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Cariprazine Oral Capsule (CARIPRAZINE - ORAL)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • bipolar disorder
  • depression
  • schizophrenia

Brand Name(s): Vraylar

Generic Name: Cariprazine

Instructions

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

It may take several weeks for this medicine to fully work.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

This medicine may cause higher blood sugar levels or diabetes. Please follow your doctor's instructions and check your blood sugar level regularly while on this medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Do not take the medicine more than once during 24 hours.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with a rare but very serious medical condition. Please speak with your doctor about symptoms you should look out for while on this medicine. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop those symptoms.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting, especially after exercising or in hot weather. Be very careful when standing or sitting up quickly.

If possible, avoid using with marijuana or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

If you drink more than a few alcoholic beverages each day, ask your doctor whether you should be on this medicine.

Avoid becoming overheated during exercise or other activities. Try to stay cool in hot weather.

Contact your doctor if you notice a change in the amount or darkening of your urine.

Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • constipation
  • dizziness or drowsiness
  • drooling
  • lack of energy and tiredness
  • headaches
  • lightheadedness
  • nausea
  • increased risk of sunburn
  • blurring or changes of vision
  • weight gain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • confusion
  • depression or feeling sad
  • face appearing mask-like
  • fainting
  • fever
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • high blood sugar
  • signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
  • uncontrollable movement of face, tongue, arms or legs
  • muscle aches, spasms or abnormal movements
  • seizures
  • shakiness
  • suicidal thoughts
  • difficulty swallowing
  • sweating
  • excessive thirst
  • unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
  • dark urine

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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