Cariprazine (By mouth)
kar-IP-ra-zeen
Treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Drug classes
Antipsychotic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Cariprazine is used to treat symptoms of psychotic (mental) disorders, such as schizophrenia, mania, or bipolar disorder. This medicine should not be used to treat behavioral problems in older adults with dementia. It changes some of the chemicals in the brain that cause psychotic disorders.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how cariprazine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Carbamazepine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, rifampinWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to cariprazine.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, trouble swallowing, or a history of seizures. Tell your doctor if you have heart or blood vessel problems, including low blood pressure, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, or a history of heart attack or stroke.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
High blood sugar levels Low blood cell counts, which can increase your risk of infection Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (can be life-threatening) Tardive dyskinesia (trouble controlling movements), which may become permanentThis medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded, especially when you first use it or when the dose is changed. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly.
This medicine may cause you to become overheated. Drink plenty of water during hot weather or when exercising.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
Increased hunger or thirst, frequent urination
Jerky muscle movements that you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw), problems with balance or walking
Lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness
Seizures, tremors
Sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, muscle stiffness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Constipation, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
Weight gain
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Vraylar
There may be other brand names for this medicine.