Vraylar Dosage, forms & strengths
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Get started todayVraylar (cariprazine) is a prescription atypical antipsychotic medication that is manufactured by AbbVie Inc. Vraylar changes chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine to help stabilize your mood, thoughts, and behaviors.
It is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for:
- Treatment of schizophrenia in adults
- Acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults
- Treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (bipolar depression) in adults
Vraylar dosage forms and strengths
Vraylar is available as an oral capsule with the following strengths:
- 1.5 mg capsules
- 3 mg capsules
- 4.5 mg capsules
- 6 mg capsules
Vraylar dosage for adults
The recommended starting dose of Vraylar in adults is 1.5mg by mouth once daily, with or without food. Depending upon your medical condition, clinical response, and tolerability, your dose can be adjusted in 1.5mg to 3mg increments. The dosing range for Vraylar is 1.5mg to 6mg once daily. In short-term clinical trials, doses above 6 mg per day did not increase effectiveness enough to outweigh the dose-related adverse reactions.
The safety and effectiveness of Vraylar have not been established in children 18 years of age and younger.
Vraylar adult dosage chart
| Indication | Starting dosage | Standard dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schizophrenia | 1.5mg once daily. | 1.5mg to 6mg once daily. | 6mg once daily. |
| Bipolar mania | 1.5mg once daily. | 3mg to 6mg once daily. | 6mg once daily. |
| Bipolar depression | 1.5mg once daily. | 1.5mg to 3mg once daily. | 3mg once daily. |
Vraylar dosage restrictions
- In clinical trials with antipsychotic drugs such as Vraylar, elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis were at an increased risk of death compared to placebo.
- Your Vraylar dosage should be reduced by half if taken with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as itraconazole and ketoconazole.
- There is no dosage adjustment is necessary for patients with mild to moderate hepatic or renal impairment.
- Usage of Vraylar is not recommended in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment.
How to take Vraylar
- Read the Prescribing Information with Boxed Warnings, and the Medication Guide before taking Vraylar and with each refill.
- Take Vraylar exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes it to you. Do not change the dose or stop taking Vraylar without discussing it with your healthcare provider.
- Vraylar is typically taken by mouth once a day with or without food.
- If you miss a dose of Vraylar, take it right away. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose, then go back to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take extra doses of Vraylar.
- If you have taken too much Vraylar, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
- Do not drive or operate machinery until you see how Vraylar affects you.
- Store Vraylar at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) away from moisture.
Vraylar dosage FAQs
What are some side effects of Vraylar?
Some common adverse reactions to Vraylar may include:
- Extrapyramidal symptoms such as tremors, slurred speech, involuntary muscle movements
- Headache
- Akathisia/restlessness
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Somnolence (drowsiness)
- Dyspepsia (indigestion)
- Orthostatic hypotension, especially for those with heart or cerebrovascular disease
Some serious side effects of Vraylar include:
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
- Tardive dyskinesia (uncontrolled muscle movements)
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Increased risk of seizures
- Increase in body temperature
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels)
- Hypersensitivity reactions
You can report any side effects you experience to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
What are some drug interactions with Vraylar?
When Vraylar is taken with other medicines, they may interact and change how those work. It may also increase the severity of certain side effects or make them more likely to occur. Some major drug interactions of Vraylar include:
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (itraconazole, ketoconazole) – Vraylar dose should be reduced by half.
- CYP3A4 inducers (rifampin, carbamazepine) – Vraylar use is not recommended.
Be sure to tell your healthcare professional about the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Are there any contraindications or precautions with Vraylar?
You should not take Vraylar if you have had a serious allergic reaction to Vraylar or any of its inactive ingredients. Patients treated with antidepressants should be monitored for worsening symptoms or any signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
How long does Vraylar stay in your system?
Based on Vraylar and its major active metabolites having a half-life of up to 3 weeks, it can remain in your bloodstream for up to 15 weeks after the last dose.
What is the maximum dosage for Vraylar?
The maximum dose of Vraylar is 3mg to 6mg once daily with or without food, depending on the condition being treated.
Does Vraylar cause withdrawal symptoms?
While the sudden discontinuation of Vraylar should not cause withdrawal symptoms, it may worsen the symptoms of the condition being treated. Do not stop taking Vraylar without consulting your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to use Vraylar while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Your infant may develop uncontrolled muscle movements or withdrawal symptoms at birth if Vraylar is taken during the 3rd trimester. It is not known if Vraylar is found in breast milk. You should discuss with your healthcare provider the risks and benefits of using Vraylar while breastfeeding.
Will lab monitoring be done when taking Vraylar?
You should monitor your blood glucose levels while taking Vraylar. Your doctor may run tests to check your renal function, blood pressure, and cholesterol level. They may also perform a complete blood count (CBC) if you have low white blood cell counts (WBC) or a history of leukopenia or neutropenia.
