Do Vraylar side effects go away?

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Most side effects due to Vraylar (generic name: cariprazine), will usually go away over a few weeks as your body gets used to the medicine. Some side effects, like uncontrolled body movements, can be long-lasting or permanent. Talk to your doctor about side effects with Vraylar and how they could impact your treatment plan.

Take Vraylar exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not change your dose or stop treatment on your own. Always speak to your doctor about any side effects that concern you.

Some side effects may not appear until several weeks after you have started taking Vraylar. This is because the levels of medicine slowly increase in your body over time. Your doctor should monitor you for several weeks after starting Vraylar and any time your dose is increased.

Your doctor may decide to change your dose or stop your treatment, if needed, due to certain side effects. Your doctor may also be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some side effects.

Vraylar is an antipsychotic medication used in adults to treat mental health or mood disorders including schizophrenia, specific types of bipolar I disorder (manic, mixed and bipolar depression), and as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD).

How long does it take Vraylar to get out of your system?

The therapeutic action of Vraylar is thought to be due to three compounds: cariprazine (the parent compound), and two major active metabolites, desmethylcariprazine (DCAR) and didesmethylcariprazine (DDCAR). Vraylar's metabolites are active by-products of the parent compound cariprazine. All of these compound have equal potencies.

The half-lives reported for Vraylar are 2 to 4 days for cariprazine, about 1 to 2 days for DCAR, and approximately 1 to 3 weeks (7 to 21 days) for DDCAR.

In studies, drug levels of DDCAR decreased by about 50% one week after the last dose. Cariprazine and DCAR levels dropped by about 50% in about one day. There was about a 90% decline in drug plasma exposure within one week for cariprazine and DCAR, and at about four weeks for DDCAR. However, the decrease in blood levels of Vraylar may not be immediately reflected in your clinical symptoms.

Your doctor also will monitor you for side effects and how well you respond for several weeks after starting the medicine and with each dosage change, as drug levels slowly build as well.

Do not change your dose or stop taking Vraylar without first talking to your healthcare provider.

What are the side effects with Vraylar?

The most common side effects of Vraylar, some of which may be serious, include:

Side effects can also be the result of a drug interaction, so be sure to have your doctor and pharmacist review all of the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, herbals, and dietary supplements.

What side effects can be long-lasting with Vraylar?

Some side effects of Vraylar that can be long-lasting, or have long-lasting effects, include:

Tardive dyskinesia

Vraylar may cause tardive dyskinesia, which is movement that you cannot control in your face, tongue, or other body parts. These movements may include tongue thrusting, repetitive chewing, jaw swinging and facial grimacing.

The risk of tardive dyskinesia and the likelihood that it will become permanent increase with the length of time you take the medicine and the total dose over time. The syndrome can develop after a relatively brief treatment period, even at low doses. Whether one antipsychotic is more likely to cause tardive dyskinesia than another is not known.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome can be a serious and fatal side effect of some drugs, including antipsychotic drugs. Call your doctor, get emergency help or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have some or all of the following signs and symptoms of NMS:

Increased risk of death in elderly with dementia-related psychosis

Antipsychotic medications like Vraylar can raise the risk of stroke and death in elderly patients who have lost touch with reality (psychosis) due to confusion and memory loss (dementia). Vraylar is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.

Increased risk of suicide

Vraylar may increase the risk for suicidal thoughts or actions in patients who are depressed. The risk may be higher in patients with a history of depression, a family history of depression, bipolar illness (also called manic-depressive illness), or a history of suicidal thoughts or actions.

Vraylar is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old. Antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children and young adults within the first few months of treatment and when the dose is changed.

Call a health care provider right away if you or your family member has any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worsen, or worry you:

Allergies

Do not use Vraylar (cariprazine) if you are allergic to any ingredients in the product.

Signs of an allergic reaction can include hives, difficult breathing, and swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Call for emergency medical help if you think you are having an allergic reaction.

Metabolic changes

Vraylar can cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and diabetes, changes in cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood, and weight gain. Your doctor should check your blood sugar and blood lipids on a regular basis.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Vraylar can harm an unborn baby. If you are planning a pregnancy, speak with your doctor before starting treatment. If you become pregnant, or think you are pregnant while taking Vraylar, notify your doctor immediately. Your doctor may ask you to join a National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics to monitor your outcome.

It is not known if Vraylar passes into breast milk. Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby.

Falls and injuries

Vraylar can cause drowsiness or may make you faint or dizzy upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). This can lead to dangerous falls, broken bones or other injuries. Avoid alcohol while taking Vraylar.

Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how this medicine affects you.

Dehydration

Atypical antipsychotics like Vraylar may increase your risk of becoming too hot or dehydrated during treatment.

Other side effects with Vraylar can include low white blood cell counts, seizures, and difficulty swallowing.

Bottom Line

This is not all the information you need to know about Vraylar (cariprazine) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.