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Home > Drug Category > Psychiatric Medication > Vraylar and Equivalent

Vraylar Information

Vraylar (cariprazine) is used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia in adults. Not all people with this disorder have the same symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of schizophrenia may include hallucinations (seeing, feeling, hearing or smelling things that are not there), delusions (believing things that are not true), paranoia (not trusting others or feeling very suspicious), avoiding family members and friends and wanting to be alone, feeling depressed, anxious or tense. Vraylar is also used to manage symptoms in adults who suffer from manic or depressive episodes in bipolar disorder and as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). Bipolar disorder is a condition with symptoms such as bipolar mania (feeling invincible or an all-powerful inflated self-esteem, having racing thoughts, easily losing train of thought, overreacting to what you see or hear, speeding-up your activities, talking very quickly, too loudly, or more than usual, needing less sleep, having poor judgment, severe irritability); bipolar depression (feeling sad or hopeless, loss of interest and enjoyment, feeling tired, loss of energy, changes in appetite, sleeping too much, difficulty concentrating). Vraylar is not a cure for your condition, but it can help manage your symptoms and help you feel better. Antipsychotic medications like Vraylar affect the chemicals that allow communication between nerve cells (neurotransmitters). Illnesses that affect the brain may be due to imbalance of certain chemicals (dopamine and serotonin) in the brain. Vraylar seems to work by adjusting the balance of these chemicals.

Vraylar Side Effects

The most common side effects of Vraylar may include back or abdominal pain; changes in vision; diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, nausea or vomiting; excessive sweating; falls and fractures; feeling agitated, tired or sleepy, trouble falling or staying asleep; headache; joint pain or stiffness; painful menstrual periods (women); pain in arms, legs, feet or hands; toothache; stuffy or runny nose; frequent urination; weight gain, changes in appetite (loss or increase). Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• A seizure;
• A light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• Abnormally fast heartbeat;
• High blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor);
• High blood pressure (shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness or fainting, chest pain or pressure);
• Low blood pressure (dizziness, fainting, light-headedness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, fatigue);
• Low white blood cell counts (fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed);
• Problems with vision or speech;
• Severe distress or agitation;
• Sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body);
• Severe nervous system reaction (very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out);
• Trouble swallowing, or accidentally inhaling food or drink; • Uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement).

Vraylar Precautions

Do not use Vraylar if you are allergic to cariprazine or to any other ingredients in this medication or if you are taking strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors or strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers. Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors should also not be taken for at least 2 weeks after your treatment with Vraylar has stopped. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if are dehydrated or suffer from excessive vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating; exercise vigorously or work in hot or sunny places; have low or high blood pressure; get dizzy, or have a history of fainting or feeling sleepy; have or are prone to akathisia (a movement disorder); have heart problems; drink alcohol or use street drugs; have diabetes or a family history of diabetes; have had liver or kidney problems; know that you have or have had a low white blood cell count in the past; have risk factors for developing blood clots; are over the age of 65; have a recent major surgery (such as hip or knee replacement); not being able to move due to air travel or other reasons; take oral birth control (“The Pill”); have a history of seizures (fits); are at risk for aspiration pneumonia; are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan to become pregnant; are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Vraylar and other medications. Vraylar may interfere with your body’s ability to adjust to heat. It is important not to become too hot or dehydrated while you are taking Vraylar. Do not exercise too much. In hot weather, stay inside in a cool place if possible. Stay out of the sun. Do not wear too much clothing or heavy clothing. Drink plenty of water. Vraylar may affect your judgement, thinking or motor skills, and make you feel sleepy. Give yourself time after taking Vraylar to see how you feel before driving a vehicle or using machinery. Vraylar can cause serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts or actions. If you have thoughts of harming or killing yourself at any time, contact your healthcare professional or go to a hospital right away.

Do I need a prescription to order Vraylar?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Vraylar.