Vraylar is a brand-name capsule that’s prescribed for certain mental health conditions. Vraylar contains the active drug cariprazine and belongs to the atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic drug class.
Vraylar is FDA-approved to treat the following in adults:
- Manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder. With bipolar I disorder, you may have episodes of mania (high mood) that last at least 7 days or are severe enough to need treatment in a hospital. These are called manic episodes. A mixed episode is when you have symptoms of mania and depression (low mood) at the same time. Vraylar is used for acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes. “Acute” means short term.
- Depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder. Vraylar can also be used to treat episodes of depression in bipolar I disorder. These episodes may be referred to as bipolar depression.
- Schizophrenia. With schizophrenia, you may have symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there). You may also have delusions (beliefs that aren’t true).
- Major depressive disorder (MDD). Often called depression, MDD may cause a low mood that persists, loss of motivation, trouble sleeping, and other symptoms. For treating MDD, Vraylar is taken in combination with an antidepressant. In this situation, Vraylar is referred to as an adjunctive treatment, meaning it is not taken alone.
Drug details
You’ll find key information about Vraylar below.
- Drug form: oral capsule
- Generic available? no
- Prescription required? yes
- Controlled substance? no
- Year of FDA approval: 2015
Vraylar can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Vraylar. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.
Some side effects may not occur for several weeks after you start taking Vraylar or for several weeks after any dose increases.
For more information on the possible side effects of Vraylar, refer to this article. Or talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be bothersome.
Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to report to the FDA a side effect you’ve had with Vraylar, you can do so through MedWatch.
Mild side effects
Mild side effects of Vraylar can include:*
- involuntary muscle movements, such as twitching, jerking, or twisting movements of your head, neck, tongue, arms, or legs
- trouble moving or slow movements
- muscle stiffness
- headache
- dizziness
- increased production of saliva
- indigestion
- constipation
- weight gain†
- feeling sleepy†
- akathisia† (feeling uncomfortably restless and unable to sit or stand still)
- nausea† and vomiting
Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Vraylar. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or visit Vraylar’s prescribing information. Side effects may differ slightly depending on the condition Vraylar is being used to treat.
† For more information on these side effects, see “Side effect details” below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects from Vraylar aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Serious side effects can include:
- Orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when getting up). Symptoms can include:
- feeling dizzy or lightheaded when you get up too quickly
- fainting
- Problems managing your body temperature, especially in hot weather or when exercising. Symptoms can include:
- hot, dry skin
- lack of sweating
- heatstroke (overheating)
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare, severe reaction that can occur with antipsychotic drugs). Symptoms can include:
- high fever
- sweating
- muscle stiffness
- drowsiness
- confusion
- rapid breathing
- fast heart rate
- Low white blood cell count. Symptoms can include:
- fever
- sore throat
- mouth ulcers (painful spots in your mouth)
- sore mouth and gums
- High blood sugar and diabetes. Symptoms can include:
- increased hunger and thirst
- urinating more often than usual
- feeling weak or tired
- blurred vision
- fruity smelling breath
- High levels of fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood.
- Seizures. Symptoms can include:
- muscle spasms
- losing consciousness and feeling confused afterward
- falling
- Trouble swallowing, which could lead to aspiration (breathing food or liquid into your airway).
- Slowed reflexes and thinking, which could make driving and operating machinery unsafe.
- Risk of falls due to side effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, and problems with movement or coordination.
- Increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis due to dementia.*†
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors.*†
- Allergic reaction.†
- Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary body movements that develop after you’ve taken the medication for a long time).†
* Vraylar has boxed warnings from the FDA regarding these side effects. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
† For more information on this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.
Side effect details
You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug, or whether certain side effects pertain to it. Here’s some detail on several of the side effects this drug may or may not cause.
Allergic reaction
As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Vraylar. It’s not known how often this occurs.
Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:
- skin rash
- itchiness
- flushing
A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:
- swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
- trouble breathing
Call your doctor right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to Vraylar. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Weight gain
Some people may gain weight while taking Vraylar. This side effect was reported in clinical trials of the drug.
Your doctor will regularly check your weight while you take Vraylar. If you’re concerned about weight gain, talk with them about ways to manage your weight during your treatment.
Weight loss
Vraylar isn’t likely to cause weight loss. People didn’t report losing weight in clinical trials of the drug.
Feeling sleepy
Vraylar use can cause people to feel sleepy. In clinical trials, sleepiness was a reported side effect.
If you find that Vraylar does make you sleepy, you should not drive or take part in other activities that could be dangerous. And if the sleepiness is bothersome to you, talk with your doctor. They may be able to suggest a different medication.
Akathisia and tardive dyskinesia
Conditions known as akathisia and tardive dyskinesia are possible side effects of Vraylar use.
Akathisia
Akathisia is one of the most common side effects of Vraylar reported in clinical trials.
Akathisia is an uncomfortable feeling of restlessness and the urge to move around. It can cause you to make repetitive movements, especially with your legs, to ease these feelings.
Symptoms of akathisia can include:
- feeling very restless or tense
- fidgeting
- tapping your feet
- rocking back and forth while standing or sitting
- shifting weight from one leg to the other
- walking in place
- pacing
- crossing and uncrossing your legs or swinging one leg while sitting
If you develop symptoms of akathisia while taking Vraylar, tell your doctor. Sometimes these symptoms can be eased by lowering the dose of Vraylar. Or your doctor may prescribe a different medication to help relieve this side effect.
Tardive dyskinesia
It’s not known exactly how often tardive dyskinesia occurs with Vraylar. However, the condition tends to be more common in females* and older adults. And it’s more likely to occur when you take a higher dose or use the medication for a long time.
Tardive dyskinesia describes involuntary, repetitive body movements that you can’t control. The movements usually occur in your face, tongue, or jaw, but can also develop in other parts of your body, such as your arms or legs. This side effect typically develops after you’ve been taking Vraylar for a long time. It can also develop after you’ve stopped using it. Tardive dyskinesia can sometimes be permanent.
Symptoms of tardive dyskinesia can include:
- lip smacking
- tongue twisting
- chewing motions
- puffing out your cheeks
- grimacing
- jerky movements of your arms, legs, or torso
If you develop symptoms of tardive dyskinesia while using Vraylar, tell your doctor right away. Sometimes the symptoms can be relieved by lowering the dose of the medication. Or your doctor may prescribe a different drug to help ease tardive dyskinesia. If these options don’t help, your doctor may suggest switching to a medication other than Vraylar.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to the sex assigned at birth.
Nausea
Some people may experience nausea while taking Vraylar. Nausea was a reported side effect in clinical trials of the drug.
If you have nausea while taking Vraylar, talk with your doctor about ways to manage it.
Increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis due to dementia
Adults ages 65 and older with psychosis (loss of contact with reality) due to dementia have a higher risk of death if they take antipsychotic medications such as Vraylar.* Dementia refers to problems with thinking, memory, and communication.
Vraylar is not FDA-approved to treat psychosis that’s related to dementia in older adults.
* Vraylar has a boxed warning from the FDA regarding the increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis due to dementia. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information, see “FDA warnings” at the beginning of this article.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
People with a mental health condition, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or depression, have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.* In some cases, children and young adults have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and actions while taking an antidepressant medication. Vraylar is an antipsychotic medication, but it also has an antidepressant effect.
Clinical trials of various antidepressants have found the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors is higher in children and adults younger than age 25 years. This risk is highest during the first few months after starting an antidepressant treatment and after any dose changes.
Your doctor will monitor you closely for any signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors during your Vraylar treatment.
While taking Vraylar, call your doctor right away if you:
- feel that your depression is getting worse
- have sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behaviors
- have thoughts about dying or harming yourself
- try to harm yourself or attempt suicide
Vraylar is not approved for use in children ages 17 years and younger.
* Vraylar has a boxed warning from the FDA regarding the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information, see “FDA warnings” at the beginning of this article.
Suicide prevention
If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:
- Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
- Listen to the person without judgment.
- Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
- Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
The Vraylar dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using Vraylar to treat
- your age
- other medical conditions you may have
- other medications you may be taking
Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
For additional details about Vraylar’s dosage, refer to this article.
Drug forms and strengths (1.5 mg, 3 mg, 4.5 mg, and 6 mg)
Vraylar comes as an oral capsule. It’s available in four different strengths: 1.5 milligrams (mg), 3 mg, 4.5 mg, and 6 mg.
Dosage for manic or mixed episodes in bipolar I disorder
To treat manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder, the typical dosage of Vraylar is between 3 mg and 6 mg once per day.
You’ll usually start your treatment with a dose of 1.5 mg on day 1. This is followed by a dose of 3 mg on day 2. After this, your doctor may gradually increase your daily dose as needed, up to a maximum of 6 mg once per day.
Dosage for depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder
To treat episodes of depression in bipolar I disorder, the typical starting dose of Vraylar is 1.5 mg. You’d take this once per day. If needed, on day 15 of treatment, your doctor may increase your dosage to 3 mg once per day.
Dosage for schizophrenia
To treat schizophrenia, the typical dosage of Vraylar is between 1.5 mg and 6 mg once per day.
You’ll likely start your treatment with a dose of 1.5 mg on day 1. On day 2, your doctor may increase the dose to 3 mg. After this, your doctor may gradually increase your daily dose as needed, up to a maximum of 6 mg once per day.
Dosage for major depressive disorder (depression)
To treat major depressive disorder (MDD), often called depression, the typical starting dosage of Vraylar is 1.5 mg once per day. If needed, on day 15 of treatment, your doctor may increase your dosage to 3 mg once per day.
For treating MDD, you’ll take Vraylar in combination with an antidepressant. In this situation, Vraylar is referred to as an adjunctive treatment, meaning it is not taken alone. For more information, see the “Vraylar uses” section below.
Dosage adjustments based on side effects
Higher doses of Vraylar are associated with more side effects. Side effects can also become more severe with higher doses. (For details on side effects, see the “Vraylar side effects” section above.)
However, it takes a long time for Vraylar to build up in your body. This means that you may not have some side effects until several weeks after you start taking Vraylar or after your doctor increases your dose. They’ll monitor you closely for side effects after you start treatment and after any dose increases.
If you do develop side effects that are very bothersome, your doctor may lower your dose. This may not make the Vraylar side effects go away, but it might make them less severe. However, because Vraylar can stay in your body for a long time, it can take at least a week for side effects to begin to ease.
You should not change your dose of Vraylar unless your doctor recommends it.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Vraylar, take it as soon as possible, unless it’s nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just skip the missed dose. Then take your next dose as usual. Don’t take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A medication timer may be useful, too.
Will I need to use this drug long term?
For manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder, you’ll likely take Vraylar for a few weeks. Keep taking it for as long as your doctor recommends.
For its other uses, Vraylar is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Vraylar is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it’s important to keep taking Vraylar, even if you feel better. Vraylar doesn’t cure these conditions. The drug only manages your symptoms. Stopping Vraylar use could make your symptoms come back.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Vraylar to treat certain conditions. Vraylar may also be prescribed off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is prescribed to treat a different condition.
Vraylar for manic or mixed episodes in bipolar I disorder
Vraylar is FDA-approved to treat manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults. The drug is used for acute (short-term) treatment of these episodes.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition in which you have episodes of mania (high mood) and episodes of depression (low mood). Episodes of mania are also called manic episodes, and episodes of depression are also called depressive episodes. With bipolar I disorder, your manic episodes last at least 7 days or are severe enough to need treatment in a hospital.
During manic episodes of bipolar I disorder, your mood becomes very high. Mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder involve having symptoms of mania and depression at the same time.
Symptoms of manic episodes can include:
- feeling euphoric and exhilarated
- feeling restless, wired, and jittery
- having racing thoughts
- talking excessively
- having excessive self-confidence
- having impaired judgment
- having a reduced sense of risk
- engaging in behavior that may have harmful effects
People experiencing a manic episode may not recognize that their behavior is unusual.
With severe manic episodes, you may also have symptoms of psychosis. These include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there) and delusions (beliefs that aren’t true).
To learn about symptoms of depression that can occur during mixed episodes alongside the symptoms of mania described above, see “Vraylar for depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder” below.
Vraylar works to help improve your mood, thinking, and behavior.
Effectiveness for manic or mixed episodes
In clinical trials, Vraylar was found to be effective for treating acute manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder. For details of these trials, see Vraylar’s prescribing information.
Vraylar for depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder
Vraylar is FDA-approved to treat depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition in which you have manic episodes and depressive episodes. With bipolar I disorder, manic episodes last at least 7 days or are severe enough to need treatment in a hospital. To read more about manic episodes, see “Vraylar for manic or mixed episodes in bipolar I disorder” above.
With depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder, your mood becomes very low. Symptoms can include:
- extreme sadness or gloom
- hopelessness
- guilt
- anxiety
- trouble sleeping or extreme tiredness
- lack of energy
- memory problems
- difficulty concentrating
- feeling easily irritated
You may also have symptoms of psychosis with severe episodes of depression. These symptoms include hallucinations and delusions.
Vraylar works to help improve your mood, thinking, and behavior.
Effectiveness for depressive episodes
In clinical trials, Vraylar was found to be effective for treating depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder. For details of these trials, see Vraylar’s prescribing information.
Vraylar for schizophrenia
Vraylar is FDA-approved to treat schizophrenia in adults.
Schizophrenia is a chronic (long-term) mental health condition. Typically, schizophrenia has positive symptoms and negative symptoms. Positive symptoms may also be called symptoms of psychosis.
Positive symptoms are thoughts and behaviors that you didn’t have before you became ill. These may include hallucinations and delusions. Also, you may have paranoia (an irrational fear of a threat toward yourself).
Negative symptoms are thoughts and behaviors that you have less of since you became ill. So you may have less energy or less interest in things you used to enjoy. And you may be less able to concentrate, remember, plan, express emotion, or communicate with others.
Vraylar is an antipsychotic medication that works to help restore your mood, thinking, and behavior.
Effectiveness for schizophrenia
Vraylar was found to be effective for treating schizophrenia in several clinical trials. For details of these trials, see Vraylar’s prescribing information.
Vraylar for major depressive disorder (depression)
Vraylar is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. MDD is often called depression. The condition is thought to be caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain.
Doctors may diagnose a person with MDD if they experience certain symptoms most days for at least 2 weeks. Symptoms of MDD can include:
- low mood that persists
- hopelessness
- anxiety
- trouble sleeping or extreme tiredness
- lack of energy
- memory problems
- short attention span
- loss of motivation
For treating MDD, Vraylar is used in combination with an antidepressant, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or citalopram (Celexa). Your doctor may add Vraylar to your MDD treatment plan if you’ve tried taking antidepressants alone but your condition didn’t improve. In this situation, Vraylar is referred to as an adjunctive treatment, meaning it is not taken alone. Together, the medications work to help improve your mood, thinking, and behavior.
Effectiveness for MDD
In clinical trials, Vraylar was found to be effective for treating MDD. For details of these trials, see Vraylar’s prescribing information.
Vraylar for other conditions
In addition to the uses listed above, Vraylar may be used off-label for other purposes. Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s approved for one use is used for a different one that’s not approved. And you may wonder whether Vraylar is used for certain other conditions. Below is information on other possible uses for Vraylar.
Vraylar for autism (under study)
Vraylar isn’t FDA-approved to treat autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But the drug is currently being studied for this condition.
ASD is a group of conditions that are caused by atypical brain development in childhood. People with ASD have differences in how they communicate, interact, and behave with other people. This can affect learning ability, emotions, and impulse management.
Some people who have ASD can develop severe problems with aggressive, impulsive, or self-harming behavior. And certain atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics can help treat these types of behaviors. Those drugs approved for this use include aripiprazole (Abilify) and risperidone (Risperdal).
Further research is needed before it’s known whether Vraylar is effective for ASD. Talk with your doctor if you’re interested in using Vraylar for ASD.
Vraylar for bipolar II disorder (not an approved use)
Vraylar isn’t FDA-approved for treating bipolar II disorder, which is also known as bipolar 2 disorder. The drug isn’t included in current U.S. treatment guidelines for bipolar disorder. However, these guidelines haven’t been updated since 2005, and Vraylar was approved in 2015.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition in which a person has episodes of mania and episodes of depression. (For details on manic and depressive episodes, see “Vraylar for manic or mixed episodes in bipolar I disorder” and “Vraylar for depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder” above.) With bipolar II disorder, you have episodes of hypomania, rather than “full” manic episodes. Hypomania is a milder version of mania.
Very little research has been done into the treatment of bipolar II disorder. Further study is needed before it’s known whether Vraylar is effective for people with this condition.
If you have bipolar II disorder, talk with your doctor about which treatments are right for you.
Vraylar and children
Vraylar isn’t FDA-approved for treating schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, or major depressive disorder (MDD) in children.* The safety and effectiveness of Vraylar haven’t been fully studied in this age group.
Ongoing studies are looking at the use of Vraylar to treat schizophrenia and depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder in children. However, it’s not yet known whether Vraylar is safe and effective for children with these conditions.
If your child has schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, or MDD, and you’d like to learn more about Vraylar or other treatments, talk with your child’s doctor.
* Vraylar has a boxed warning from the FDA regarding the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This risk affects children and adults younger than age 25 years. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information, see “FDA warnings” at the beginning of this article.
As with all medications, the cost of Vraylar can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.
Before approving coverage for Vraylar, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide whether the drug will be covered.
If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for Vraylar, contact your insurance company.
For more about Vraylar and cost, refer to this article.
Drug coupons
To save money on your Vraylar prescription, explore the Optum Perks* coupons below.
You can also visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Vraylar. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.
* Optum Perks is a sister site of Medical News Today.
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Financial and insurance assistance
If you need financial support to pay for Vraylar, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.
A savings program and payment assistance program for Vraylar are available. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 800-678-1605 or visit the drug website.
Generic version
Vraylar isn’t available in a generic form. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs. For more information, see the next section.
Vraylar is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.
A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.
Vraylar contains the active drug cariprazine.
Vraylar is an atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic that’s used for schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, and major depressive disorder.
Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Vraylar, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.
Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that’s approved to treat one condition is prescribed to treat a different condition.
Alternatives for manic or mixed episodes in bipolar I disorder
Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat manic or mixed episodes in bipolar I disorder include:
- lithium
- divalproex (Depakote, Depakote ER)
- other atypical antipsychotics, such as:
- aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify MyCite)
- asenapine (Saphris)
- olanzapine (Zyprexa, Zyprexa Zydis)
- quetiapine (Seroquel, Seroquel XR)
- risperidone (Risperdal)
- ziprasidone (Geodon)
- typical (first-generation) antipsychotics, such as chlorpromazine
Alternatives for depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder
Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder include:
- lithium
- lamotrigine (Lamictal)
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, such as:
- combination of fluoxetine (Prozac) with olanzapine (Zyprexa, Zyprexa Zydis)
- fluoxetine/olanzapine (Symbyax)
- other atypical antipsychotics, such as:
- lurasidone (Latuda)
- quetiapine (Seroquel, Seroquel XR)
Alternatives for schizophrenia
Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat schizophrenia include:
- other atypical antipsychotics, such as:
- aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify MyCite, Abilify Asimtufii, Abilify Maintena, Aristada)
- asenapine (Saphris)
- brexpiprazole (Rexulti)
- lurasidone (Latuda)
- olanzapine (Zyprexa, Zyprexa Zydis, Zyprexa Relprevv)
- paliperidone (Invega, Invega Sustenna, Invega Trinza, Invega Hafyera)
- quetiapine (Seroquel, Seroquel XR)
- risperidone (Risperdal, Risperdal Consta, Perseris, Rykindo, Uzedy)
- ziprasidone (Geodon)
- typical (first-generation) antipsychotics, such as:
- chlorpromazine
- fluphenazine, fluphenazine decanoate
- haloperidol, haloperidol decanoate
- perphenazine
Alternatives for adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder (depression)
For treating major depressive disorder (MDD), often called depression, Vraylar is taken in combination with an antidepressant. In this situation, Vraylar is referred to as an adjunctive treatment, meaning it is not taken alone.
Examples of other drugs used as adjunctive treatment with an antidepressant for MDD include:
- aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify MyCite)
- brexpiprazole (Rexulti)
Drinking alcohol with Vraylar can raise your risk of certain side effects, such as feeling sleepy, dizziness, and nausea.
Drinking alcohol can also make your depression symptoms worse.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to consume it while you’re taking Vraylar.
Vraylar can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements.
Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.
For more information about Vraylar interactions, refer to this article.
Vraylar and other medications
Below are lists of medications that can interact with Vraylar. These lists do not contain all drugs that may interact with Vraylar.
Before taking Vraylar, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Vraylar and certain drugs to treat infections
Taking Vraylar with certain drugs to treat infections can cause the level of Vraylar to build up in your body. This can raise your risk of side effects from Vraylar. (To learn more, see “Vraylar side effects” above.)
Examples of antimicrobial drugs that can raise the risk of side effects with Vraylar include:
- certain antibiotics, such as:
- certain antifungals, such as:
- ketoconazole
- itraconazole (Sporanox)
- posaconazole (Noxafil)
- voriconazole (Vfend)
- certain medications for HIV, such as:
- atazanavir (Reyataz)
- cobicistat (Tybost)
- ritonavir (Norvir)
- nelfinavir (Viracept)
If you need to take one of these drugs with Vraylar, your doctor may have you take a dose of Vraylar that’s lower than usual.
Using Vraylar with certain other drugs to treat infections can lower the level of Vraylar in your body. This could make Vraylar less effective, so you should not take these drugs with Vraylar.
Examples of these drugs include:
- rifabutin (Mycobutin)
- rifampin (Rifadin)
- rifapentine (Priftin)
If you’re taking any medication to treat an infection, talk with your doctor before taking Vraylar. They can adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Vraylar and certain seizure medications
Taking Vraylar with certain seizure medications could make Vraylar less effective. So you shouldn’t take these drugs with Vraylar.
Examples of seizure medications that could make Vraylar less effective include:
- carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol)*
- fosphenytoin (Cerebyx)
- phenobarbital
- phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)
- primidone (Mysoline)
* This drug is also used off-label as a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder.
If you’re using any of these medications, talk with your doctor before taking Vraylar. They can adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Vraylar and stimulants
Stimulants are drugs that are mainly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but they’re sometimes misused. (Misuse means to take a drug in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it.) Examples of these drugs include amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR, Mydayis) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse).
People with mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia should typically avoid taking stimulants. This is because stimulants can cause new symptoms of psychosis or mania, and make these conditions worse. (For information on these symptoms, see the “Vraylar uses” section above.)
Taking stimulants with Vraylar could also raise your risk of having certain side effects, especially involuntary muscle movements, such as tremors, twitches, or tics. (To learn more about these side effects, see “Vraylar side effects” above.)
If you’re taking a stimulant, talk with your doctor before you start using Vraylar. They can recommend the best treatment options for you.
Vraylar and antidepressants
Antidepressants are sometimes used to treat depression in people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. And they may sometimes be used in combination with Vraylar.
Taking an antidepressant with Vraylar is typically fine, but the combination may raise your risk of side effects. These include feeling sleepy, dizziness when getting up, and seizures. In addition, many antidepressants have a boxed warning for an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adults younger than age 25 years. Vraylar also comes with this boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).*
Using both an antidepressant and Vraylar can also affect your ability to make decisions, think clearly, or react quickly. So it’s important that you know how your medications affect you before driving.
Examples of antidepressants that might be used with Vraylar include:
- bupropion (Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL)
- duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- escitalopram (Lexapro)
If your doctor has prescribed you an antidepressant to take with Vraylar, they’ll closely monitor you for possible side effects. Talk with them if you’re concerned about any side effects you may have from taking these medications together.
* For more information, see “FDA warnings” at the beginning of this article.
Vraylar and mood stabilizers
Mood stabilizers are medications that are used in bipolar disorder to help prevent future episodes of mania and depression. Your doctor may recommend that you start taking a mood stabilizer while you’re using Vraylar to treat an episode of mania or depression.
Taking a mood stabilizer with Vraylar is typically fine. However, the combination may raise your risk of certain side effects. These include feeling sleepy, dizziness when getting up, and confusion.
Using both a mood stabilizer and Vraylar can also affect your ability to make decisions, think clearly, or react quickly. So it’s important that you know how your medications affect you before driving.
Examples of mood stabilizers that may be used with Vraylar include:
- lithium
- divalproex (Depakote, Depakote ER)
- lamotrigine (Lamictal)
If your doctor has prescribed you a mood stabilizer to take with Vraylar, they’ll closely monitor you for possible side effects. Talk with them if you’re concerned about any side effects you may have from taking these medications together.
Vraylar and anticholinergic drugs
Anticholinergic drugs are sometimes used to treat involuntary body movements that can be a side effect of Vraylar. Anticholinergic drugs are also sometimes used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and an overactive bladder.
If you take anticholinergic drugs with Vraylar, you may be more likely to have other side effects. These can include constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, and problems managing your body temperature.
Examples of anticholinergic drugs that may increase the risk of side effects if taken with Vraylar include:
- anticholinergic drugs for COPD or asthma, such as:
- aclidinium (Tudorza Pressair)
- tiotropium (Spiriva)
- certain drugs for an overactive bladder or urinary incontinence, such as:
- tolterodine (Detrol, Detrol LA)
- darifenacin
- solifenacin (Vesicare, Vesicare LS)
- fesoterodine (Toviaz)
- certain drugs for involuntary body movements, such as:
If you need to take one of these medications with Vraylar, your doctor will monitor you closely. Tell them if you notice any side effects, such as blurred vision or a dry mouth. And take care to avoid getting too hot.
Vraylar and herbs and supplements
Taking St. John’s wort with Vraylar may lower the level of Vraylar in your body. You should not use St. John’s wort with Vraylar, as it could make Vraylar less effective.
Vraylar and caffeine and foods
There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Vraylar. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Vraylar, talk with your doctor.
Vraylar and caffeine
Caffeine isn’t known to interact with Vraylar. Caffeine is a type of stimulant found in foods as well as beverages such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks. (For more information on how stimulants can affect Vraylar, see the “Vraylar and stimulants” section above.)
However, caffeine can affect your ability to fall asleep, which may lead to mood changes if you have bipolar I disorder.
If you have questions about consuming caffeine while taking Vraylar, talk with your doctor.
Vraylar and grapefruit juice
Consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice can raise the levels of some medications in your blood. This can increase the risk of side effects from the medication. In theory, eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice with Vraylar could increase the level of Vraylar in your body. However, there haven’t been any studies on this.
If you want to eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice with Vraylar, talk with your doctor about whether this is safe for you. If you have increased side effects with the combination, avoid consuming grapefruit products with Vraylar in the future.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Vraylar.
Can Vraylar be used for anxiety?
It’s unlikely. Vraylar, a type of antipsychotic drug, isn’t specifically used for treating anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are typically treated with medications such as benzodiazepines, certain antidepressants, or beta-blockers.
If treatments like these don’t work, antipsychotics other than Vraylar might be used on occasion. For instance, a review of studies found quetiapine (Seroquel, Seroquel XR) to be effective for treating generalized anxiety disorder. However, because antipsychotics can cause some serious side effects, other anxiety treatments are usually a better option.
Keep in mind that if anxiety is one of the symptoms of your schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, or major depressive disorder, it may ease as your condition improves with Vraylar treatment.
If you have anxiety, talk with your doctor about what treatments are right for you.
Is Vraylar an SSRI?
No, Vraylar isn’t an SSRI, which stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. SSRIs are a particular type of antidepressant medication.
Vraylar is an atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic medication.
Does Vraylar cause sexual side effects?
No. Vraylar, which is a type of antipsychotic medication, isn’t known to cause sexual side effects. These problems weren’t reported in clinical trials of the drug. However, sexual problems are known to occur with other antipsychotics. And sexual problems can also be associated with the conditions that Vraylar treats.
Talk with your doctor if you have sexual problems that concern you. They may be able to recommend a suitable treatment.
Why do I have to avoid getting too hot while taking Vraylar?
Vraylar can reduce sweating and cause problems with how your body manages its core temperature. The drug makes it harder for your body to cool down if you get too hot. This is especially a problem in hot weather or when exercising. If you can’t cool down properly, you could develop heatstroke (overheating).
While using Vraylar, you should avoid strenuous exercise and wearing too much warm clothing. Be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration (losing too much fluid). And in hot weather, stay in a cool place out of the sun.
Talk with your doctor for other tips on how to avoid getting too hot during your Vraylar treatment.
Will I be able to drive during my Vraylar treatment?
Probably. Most people are able to drive while taking Vraylar. However, you need to be aware that Vraylar can make some people feel sleepy. And the drug could affect your ability to make decisions, think clearly, or react quickly.
Make sure you know how Vraylar affects you before driving. And be sure to drive only if you can do so safely.
You may wonder how Vraylar compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Vraylar and Abilify are alike and different.
Note: Abilify comes in several versions marketed under different brand names: Abilify, Abilify MyCite, Abilify Maintena, and Abilify Asimtufii. The approved uses for this drug vary depending on the version. This section only applies to the version that’s simply called Abilify. For additional information about the other versions of the drug and the conditions they are approved to treat, talk with your doctor.
Ingredients
Vraylar contains the active drug cariprazine, while Abilify contains the active drug aripiprazole.
Uses
Vraylar is approved to treat:
- manic and mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults
- depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults
- schizophrenia in adults
- major depressive disorder (MDD), often called depression, in adults*
Abilify is approved to treat:
- manic and mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults as well as children ages 10 years and older
- MDD in adults*
- schizophrenia in adults and children ages 13 years and older
- irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder in children ages 6 years and older
- Tourette syndrome in children ages 6 years and older
* For treating MDD, Vraylar and Abilify are taken in combination with an antidepressant. In this situation, these drugs are referred to as adjunctive treatments, meaning they are not taken alone.
Drug forms and administration
Vraylar comes as an oral capsule that is usually taken once per day.
Abilify comes as an oral tablet that is usually taken once per day.
Side effects and risks
Vraylar and Abilify both contain an atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic drug. They can cause some similar side effects, but some different ones as well. Below are examples of these side effects.
Mild side effects
This list contains up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with both Vraylar and Abilify (when taken individually):
- headache
- indigestion
- involuntary muscle movements, such as twitching, jerking, or twisting movements of your head, neck, tongue, arms, or legs
- muscle stiffness
- increased production of saliva
- akathisia (feeling uncomfortably restless and unable to sit or stand still)
- nausea and vomiting
- feeling sleepy
- constipation
- weight gain
Serious side effects
These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Vraylar, with Abilify, or with both drugs (when taken individually).
- Can occur with Vraylar:
- no unique serious side effects
- Can occur with Abilify:
- compulsive behaviors (intense, unmanageable urges to do certain activities, such as gambling, shopping, or binge eating)
- Can occur with both Vraylar and Abilify:
- increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis due to dementia*
- suicidal thoughts and behaviors*
- allergic reaction
- orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when getting up)
- risk of falls due to side effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, and problems with movement or coordination
- slowed reflexes and thinking, which could make driving and operating machinery unsafe
- low white blood cell count
- problems managing your body temperature, especially in hot weather or when exercising
- trouble swallowing, which could lead to aspiration (breathing food or liquid into your airway)
- high blood sugar and diabetes
- high levels of fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood
- seizures
- tardive dyskinesia (involuntary body movements that develop after you’ve taken the medication for a long time)
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare, severe reaction that can occur with antipsychotic drugs)
* Both Vraylar and Abilify have boxed warnings from the FDA regarding these side effects. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. For more information, see “FDA warnings” at the beginning of this article.
Effectiveness
Vraylar and Abilify have different FDA-approved uses, but they’re both used to treat manic and mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder, schizophrenia, and MDD (when used with an antidepressant).
These drugs haven’t been directly compared in clinical trials, but studies have found both Vraylar and Abilify to be effective for treating these conditions.
Both drugs are recommended as treatment options for schizophrenia in guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association.
If you’re interested in taking Vraylar or Abilify, talk with your doctor about which one is right for you.
Costs
The costs of Vraylar and Abilify will vary depending on your treatment plan. The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. You can visit Optum Perks* for price estimates of Vraylar and Abilify.
Vraylar and Abilify are both brand-name drugs. There is currently no generic form of Vraylar. Generic forms of Abilify are available under the name aripiprazole. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.
* Optum Perks is a sister site of Medical News Today.
Like Abilify (above), the drug Latuda has uses similar to those of Vraylar. Here’s a comparison of how Vraylar and Latuda are alike and different.
Ingredients
Vraylar contains the active drug cariprazine, while Latuda contains the active drug lurasidone.
Uses
Vraylar is approved to treat:
- manic and mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults
- depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults
- schizophrenia in adults
- major depressive disorder (MDD), often called depression, in adults*
Latuda is approved to treat:
- depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults† and children ages 10 years and older
- schizophrenia in adults and children ages 13 years and older
* For treating MDD, Vraylar is taken in combination with an antidepressant. In this situation, Vraylar is referred to as an adjunctive treatment, meaning it is not taken alone.
† For treating depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder, doctors may recommend adults take Latuda either alone or with lithium or valproate.
Drug forms and administration
Vraylar comes as an oral capsule, while Latuda comes as an oral tablet. You’ll likely take Vraylar or Latuda once per day.
Side effects and risks
Vraylar and Latuda both contain an atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic drug. They can cause some similar side effects, but some different ones as well. Below are examples of these side effects.
Mild side effects
These lists contain up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with Vraylar, with Latuda, or with both drugs (when taken individually).
- Can occur with Vraylar:
- Can occur with Latuda:
- no unique side effects
- Can occur with both Vraylar and Latuda:
- indigestion
- involuntary muscle movements, such as twitching, jerking, or twisting movements of your head, neck, tongue, arms, or legs
- muscle stiffness
- increased production of saliva
- akathisia (feeling uncomfortably restless and unable to sit or stand still)
- feeling sleepy
- weight gain
- nausea and vomiting
- diarrhea
- anxiety
Serious side effects
These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Vraylar, with Latuda, or with both drugs (when taken individually).
- Can occur with Vraylar:
- no unique serious side effects
- Can occur with Latuda:
- hyperprolactinemia (increased level of the hormone prolactin in your blood)
- Can occur with both Vraylar and Latuda:
- increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis due to dementia*
- suicidal thoughts and behaviors*
- tardive dyskinesia (involuntary body movements that develop after you’ve taken the medication for a long time)
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare, severe reaction that can occur with antipsychotic drugs)
- high blood sugar and diabetes
- high levels of fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood
- low white blood cell count
- orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when getting up)
- problems managing your body temperature, especially in hot weather or when exercising
- seizures
- trouble swallowing, which could lead to aspiration (breathing food or liquid into your airways)
- risk of falls due to side effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, and problems with movement or coordination
- slowed reflexes and thinking, which could make driving and operating machinery unsafe
- allergic reaction
* Both Vraylar and Latuda have boxed warnings from the FDA regarding these side effects. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the FDA requires. For more information, see “FDA warnings” at the beginning of this article.
Effectiveness
Vraylar and Latuda have different FDA-approved uses, but they’re both used to treat depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia.
These drugs haven’t been directly compared in clinical trials, but studies have found both Vraylar and Latuda to be effective for treating these conditions.
Both drugs are recommended as treatment options for schizophrenia in guidelines from the American Psychiatric Association.
If you’re interested in taking Vraylar or Latuda, talk with your doctor about which one is right for you.
Costs
The actual price you’ll pay for Vraylar or Latuda depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use. You can visit Optum Perks* for price estimates of Vraylar and Latuda.
Vraylar and Latuda are both brand-name drugs. There is currently no generic form of Vraylar. A generic form of Latuda called lurasidone has been approved by the FDA. Brand-name medications usually cost more than generics.
* Optum Perks is a sister site of Medical News Today.
Vraylar and Rexulti are both atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics, which are drugs that work to improve your mood, thinking, and behavior. But these two drugs also have some important differences.
Vraylar comes as an oral capsule that contains the active drug cariprazine. It’s prescribed to treat:
- manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults
- depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults
- schizophrenia in adults
- major depressive disorder (MDD), often called depression, in adults*
Rexulti comes as an oral tablet that contains the active drug brexpiprazole. Rexulti can be prescribed for:
- MDD in adults*
- schizophrenia in adults and children 13 years and older
- agitation in adults resulting from dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease
You can talk with a pharmacist or your doctor for details about how Vraylar and Rexulti compare.
* For treating MDD, Vraylar and Rexulti are taken in combination with an antidepressant. In this situation, these drugs are referred to as adjunctive treatments, meaning they are not taken alone.
Vraylar and Seroquel are similar drugs, but they have some differences. Both are atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic drugs, meaning they work to improve your mood, thinking, and behavior.
Vraylar comes as an oral capsule and contains the active drug cariprazine. It’s prescribed to treat:
- manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults
- depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults
- schizophrenia in adults
- major depressive disorder (MDD), often called depression, in adults*
Seroquel comes as an oral tablet that contains the active drug quetiapine. It’s prescribed to treat:
- manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults† and children ages 10 and older
- depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults
- schizophrenia in adults and children ages 13 years and older
Seroquel also comes as an extended-release tablet called Seroquel XR. The conditions Seroquel XR is approved to treat vary from those of Seroquel. “Extended release” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about the similarities and differences between these drugs.
* For treating MDD, Vraylar is taken in combination with an antidepressant. In this situation, Vraylar is referred to as an adjunctive treatment, meaning it is not taken alone.
† For treating manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder, adults may take Seroquel either alone or with lithium or divalproex.
It’s unlikely that you’ll have withdrawal symptoms or side effects after stopping Vraylar treatment. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that occur if you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on. And when you’re dependent on a drug, your body needs the drug to feel like it usually does.
However, if you stop taking Vraylar, the symptoms of your condition may return. So you should not stop taking Vraylar without talking with your doctor first. If you and your doctor agree that it’s right for you to stop taking Vraylar, then they will explain how to do this.
It’s important to note that newborns of people who take an atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic in the last 3 months of pregnancy can be at risk of withdrawal symptoms. (Vraylar is an atypical antipsychotic.) See the “Vraylar and pregnancy, breastfeeding, and birth control” section below to learn more.
Vraylar misuse (also called abuse)
Vraylar hasn’t been studied for the possibility of drug misuse. Misuse refers to taking a drug in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it. However, misuse of Vraylar can lead to serious side effects. (See “Serious side effects” in the “Vraylar side effects” section above for details.) Be sure to take the medication only as prescribed by your doctor, and do not give Vraylar to anyone else.
Vraylar is used to treat schizophrenia and manic, mixed, and depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder. It’s also used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), often called depression.
What happens in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and MDD
With schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and MDD, there is an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain. This imbalance typically affects dopamine and serotonin.
Neurotransmitters are natural body chemicals that are involved in passing messages between nerve cells and other cells in the body. Dopamine and serotonin are involved in passing messages in the brain that help manage mood, thinking, perception, and behavior.
An imbalance of serotonin and dopamine can lead to symptoms of depression, mania, and psychosis. Symptoms of psychosis include hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there) and delusions (beliefs that aren’t true).
What Vraylar does
Vraylar is a type of drug called an atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic. These drugs work by rebalancing the way that dopamine and serotonin work in the brain. But the exact way Vraylar works is not fully understood.
Vraylar helps reduce symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. The drug also works to reduce symptoms of mania, such as extreme agitation, racing thoughts, and feeling wired or jittery.
Vraylar can help ease symptoms of depression. These may include feelings of extreme sadness, gloom, hopelessness, and guilt.
In addition, Vraylar can ease other symptoms associated with the conditions it treats, such as anxiety, trouble sleeping, and a lack of energy. The medication can also help with problems with memory, concentration, and communication.
How long does it take to work?
Vraylar starts working in the first few days of treatment. Symptoms such as hallucinations and agitation tend to ease first. Other symptoms can take longer to decrease, and it can take several weeks for Vraylar to have its full effect.
It’s important to keep taking Vraylar for as long as your doctor recommends, even if it doesn’t seem to make much difference at first.
How long does Vraylar stay in your system?
Vraylar can stay in your body for several weeks after you stop taking it.
Vraylar has a half-life of about 1 week. The half-life of a drug is the length of time it takes for the drug level in your body to be reduced by half. So 1 week after stopping Vraylar use, the drug level in your body will be reduced to half. After another week, the level will be reduced to a quarter, in the next week it will be reduced to an eighth, and so on.
It’s generally considered that it takes 5.5 half-lives for the drug level to be so low that it no longer has an effect. So for Vraylar, this would be about 5.5 weeks. However, small amounts of the drug may still be detectable for longer than this in blood tests.
Do not use more Vraylar than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.
What to do in case you take too much Vraylar
If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
If you can become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or using birth control, it’s important to consider whether Vraylar is a safe choice for you.
You can also refer to this article for more information. If you have additional questions, talk with your doctor.
You should take Vraylar according to your doctor’s or healthcare professional’s instructions.
When to take
You’ll likely take Vraylar once per day. Try to take the medication at the same time each day. You can take Vraylar at any time of day, so pick the best time for you to take Vraylar. Sticking to a routine will help you remember to take the drug.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A medication timer may be useful, too.
Taking Vraylar with food
You can take Vraylar either with or without food.
Can Vraylar be crushed, split, or chewed?
No, you should swallow Vraylar capsules whole. Taking them with a drink can make this easier for you. If you have trouble swallowing Vraylar, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
This drug comes with several precautions.
FDA warnings
This drug has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Increased risk of death in older adults with psychosis due to dementia. Adults ages 65 years and older with dementia can sometimes develop psychosis (loss of contact with reality). In some cases, antipsychotic medications such as Vraylar can raise the risk of death in these older adults. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved Vraylar to treat psychosis that’s related to dementia in older adults.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In some cases, antidepressant medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adults younger than age 25 years. Vraylar is an antipsychotic medication, but it also has an antidepressant effect when used for depression in bipolar I disorder or major depressive disorder (often called depression). While you take Vraylar, your doctor may monitor you closely for any signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Vraylar is not approved for use in children ages 17 years and younger.
Other precautions
Before taking Vraylar, talk with your doctor about your health history. Vraylar may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:
- Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Vraylar or any of its ingredients, you should not take Vraylar. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.
- Kidney problems. Vraylar hasn’t been studied in people with severe kidney problems. Talk with your doctor about whether Vraylar is right for you if you have kidney problems.
- Liver problems. Vraylar hasn’t been studied in people who have severe liver problems. If you have liver problems, talk with your doctor about whether Vraylar is a good option for you.
- Older age. If you’re age 65 years or older, you could have a higher risk of certain side effects of Vraylar. These include dizziness when getting up, falls, tardive dyskinesia, and problems managing your body temperature. Older adults are typically prescribed a lower dose of Vraylar to minimize any risks from the drug. Your doctor will monitor you for side effects.
- Diabetes. Vraylar can cause high blood sugar levels and diabetes. If you already have diabetes, taking Vraylar can make your blood sugar harder to manage. Talk with your doctor about whether Vraylar is right for you. If you do take Vraylar, your blood sugar may need to be checked more often than usual. If your blood sugar gets too high, your doctor may need to increase the dose of your diabetes medication.
- High or low blood pressure. Vraylar may cause changes in your blood pressure. If you have problems with blood pressure, Vraylar may worsen them. Tell your doctor if you have a history of blood pressure problems. They can help you decide whether Vraylar is right for you.
- High cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Vraylar may increase the levels of fats called cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. If you already have high levels of these fats, Vraylar could raise them further. While you take Vraylar, your doctor will regularly order blood tests to check your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If the levels get too high, you may need treatment for them.
- Low white blood cell count. Vraylar can lower your white blood cell count. You could be more at risk of this if a medication has lowered your white blood cell count in the past. And if your white blood cell count is already low, Vraylar could make it worse. In both situations, your doctor will regularly order blood tests to check your white blood cell levels while you take Vraylar. If your white blood cell count drops too low, you may need to stop the medication.
- Dehydration. If you get dehydrated while taking Vraylar, this can raise your risk of certain side effects. These include dizziness when getting up and problems managing your body temperature. To avoid getting dehydrated, be sure to drink plenty of water while taking Vraylar. This is especially important in hot weather and when exercising.
- Heart disease or stroke. Vraylar can cause your blood pressure to drop for a time if you get up too quickly. This could be dangerous if you have a history of stroke or heart problems, such as angina, heart attack, or heart failure. Vraylar hasn’t been studied in people with unstable heart disease or in people who have recently had a heart attack. If you have a history of any of these problems, talk with your doctor about whether Vraylar is right for you. If you do take Vraylar, tell your doctor if you feel dizzy or faint while using it.
- Seizures. Vraylar can sometimes cause seizures. You’re more likely to have seizures with Vraylar if you have epilepsy or you’ve had seizures in the past. Talk with your doctor about whether Vraylar is a good choice for you.
- Pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Vraylar during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Vraylar and pregnancy, breastfeeding, and birth control” section above.
- Breastfeeding. It’s not known whether Vraylar passes into breast milk. For more information, see the “Vraylar and pregnancy, breastfeeding, and birth control” section above.
Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Vraylar, see the “Vraylar side effects” section above.
When you get Vraylar from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.
The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The
Storage
How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.
You should store Vraylar capsules at room temperature (68–77°F [20–25°C]) in a tightly sealed container away from light. Avoid keeping this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.
Disposal
If you no longer need to take Vraylar and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.
This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information on how to dispose of your medication.
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