Vraylar (Cariprazine) for Depression

Overview
Vraylar is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. It is also approved for the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes and depressive episodes associated with bipolar 1 disorder (bipolar depression) in adults. Additionally, Vraylar is approved as an adjunctive (add-on) therapy to antidepressants for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Vraylar is also known by its drug name, cariprazine.

Vraylar is an atypical antipsychotic. It is believed to work by affecting dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain, helping to stabilize mood, reduce psychotic symptoms, and improve depressive symptoms.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Vraylar is taken by mouth once daily, with or without food. The drug is generally taken daily. Dosing sizes vary depending on factors including diagnosis. Vraylar should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Vraylar vary by condition:

• Schizophrenia — Extrapyramidal symptoms (movement disorders such as tremors or muscle stiffness) and akathisia (a feeling of restlessness)
• Bipolar mania — Extrapyramidal symptoms, akathisia, dyspepsia (indigestion), vomiting, somnolence (sleepiness), and restlessness
• Bipolar depression — Nausea, akathisia, restlessness, and extrapyramidal symptoms.
• Adjunctive treatment of MDD — Akathisia, restlessness, fatigue, constipation, nausea, insomnia, increased appetite, dizziness, and extrapyramidal symptoms

Rare but serious side effects may include neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a life-threatening reaction with high fever and muscle stiffness), tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements, especially of the face), late-appearing side effects due to the drug’s long half-life, hyperglycemia/diabetes mellitus (high blood sugar), dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol levels), weight gain, orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing), seizures, low white blood cell counts (leukopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis), and trouble thinking clearly or moving normally. Elderly individuals with dementia-related psychosis are at increased risk of death and should not be treated with Vraylar. There is also an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults and children.

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Label: Vrylar — Cariprazine Capsule, Gelatin Coated; Vraylar — Cariprazine Kit — DailyMed