The new medication Vraylar is primarily used to treat bipolar 1 disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia. At Lightfully, we’ve also had success using it to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).These are off-label uses, however. While the FDA hasn’t approved Vraylar for these uses, many of our clients have seen good results. It’s effective at targeting symptoms without some of the tough side effects such as weight gain that often come with other medications.
Vraylar is the brand name for the generic medication cariprazine. It’s an atypical antipsychotic that helps regulate dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about how Vraylar is used to treat these conditions, what effects people are noticing and what else you should know before taking it.
What conditions can be treated with Vraylar?
Vraylar is used for short-term treatment of manic episodes, mixed episodes and depressive episodes that happen with bipolar 1 disorder. It’s also used for schizophrenia. When prescribed off-label to treat PTSD and OCD, Vraylar is usually combined with an antidepressant.
Researchers don’t know exactly how Vraylar works. It’s thought to regulate levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, while most selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) may regulate serotonin and/or norepinephrine. When all three of these neurotransmitters are balanced, depression symptoms and other mental health symptoms subside.
Some symptoms that Vraylar can help with include:
- Low mood
- Low energy or fatigue
- Lack of motivation
- Self-isolation
- Inability to feel pleasure
- Loss of interest in life activities
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness
- Changes in appetite or sleep
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Physical discomfort
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
What side effects are possible when taking Vraylar?
You may notice some mild side effects during the first few weeks when you start taking Vraylar. These usually go away once your body gets used to the medication. While other antidepressants are known to cause weight gain and sexual dysfunction, people who took Vraylar during clinical trials didn’t notice these symptoms.
There’s always a risk of increased suicidal ideation when taking antidepressants, and teens and young adults who take Vraylar should be especially vigilant. Let your prescriber know about any sudden changes in mood.
The most common side effects of Vraylar include:
- Difficulty moving or slow movements
- Tremors
- Uncontrolled body movements
- Restlessness and feeling like you need to move around
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Sleepiness and feeling tired
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased appetite
- Dizziness
These are not the only side effects that are possible with Vraylar. If you have more severe side effects such as difficulty swallowing, seizures, agitation, muscle stiffness, fever or other severe symptoms not listed, tell your doctor right away.
What conditions and medications may interact with Vraylar?
Vraylar has some potential interactions with other medications and conditions. Let your doctor know about past or present medical conditions as well as medications and supplements you’re taking before you start taking Vraylar. Ask your doctor before using opioids, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Vraylar isn’t approved for use in older people experiencing dementia-related psychosis. If you have diabetes, high blood sugar, liver problems, kidney problems, or history of high blood pressure or heart disease, let your doctor know before taking Vraylar.
What else should I know about Vraylar?
Only take Vraylar as prescribed by your doctor. It takes time for most medications to start working, and they affect each person differently. You may need to try a few different combinations to determine what works best for you. You should work closely with a psychiatrist or prescribing physician when taking antidepressants. Let your prescriber know about any side effects you notice.
There are a few more things you should know about Vraylar:
- Taking Vraylar can cause issues controlling your body temperature, leading you to feel too warm. Stay hydrated when taking this medication, and don’t exercise too much or spend too much time in the sun. You should also avoid driving or using heavy machinery until you know how Vraylar affects you.
- Your doctor should check your blood pressure and heart rate often, and you may also need regular blood tests.
- Taking high doses of Vraylar or taking it for long periods may increase your risk of developing a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia.
- Not all insurance plans cover Vraylar, but the manufacturer has a savings card available.
Get comprehensive treatment including medication management at Lightfully
If your mental health symptoms are interfering with your daily life, you should reach out to a licensed clinical care provider. There are treatments that can help. Most people need a balance of psychotherapy and medication to manage moderate or severe mental health symptoms. Vraylar is just one of many medications that may help. The most important factors are your trust in your care provider and your treatment plan.
At Lightfully, we get to know our clients as people first and work together to create personalized treatment plans. Your plan will include a blend of evidence-based treatments and medication management sessions. Our programs offer a tranquil environment where you’re surrounded by plenty of supportive care providers and attending several hours of psychotherapy per day while you find medications that work for you.
Are you ready to start managing your symptoms more effectively? We can help. Contact us to learn more or reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team.
