Other Brands/Names

Symvenu.

How It Works

Cariprazine is part of a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. It works by altering the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.

Indications

• Schizophrenia, a serious mental illness that affects thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

• Depressive episodes in individuals with bipolar I disorder, which is characterized by alternating episodes of mania (extreme happiness or excitement) and depression (extreme sadness).

• Short-term treatment of manic or mixed episodes in patients with bipolar I disorder, where symptoms of both mania and depression occur at the same time.

Contraindications

• A history of allergy to cariprazine

• Concurrent use of CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers (see drug interactions section)

Side Effects

• Common side effects of cariprazine include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, fatigue, excessive salivation, blurred vision, weight gain, or constipation. If any of these effects worsen or persist, contact your doctor.

• Serious side effects may include:

  • Fainting

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Tremors (shaking)

  • Muscle spasms

  • A mask-like facial expression

  • Seizures

  • Persistent sore throat, fever, chills, or cough (signs of infection)

• Cariprazine may increase your blood sugar, which could lead to or worsen diabetes. Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels and discuss the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise routine, or diet.
• This medication may also cause tardive dyskinesia, a condition characterized by involuntary movements, often affecting the face, mouth, tongue, arms, or legs. In some cases, this condition can be permanent. Tell your doctor if you experience any unusual or uncontrolled movements.
• A rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) may occur, with symptoms such as fever, muscle stiffness, pain, or weakness, severe fatigue, confusion, sweating, irregular heartbeat, dark urine, and signs of kidney problems (such as changes in the amount of urine). Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of these symptoms.

Types

Cariprazine is available in capsule form with concentrations of 1.5 mg, 3 mg, 4.5 mg, and 6 mg.

Dosage

For schizophrenia: initial dose is 1.5 mg once daily, which can be increased slowly by 1.5 mg per day. The maximum dose is 6 mg per day if necessary.

Safety

• Cariprazine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you are sure it is safe to do so.
• This medication can reduce sweating, increasing the risk of heat stroke. Avoid activities that may cause overheating, such as strenuous work or exercise in hot weather. Stay hydrated and wear light clothing. If you overheat, find a cool place to rest and seek medical attention if you experience fever, mental or mood changes, headache, or dizziness.
• During pregnancy, cariprazine should only be used if absolutely necessary. Babies born to mothers who use cariprazine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may experience symptoms such as muscle stiffness or tremors, drowsiness, difficulty feeding or breathing, or persistent crying. If these symptoms occur, especially in the first month of life, contact your doctor immediately. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication during pregnancy with your doctor.
• The effects of cariprazine during breastfeeding are unknown. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

• Cariprazine serum levels may increase when used with moderate and strong-potency CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole (an antifungal) and certain high blood pressure medications like diltiazem and verapamil.
• Cariprazine serum levels may decrease when used with moderate and strong-potency CYP3A4 inducers, such as anticonvulsants like carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin.

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