Key facts about Cariprazine
What dosages is Cariprazine available in?
Cariprazine is available as a 1.5 mg, 3 mg, 4.5 mg, and 6 mg oral capsule.
What is Cariprazine used for?
Cariprazine is an atypical antipsychotic and is used for the following:
- Schizophrenia
- Manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder
- Bipolar depression of bipolar I disorder
- Major depressive disorder (MDD), as an add-on medication
How does Cariprazine work?
Cariprazine is an atypical antipsychotic. The exact way it works isn’t well-understood. But it’s thought to make dopamine and serotonin levels more stable in your brain to help control your thoughts, mood, and behaviors.
How do I take Cariprazine?
Cariprazine is typically dosed as follows:
- Schizophrenia and bipolar mania: The typical starting dose is 1.5 mg by mouth once a day. Your provider might raise your dose after a few days. The usual dosing range is 1.5 mg to 6 mg once a day
- Bipolar depression and MDD: The typical starting dose is 1.5 mg by mouth once a day. Your provider might raise your dose after 2 weeks. The usual dosing range is 1.5 mg to 3 mg once a day
Is it safe for me to take Cariprazine?
Cariprazine is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Cariprazine Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Cariprazine:
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Headache
- Restlessness
- Trouble sleeping
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Toothache
Cariprazine Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Cariprazine. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Stroke: numbness or weakness typically on one side of the body, loss of balance, headache, blurred vision, difficulty speaking
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): high fever, sweating, confusion, stiffness, blood pressure changes
Extremely high blood sugar levels: feeling very hungry or thirsty, urinating more often, stomach pain, weakness, fruity-smelling breath - Uncontrolled muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia): involuntarily sticking out your tongue, puffing out your cheeks, puckering your mouth, lip smacking, chewing, and foot tapping
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Seizures
- Dizzy or fainting spells that cause falls
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Cariprazine
The following medications may interact with Cariprazine:
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Reduce Cariprazine dosage by half
- CYP3A4 inducers: Concomitant use is not recommended
Who makes Cariprazine?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Cariprazine safe in pregnancy?
Cariprazine may harm your unborn baby. Taking Cariprazine during your third trimester of pregnancy may cause your baby to have abnormal muscle movements or withdrawal
symptoms after birth. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk to your unborn baby if you take Cariprazine during pregnancy. There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to
Cariprazine during pregnancy. For more information, contact the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics at 1-866-961-2388 or visit women’s health
