Vraylar (cariprazine) is an antipsychotic drug prescribed to treat bipolar I disorder, schizophrenia, and certain types of depression in adults and some children.
While it’s unlikely to cause mania, mood changes can occur. Your healthcare professional will monitor your symptoms closely, especially when you start Vraylar treatment or have a dosage adjustment.
Vraylar is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.
Vraylar reduces the severity of manic symptoms such as racing thoughts, impulsivity, the decreased need for sleep, and inflated self-esteem. It does this by balancing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain.
In people with bipolar I disorder, any drug that affects mood carries a small risk of flipping them from a low state into a high (manic) one. This is especially true when the drug is being taken:
- to treat depressive episodes in people with bipolar I disorder
- as an add-on treatment to other antidepressants
To help prevent triggering a manic episode, your doctor will order a bipolar I disorder screening for you before prescribing Vraylar for depression. This helps confirm that your treatment plan is a safe match for your specific type of mood disorder.
It’s also important to distinguish mania from a common side effect called akathisia. Vraylar can cause a physical sense of restlessness or an inability to sit still. While this might feel like the high energy of mania, it’s actually a movement-related side effect of the drug.
You should call your healthcare professional immediately if you experience new or worsening symptoms, including:
- a drastic increase in talking or activity (mania)
- extreme agitation or restlessness
- new or worsened anxiety or irritability
- severe insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.