Pronunciation: kar IP ra zeen

Brand: Vraylar

What is the most important information I should know about cariprazine?

Cariprazine is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Cariprazine may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

What is cariprazine?

Cariprazine is an antipsychotic medication that affects chemicals in the brain.

Cariprazine is used to treat schizophrenia. This medicine is also used to treat manic or mixed episodes in people with bipolar disorder type I.

Cariprazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking cariprazine?

Cariprazine is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Cariprazine may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

You should not use cariprazine if you are allergic to it.

To make sure cariprazine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • heart disease, high blood pressure;
  • a history of stroke or blood clot;
  • high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);
  • liver or kidney disease;
  • diabetes; or
  • if you are dehydrated.

Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you become pregnant, do not stop taking cariprazine without your doctor's advice.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of cariprazine on the baby.

It is not known whether cariprazine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Cariprazine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take cariprazine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You may take cariprazine with or without food.

It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

Tell your doctor if you have any changes in weight while taking this medicine.

Your blood pressure and heart rate will need to be checked often. You may also need frequent blood tests.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking cariprazine?

Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

Cariprazine may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls, fractures, or other injuries.

While you are taking cariprazine, you may be more sensitive to temperature extremes such as very hot conditions. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise.

What are the possible side effects of cariprazine?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
  • severe distress or agitation;
  • a seizure (convulsions);
  • uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
  • trouble swallowing;
  • a blood cell disorder --sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing;
  • high blood sugar --increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss; or
  • severe nervous system reaction --very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Cariprazine can have long lasting effects on your body. Some side effects could occur for several weeks after you stop using this medicine. You may also have new side effects whenever your dose is changed.

Common side effects may include:

  • muscle movements;
  • upset stomach, vomiting;
  • drowsiness; or
  • feeling restless.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect cariprazine?

Taking cariprazine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Many drugs can interact with cariprazine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with cariprazine. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about cariprazine.


Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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