feels the need.
[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]
How to Use Vraylar?
Certain basic administration steps must be followed while taking Vrayler. Doing so will prevent patients from developing serious complications. Here are some of the steps that describe how you can take your medication:
- Read the patient information leaflet (PIL) thoroughly before starting your treatment with Vraylar.
- Follow the dosing schedule that is mentioned on your prescription label carefully.
- Take the medication by mouth, with or without a meal, once a day, as your doctor prescribes.
- Swallow the capsules as a whole with a glass of water unless instructed otherwise.
- Avoid crushing, breaking, or chewing the capsule particle, as it will release the drug at once.
- You can talk to a medical practitioner if you cannot swallow the capsules. They will surely suggest an alternate treatment or options.
- Ensure you take the capsules with a clean hand to avoid transferring germs.
- Take each medication at the same time regularly for effective results.
- Do not discontinue or alter the medication without consulting with your medical practitioner first.
- If your condition does not improve or worsens over time, visit your doctor right away.
[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]
How Does Vraylar Work?
Vraylar is an atypical second-generation antipsychotic drug. While there are no exact details on how Vraylar works, it is thought that this medication rebalances certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. By adjusting the levels of these neurotransmitters, known as dopamine and serotonin, which are responsible for mood and behavior, Vraylar helps reduce symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and mood swings in people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This process aids in improving the overall mental health and stability of the patients.
Important Safety Information for Using Vraylar
What Are the Side Effects of Vraylar?
Vraylar can cause certain common and serious side effects, which may temporarily impact the patient’s body and last from a few days to weeks. If any of the below side effects do not go away or cause serious complications, contact your physician as soon as possible.
Common side effects of Vraylar may include:
- Involuntary muscle movements. Its signs may consist of:
- Twitching
- Jerking
- Twisting movements of the head, neck, tongue, legs, or arms
- Difficulty while moving or slower movements
- Muscle stiffness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Extreme saliva
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Sudden weight gain
- Sleepiness
- Akathisia
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Serious side effects of Vraylar may include:
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Its symptoms may include:
- Sweating
- High fever
- Muscle stiffness
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Fast breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Orthostatic hypotension (decline in blood pressure while standing up). Its signs are:
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness when you stand up too quickly
- Uncontrolled body temperature. Symptoms are:
- Hot and dry skin
- Reduced sweating
- Heatstroke
- Low levels of white blood cells. Its signs include:
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Mouth ulcers
- Sore mouth and gums
- Increased blood glucose levels. Its symptoms may include:
- Weakness
- Blurred vision
- Fruity smelling breathing
- Excessive thirst and hunger
- Frequent urination
- High cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Seizures. Its signs are:
- Muscle spasms
- Falling
- Confusion
- Trouble while swallowing, leading to aspiration
- Suicidal thoughts and behavior
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Allergic reactions
[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]
Are There Any Warnings for Vraylar?
Vraylar may cause adverse reactions or is not an ideal medication for some patients if they have certain medical conditions that affect their health. If you have any of the following factors or conditions, talk to your healthcare provider about your medical history:
- Diabetes: Vraylar may cause high blood glucose levels. So, if you have diabetes and are taking this medication, you are at high risk of worsening your condition. Consult with a medical expert first; they will adjust your diabetes treatment plan accordingly.
- Cholesterol Problems: This medication can also affect the patient’s cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and taking Vraylar with active cholesterol problems can exacerbate the condition. If you have such a condition during your treatment with Vraylar, your doctor may change your cholesterol treatment plan.
- Seizures: This drug can increase the chances of seizures, specifically in patients with a history of seizures. If you have this medical condition, talk to a medical professional and discuss every risk and benefit associated with it.
- Older Patients: If you are 65 years of age or older, you are likely to experience certain side effects from this medication, such as dizziness, falls, heatstroke, and movement problems. For such patients, doctors may likely give a lower dose of Vraylar and will monitor closely for any side effects during the treatment.
- Severe Kidney or Liver Problems: This medication is not known to be safe for use in people with severe kidney or liver problems. To avoid any risk, talk to your healthcare provider for expert guidance.
- Low White Blood Cell Levels: Vraylar may result in low white blood cell levels in the patient’s body. If you have had low white blood cell counts in the past, consult with a medical professional before starting your treatment with this medication. Your healthcare expert will order a blood test to determine whether its usage is safe or not.
- Stroke or Heart Disease: Antipsychotic medication, including Vraylar, can reduce blood pressure while standing or sitting up. If you have any heart problems or have ever had a stroke, taking this medication may worsen your condition. Seek medical assistance to ensure that the product is safe for you.
- High/Low Blood Pressure: Medications like Vraylar may alter blood pressure levels. Any sudden change in blood pressure may develop or exacerbate your medical condition. If you have blood pressure issues, consult with a medical professional.
- Allergic Reaction: If you have allergies or are allergic to any of the medication’s ingredients, your practitioner will not recommend this medication.
FDA Boxed Warning
This medication has received boxed warnings from the FDA. These warnings are said to be the most serious warnings that the authority has issued. It aims to alert doctors and patients about the harmful effects of the drug that can be life-threatening. These warnings are:
- Risk of Death in Older Patients With Psychosis Due to Dementia: Patients in the age group of 65 and above having dementia are most likely to develop psychosis or loss of contact with reality. In some cases, if such patients are taking antipsychotic medications like Vraylar, they have a higher risk of death. So, the FDA has not approved this medication for senior patients who have psychosis associated with dementia.
- Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: In some cases, Vraylar can increase the chances of developing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adults below 25 years. This medication belongs to the antipsychotic class of drugs but also has an antidepressant effect. Patients taking this drug will be monitored closely by a medical professional for any signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Due to this reason, Vraylar is not approved for children younger than 17 years.
What Are the Vraylar Precautions?
- It is important for patients to discuss every risk and benefit with their healthcare provider before starting treatment with Vraylar. So, here are certain precautions that people can take to avoid any serious complications in the future:
- Antipsychotic medications like Vraylar may make you sweat less, increasing your chance of getting heatstroke. So, to avoid such situations, do nothing that can cause you to overheat. This may include hard work or intense workout sessions, especially in hot weather. Also, avoid using hot tubs. Moreover, drink lots of fluids in hot weather and wear light clothes. However, if you develop a persistent fever, headache, dizziness, or mood changes, get medical help immediately.
- If you are undergoing surgery or any medical procedure, inform your medical practitioner or dentist about the product you use. This includes prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
- Vraylar can be only used in pregnant women when clearly needed; otherwise, doctors may likely recommend against this medication as it may harm the baby. Moreover, if you have used this drug during the last three months of pregnancy, your child may develop symptoms such as muscle stiffness, feeding or breathing difficulties, constant crying, or drowsiness. Parents need to be aware of such signs, and if they notice these sudden changes during the first month of the baby, inform the doctor right away.
- Do not abruptly discontinue using Vraylar, as mental or mood disorders like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc, are serious problems that can cause adverse side effects if left untreated. If you become pregnant or planning to have a baby, talk to your medical practitioner first and then make any decision regarding discontinuing the medication.
- It is unknown whether the drug passes into the breast milk of a nursing mother or not. So, lactating mothers are advised to consult with an expert before deciding.
What Are the Contraindications of Vraylar?
Vraylar is contraindicated in patients who have hypersensitivity or a history of allergic reactions to Cariprazine. The product may contain certain inactive components, causing adverse effects in patients, which can be life-threatening. These reactions include:
- Pruritus
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Angioedema, like swelling on the face, tongue, lip, and pharyngeal edema
What If You Missed a Dose of Vraylar?
Patients are strictly advised not to miss any of their doses, but if someone has skipped a dose of their medication, they can take the following actions:
- Take the missed dose as soon as possible or whenever you remember.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, you can skip the last missed dose and continue following your usual dosing schedule.
- Remember not to take double or extra doses to compensate for the missed dose. This can lead to adverse reactions, which can be life-threatening.
- Use medication apps and pill organizers or set reminders on your phone to avoid skipping any of your doses.
- If you still have unsolved queries or concerns, talk to a medical professional and seek expert guidance.
[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]
What Happens If You Take Too Much of Vraylar?
Patients are usually advised not to take exceeding amounts of maximum daily dose unless a doctor has prescribed it. However, if someone has overdosed on Vraylar and is experiencing any unusual symptoms like fainting or trouble breathing, they should immediately visit the nearest clinic or get medical help by calling 911. Overlooking such signs can result in serious complications, which can be life-threatening.
[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]
How to Store a Vraylar?
- Store the capsules at room temperature of 20–25°C.
- Make sure that the capsules are in a tightly locked container.
- Keep the medication somewhere safe and away from the reach of children and pets.
- Avoid storing the medication in damp areas like the bathroom or near the sink.
- Do not flush the medication down the toilet.
- Throw the medication appropriately when not in use or when it reaches its expiration date.
- Take expert advice from a professional practitioner or pharmacist on discarding the product without harming the environment.
- Read the product’s label for complete storage instructions.
- Do not keep the medication under direct sunlight.
- Keep it away from heat or moisture.
[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]
What Medications Interact with Vraylar?
Vraylar can interact with several medications and supplements that cause adverse reactions. Different interactions may have different effects on the patient’s body. While some interactions can disturb the drug’s functioning, others can raise their side effects or may exacerbate them. Below are some of the drugs that can interact with Vraylar:
- Amprenavir
- Belzutifan
- Carbamazepine
- Dabrafenib
- Etravirine
- Fentanyl
- Hydromorphone
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Levorphanol
- Metoclopramide
- Nefazodone
- Oxycodone
- Primidone
- Rifampin
- Sodium oxybate
- Telaprevir
- Voriconazole
- Zonisamide
What Are the Other Vraylar Interactions?
Other than the above medications, Vraylar may have certain alcohol, food, lifestyle, and disease interactions, which are as follows:
- Ethanol
- Grapefruit juice
- Suicidality
- Dementia
- NMS
- Aspiration
- Seizure
- Hematologic abnormalities
- Hyperglycemia/diabetes
- Hypotension
- Lipid alterations
- Renal impairment
- Weight gain
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Tardive dyskinesia
[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Vraylar. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]
What Are the Vraylar Alternatives?
Certain patients can not use Vraylar due to various factors, including other medical conditions, allergic reactions, or anything else. As a result, doctors suggest alternative treatments or medications to such patients. These alternative medications are:
- Divalproex
- Atypical antipsychotics, like:
- Typical (first-generation) antipsychotics, including:
- Lamotrigine
- SSRI antidepressants, such as:
- Fluoxetine/olanzapine
- Zyprexa
- Zyprexa Zydis
- Other atypical antipsychotics, such as:
- Brexpiprazole
- Lithium
- Caplyta
[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Vraylar Cost & Coupons
It is important to note that the cost of Vraylar is not the same everywhere. The actual price of this medication depends on various factors, such as your insurance plan, location, and the pharmacies you use. Vraylar, with its effective therapeutic quality, can be expensive for some individuals. Here, insurance coverage plays a significant role. With insurance, you can buy your medication at a discounted price. However, not all medications are covered under insurance. To manage these costs, turn out to pharmacies like Polar Bear Meds, where you can buy Vraylar online from Canada at affordable rates. Moreover, first-time buyers can use the Vraylar coupon code WELCOMEPB10 to receive a 10% discount on their first order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I experience sexual side effects while using Vraylar?
Yes, Vraylar may cause sexual side effects in some individuals. These can include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or other issues related to sexual performance. While these side effects are not so common, patients need to be mindful of them. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to discuss them with your medical practitioner for appropriate management and guidance.
Can I drive after taking Vraylar?
Caution is advised when driving or operating any heavy machines while taking Vraylar. This medication can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or other side effects that may impact your ability to drive safely. Until you know how this medication affects you, avoid activities requiring full alertness and coordination.
Can I drink coffee while taking Vraylar?
Yes, you can drink coffee while taking Vraylar. However, it is important to monitor your caffeine intake, as caffeine can sometimes exacerbate side effects like anxiety or restlessness. If you notice any serious reactions, consider reducing your coffee consumption and consult your medical expert for personalized advice.
Does Vraylar treat borderline personality disorder?
Vraylar is not specifically approved to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD). It is primarily used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. While some symptoms of BPD may overlap with these conditions, treatment for BPD usually involves a combination of therapy and medications tailored to individual needs. To get complete information regarding the use of Vraylar, talk to a medical professional. They will guide you properly and will suggest appropriate treatment options.
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