Vraylar dose information: Formulations, potencies, administration methods, and additional details
Vraylar dose information: Formulations, potencies, administration methods, and additional details
Vraylar, the brand-name for cariprazine, is a medication used for various mood disorders. It's usually administered as a daily capsule, and the dosage can change depending on various factors.
Vraylar Dosage Details
The following table provides information about typical dosages for various conditions:
| Condition | Beginning Dose | Typical Dosage Range | Maximum Dose || --- | --- | --- | --- || Bipolar Depression | 1.5 mg once daily | 1.5 mg to 3 mg once daily | 3 mg once daily || Manic or Mixed Episodes of Bipolar I Disorder | 1.5 mg once daily | 3 mg to 6 mg once daily | 6 mg once daily || Schizophrenia | 1.5 mg once daily | 1.5 mg to 6 mg once daily | 6 mg once daily || Depression | 1.5 mg once daily | 1.5 mg to 3 mg once daily | 3 mg once daily |
Vraylar Form
Vraylar is available in capsule form, which you swallow.
Vraylar Strengths
The medication is available in 4 different strengths: 1.5 mg, 3 mg, 4.5 mg, and 6 mg.
Typical Dosages
Doctors typically start patients on a low dose, which they may later adjust to find an optimal dosage. The desired effect should be achieved with the smallest possible dose.
Depression Dosage
bipolar depression
For treating depression, the usual starting dose is 1.5 mg once daily. On the 15th day of treatment, the dosage might be increased to 3 mg daily. The maximum recommended dosage for depression is 3 mg daily.
For treating depression, Vraylar is usually taken in combination with an antidepressant. Your doctor will provide you with instructions for both medications.
1.5 mg once daily
Bipolar Depression Dosage
The suggested starting dose for treating bipolar depression is 1.5 mg once daily. After two weeks, the dosage might be increased to 3 mg daily – the maximum dose for this condition.
1.5 to 3 mg once daily
Dosage for Manic or Mixed Episodes of Bipolar I Disorder
For bipolar I disorder, the initial dose is 1.5 mg, which may be increased to 3 mg daily on the second day. If necessary, your doctor may gradually increase the dosage up to 6 mg daily.
3 mg once daily
Dosage for Schizophrenia
The recommended starting dose for schizophrenia is 1.5 mg daily, which may be increased to 3 mg on the second day. The dosage may be gradually increased if necessary, up to a maximum of 6 mg daily.
Long-term Use
For treating manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder, you may need to take Vraylar for a few weeks. Your doctor will let you know how long you should take the medication for this symptom.
manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder
For other conditions, Vraylar is intended for long-term use. If you and your doctor agree that Vraylar is safe and effective for you, you'll likely take it for an extended period.
Missed Dose
1.5 mg once daily
If you miss a Vraylar dose, consult your doctor or pharmacist about the best time to take your next dose.
To help ensure you don't miss a dose, consider using a medication reminder, such as setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also use a reminder app on your phone.
3 to 6 mg once daily
Factors Affecting Dosage
The Vraylar dose your doctor prescribes will depend on various factors, including:
6 mg once daily
- the type and severity of the condition you're treating
- side effects from Vraylar
- other medications you're taking
- any other medical conditions you have
Dosage Adjustments
It's essential to discuss all medications you're taking with your doctor. Your doctor may adjust your Vraylar dose if you're taking certain medications, such as CYP3A4 inducers or CYP3A4 inhibitors. These types of medications can affect the level of CYP3A4 in your body, which is a liver enzyme that helps eliminate certain medications.
If you have severe liver or kidney problems, your doctor may not prescribe Vraylar. Discuss any such issues with your doctor.
schizophrenia
How to Take Vraylar
Vraylar is available as a capsule that you swallow. You'll likely take it once daily, with or without food.
1.5 mg once daily
If you have trouble swallowing capsules, see this article for tips on taking such medications. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
EASY-TO-READ DRUG INSTRUCTIONS AND PACKAGINGIf you're having difficulties reading your prescription instructions, have a chat with your doctor or pharmacist. Certain pharmacies offer larger font, braille, or a smartphone-scannable code that converts text to speech for such labels. If your local pharmacy lacks these features, your doctor or pharmacist may suggest a pharmacy that does.
1.5 to 6 mg once daily
If you're struggling to open your medication bottles, don't hesitate to ask your pharmacist about switching to an easy-open container for Vraylar. They may also suggest tools that can simplify bottle opening.
Vraylar and substance misuse
6 mg once daily
The potential for Vraylar to cause drug addiction or be misused isn't fully understood. (Addiction involves your body needing the drug to maintain normal functioning. Misuse involves using a drug in ways not prescribed by your doctor.)
Neither drug addiction nor misuse were studied in the clinical trials of Vraylar. Therefore, it's not known what effects Vraylar might have if misused.
Discuss your concerns about addiction or misuse with your doctor.
Vraylar and overdose
depression
Taking more than the recommended dosage of Vraylar could result in severe side effects. It's crucial that you adhere to your doctor's prescribed dosage.
Symptoms of an overdose
1.5 mg once daily
Overdose symptoms of Vraylar may include:
- postural hypotension (low blood pressure upon standing up)
- excessive drowsiness
1.5 to 3 mg once daily
If you exceed the recommended Vraylar dosage
Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect you've overdosed on Vraylar. Alternatively, you can reach out to America's Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use their online tool. If you experience severe symptoms, immediately contact 911, your local emergency number, or visit the nearest emergency room.
3 mg once daily
Conclusion and useful resources
The dosages mentioned in this article represent typical dosages provided by the manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Vraylar for you, they will prescribe the appropriate dosage. Always adhere to your doctor's prescribed dosage.
As with any medication, never modify your Vraylar dosage without your doctor's approval. If you have dosage-related questions, consult your doctor.
Additional information about Vraylar may prove helpful. The following articles might be of interest:
- More about Vraylar: For more details on other aspects of Vraylar, check out this article.
- Side effects: To learn about side effects of Vraylar, see this article. Additionally, review the Vraylar prescribing information.
- Cost: If you'd like to learn about Vraylar and costs, review this article.
- Drug comparison: Find out how Vraylar stacks up against Abilify and Latuda.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, thorough, and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for a healthcare professional's knowledge and expertise. Always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The information provided about drugs here is subject to change and should not be considered a definitive guide, as effects may vary for each individual. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not imply that the drug or drug combination is safe, appropriate, or effective for all patients or uses.
- The use of Vraylar in the treatment of depression, both for bipolar depression and major depression, requires careful consideration of the patient's mental health conditions and any potential interactions with other medications.
- Individuals with schizophrenia may also benefit from Vraylar, but the dosage should be adjusted based on their specific symptoms and response to the medication, as well as any potential side effects or interactions with other medications they may be taking.
- It's essential to discuss any concerns about substance misuse or drug addiction with a healthcare provider before starting or continuing treatment with Vraylar, as the potential for misuse or addiction is not fully understood.