Vraylar (cariprazine)
Brand name: Vraylar®.
Active ingredient name: Cariprazine.
Type of medication: Atypical antipsychotic.
Available in Canada from: AbbVie
Form: Oral capsules.
Generic: No.
Listed on Ontario formulary: No.
OHIP+ coverage: No.
What is Vraylar used for?
Vraylar is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia in adults. It can be used alone or in combination with
other therapies for schizophrenia. Vraylar is also approved and used to treat other conditions, such as major
depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Talk to your doctor to understand why you are taking Vraylar.
How should I take Vraylar?
Vraylar can be taken with or without food. It is usually taken once daily, preferably at a similar time each day.
Vraylar is available in 1.5 mg, 3.0 mg, 4.5 mg, and 6 mg capsules in Canada.
Adults: The dose range for Vraylar for schizophrenia is 1.5 mg - 6 mg daily. The usual dose for most adults is 6 mg once per day. Doses as high as 9 mg per day have been tested however this dose did not work better than the 6 mg dose for those studied. Your doctor may prescribe doses that are higher than 6 mg based on your individual situation. Talk to your doctor about your dose, especially if you are experiencing side effects. The dose range of Vraylar for bipolar mania is 3-6 mg/day and for bipolar depression is 3 mg/day. Vraylar can also be used to augment antidepressant therapy in individuals with major depressive disorder. The recommended dose is 3 mg/day.
What are the most common side effects seen with Vraylar?
The most common side effects of Vraylar include:
- Weight gain
- Abnormal movements (extrapyramidal side effects)
- Restlessness (akathisia)
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Toothache
- Constipation
What are rare but potentially serious side effects seen with Vraylar?
- Decreased blood counts (leukopenia, neutropenia)
- Cerebrovascular event (stroke)
- Anaphylactic reaction (severe allergy)
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
- Suicidal ideation
Warnings/Precautions
Elderly individuals with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic medication are at an increased risk of death compared to individuals not receiving antipsychotics. Most deaths appear to be either cardiovascular or infectious. Vraylar is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis. Some individuals with dementia may, however, be treated with this medication. Discuss the potential risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor for this indication.
What medications interact with Vraylar?
Tell all your doctors, pharmacists and dentist that you are taking Vraylar. You should also tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medications, including those obtained without a prescription, and herbal and vitamin products. When the levels of a medication are increased or decreased in your bloodstream, this can affect the medication’s efficacy and safety.
The following types of medication may interact with Vraylar:
- Certain medications for allergies (e.g., Benadryl [diphenhydramine])
- Certain medications for sleep (e.g., lorazepam, zopiclone)
- Certain medications for pain (e.g., fentanyl)
- Anti-Parkinson agents (e.g., dopamine agonists)