
What is Vraylar?
Vraylar (cariprazine) is an FDA-approved prescription medicine used in adults for treating various mental health conditions.
It is FDA-approved for:
- Schizophrenia: A condition that affects a person’s ability to think, manage emotions, make decisions, and relate to others. Symptoms can include hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
- Manic or Mixed Episodes in Bipolar I Disorder: Short-term treatment for periods of extremely high energy, overly happy or irritable mood, and impulsive behavior, often mixed with depressive symptoms in people with bipolar I disorder.
- Depressive Episodes in Bipolar I Disorder (Bipolar Depression): Treatment for periods of low mood, sadness, and loss of interest in daily activities in people with bipolar I disorder.
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): When used with other antidepressant medicines to treat major depression, a condition characterized by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
Vraylar helps manage these conditions by balancing certain chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, which affect mood and behavior. It can take several weeks to feel the full effects of the medication.
It is not known if Vraylar is safe or effective for children. Sharing your full medical history, including any heart problems, blood pressure issues, diabetes, or previous allergic reactions, will help your provider determine if Vraylar is safe for you.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss this with your doctor, as Vraylar may not be recommended in these situations.
How Does Vraylar Work?
Vraylar helps manage mental health conditions by targeting certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
While its exact mechanism isn’t completely understood, it is known to influence dopamine and serotonin levels.
Dopamine affects mood, motivation, and focus, while serotonin impacts mood, sleep, and appetite.
Vraylar partially activates some dopamine and serotonin receptors and blocks others, which helps balance these neurotransmitters and stabilize mood.
This action supports its effectiveness in treating symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression.
Dosage Information and Usage
Dosage Form and Strengths of Vraylar
- 1.5 mg capsules: White with an imprint of “FL 1.5”
- 3 mg capsules: Yellow with an imprint of “FL 3”
- 4.5 mg capsules: Light blue with an imprint of “FL 4.5”
- 6 mg capsules: Purple with an imprint of “FL 6”
Usage
Vraylar is taken orally once a day, with or without food.
The starting dose for treating schizophrenia or manic episodes related to bipolar I disorder is usually 1.5 mg per day, which may be adjusted based on your response to the medication.
For schizophrenia, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 6 mg daily.
For manic episodes, the dose can also be adjusted up to 6 mg daily.
In cases of bipolar depression or major depressive disorder, the maximum recommended dose is 3 mg daily.
If you are taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers, your dose of Vraylar may need to be adjusted.
Side Effects
Vraylar can cause side effects, some of which may be serious. It’s important to be aware of these potential effects and discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Common Side Effects
- Difficulty moving or slow movements
- Tremors or shaking
- Uncontrolled body movements
- Restlessness or feeling the need to move around
- Sleepiness or drowsiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Indigestion or constipation
- Fatigue
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased appetite
- Dizziness
Serious but Rare Side Effects
- Stroke (cerebrovascular problems) in elderly people with dementia-related psychosis
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), is a severe condition with high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, increased sweating, and changes in breathing, heart rate, or blood pressure
- Uncontrolled body movements (tardive dyskinesia), which may persist even after stopping the medication
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and diabetes, with symptoms like:
- excessive thirst,
- frequent urination,
- hunger,
- weakness,
- nausea,
- confusion,
- fruity-smelling breath
- Increased fat levels (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood
- Weight gain
- Low white blood cell count
- Decreased blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension), causing lightheadedness or fainting when standing up quickly
- Falls due to dizziness or decreased motor skills
- Seizures (convulsions)
- Problems with body temperature regulation
- Difficulty swallowing, which can lead to choking or aspiration
Warnings and Precautions
- Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis: Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis taking antipsychotic drugs, including Vraylar, have a higher risk of death. Causes of death are often related to heart problems or infections. Vraylar is not approved for treating dementia-related psychosis.
- Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults: Antidepressant medications, including Vraylar, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in individuals under 25 years old. This risk should be monitored closely, especially when starting treatment or changing doses.
- Cerebrovascular Adverse Reactions: Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis taking antipsychotic drugs may experience strokes or transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes). Vraylar is not approved for this use.
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): NMS is a serious condition that can be fatal, characterized by high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, and unstable body functions. If NMS symptoms appear, discontinue Vraylar immediately and seek emergency treatment.
- Tardive Dyskinesia: This disorder involves involuntary and often uncontrollable movements, usually in the face or tongue. It may develop with long-term use of Vraylar and can be permanent. The risk increases with the duration and dosage of treatment.
- Late-Occurring Adverse Reactions: Some side effects of Vraylar may appear weeks after starting the medication due to its long-term presence in the body. Monitor for new or worsening symptoms over time.
- Metabolic Changes: Vraylar can cause weight gain, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), diabetes, and altered blood fat levels. Regular monitoring of weight, blood sugar, and lipid levels is recommended.
- Leukopenia, Neutropenia, and Agranulocytosis: Low white blood cell counts can occur with Vraylar, which may lead to serious infections. Regular blood tests are needed to monitor white blood cell levels.
- Orthostatic Hypotension and Syncope: Vraylar may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, leading to dizziness or fainting. Caution is advised for patients with heart problems or those on blood pressure medications.
- Falls: The medication can cause drowsiness or dizziness, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Assess fall risks in patients, especially those with conditions that may worsen these effects.
- Seizures: There is a risk of seizures with Vraylar, particularly in patients with a history of seizures or conditions that lower the seizure threshold.
- Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment: Vraylar may impair thinking, judgment, and motor skills. Patients should be cautious when performing tasks that require alertness, like driving.
- Body Temperature Dysregulation: Vraylar can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature. Be cautious with activities that might raise body temperature, like exercise in hot conditions.
- Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing has been reported. Use Vraylar carefully in patients at risk for aspiration or choking.
Overdosage of Vraylar
During clinical trials involving approximately 5,000 patients, one accidental Vraylar overdose case was reported.
The patient took 48 mg/day, leading to dizziness and drowsiness. The patient fully recovered on the same day.
There is no specific antidote for Vraylar overdose; in such cases, closely monitor the patient.
Drug Interactions With Other Medications
- Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Using Vraylar with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase the levels of Vraylar and its active metabolite in the body. This may enhance side effects. Reduce the Vraylar dose if used with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor.
- CYP3A4 Inducers: CYP3A4 helps in breaking down Vraylar and its metabolites. The effect of CYP3A4 inducers on Vraylar is not well understood. Avoid using Vraylar with CYP3A4 inducers, as their impact on Vraylar levels is uncertain.
Alternative Medications
If you’re considering alternatives to Vraylar, here are some other medications that may be used for similar conditions:
- Abilify (Aripiprazole)
- Latuda (Lurasidone)
- Seroquel (Quetiapine)
- Risperdal (Risperidone)
- Zyprexa (Olanzapine)
- Clozapine
- Lamictal (Lamotrigine)
- Lithium
- Caplyta (Lumateperone)
- Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole)
Cost & Coupons
While mental health medication in the United States may come at a high price, investing in your mental well-being is invaluable. Medications like Vraylar are crucial for supporting mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, the high cost of these medications can be a barrier for many people in getting the treatment they need.
At Pharma Giant, we understand the importance of affordable healthcare and believe that everyone should have access to quality medication without worrying about financial burdens.
According to GoodRX, the cost of Vraylar in the United States can exceed $1700 for 30 capsules, which is approximately $56.67 per capsule. This high price can make it difficult for patients to maintain their treatment.
Don’t let financial worries interfere with your well-being. Choose Pharma Giant and manage your health without breaking the bank!
Exclusive Discount on Vraylar
Take control of your healthcare expenses with Pharma Giant’s exclusive offer. Use the code PGSAVE10 at checkout to instantly receive a 10% discount on your Vraylar purchase. This special offer allows you to save on medication without compromising on quality or affordability.
Savings on Bulk Purchases
Pharma Giant offers the advantage of bulk purchases, allowing patients to obtain up to a 90-day supply for easier ongoing treatment and better expense management.
Commitment to Quality and Prompt Delivery
At Pharma Giant, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality medications with swift, reliable delivery directly to your doorstep. Our express shipping option guarantees delivery within 3-5 business days anywhere in the US, offering you peace of mind and convenience.
Each order is packaged in secure containers to ensure your medication arrives safely and in optimal condition.
Pricing for Vraylar available through Pharma Giant:
| Strength | Quantity | Price (USD) | Price per Capsule (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5mg | 30 | $230.00 | $7.67 |
| 60 | $450.00 | $7.50 | |
| 90 | $660.00 | $7.33 | |
| 3mg | 30 | $230.00 | $7.67 |
| 60 | $450.00 | $7.50 | |
| 90 | $660.00 | $7.33 | |
| 4.5mg | 30 | $230.00 | $7.67 |
| 60 | $450.00 | $7.50 | |
| 90 | $660.00 | $7.33 | |
| 6mg | 30 | $230.00 | $7.67 |
| 60 | $450.00 | $7.50 | |
| 90 | $660.00 | $7.33 |
With the prices listed, it’s clear that the cost for a 30-day supply of Vraylar can be significant. By using the coupon code PGSAVE10, patients can make their treatment more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.





