cariprazine (Vraylar)

Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if an antipsychotic medication like cariprazine (Vraylar) may be right for you.

Treatment for:
schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression

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What is an antipsychotic?

Antipsychotics are a class of medication that is primarily used to treat symptoms of psychosis, like hearing and seeing things that other people do not, feeling paranoid, or having delusions.

How does an antipsychotic work?

Antipsychotics work by blocking dopamine in the brain, which helps reduce the frequency and severity of psychotic symptoms.

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find a provider who meets your needs

    Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).

  • 2

    Meet 1:1 to begin treatment

    Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Attend sessions and start feeling better

    Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.

FAQs

What is cariprazine (Vraylar) used for?

Cariprazine is an atypical antipsychotic that's used to treat schizophrenia, depression, manic or mixed episodes of bipolar disorder, and depression in people with bipolar disorder.

How long does it take for cariprazine (Vraylar) to take effect?

How long cariprazine takes to work depends on factors such as your dosage, the severity of your condition, and how you respond to treatment. It may take a few weeks to months for you to see a clear improvement in your symptoms. To start, your provider may put you on a low dosage and slowly increase it. If you have questions about your dosage and how well cariprazine is working for you, talk with your provider.

Do cariprazine (Vraylar) side effects go away?

Some side effects of cariprazine may go away over time, while others might not. Cariprazine has some common mild side effects such as nausea, restlessness, headache, sleepiness, and upset stomach, which may go away after a few days or weeks of taking the medication. Other side effects may be more serious and last a long time. These include increased blood sugar, high cholesterol or triglycerides, movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia, akathisia, and more. If you experience side effects of cariprazine that don't go away and become bothersome, call your provider. They can discuss your options with you and help you decide if you need to stop taking cariprazine.

Does cariprazine (Vraylar) cause weight gain or loss?

Yes, weight gain is a common side effect seen in people taking cariprazine. If you experience weight gain with cariprazine, talk to your provider about it. They can suggest ways for you to maintain a healthy weight while taking cariprazine.

Is cariprazine (Vraylar) a controlled substance?

No, cariprazine is not a controlled substance, since it does not lead to addiction. If you have further questions, speak with your provider about the side effects of cariprazine.

How long does cariprazine (Vraylar) stay in your system?

Cariprazine has a long half-life—around one week. This means it takes about a week for half the drug to leave your body. Even so, cariprazine may stay in your body for 8 weeks or longer depending on how well your liver and kidneys function. If you have questions about how long cariprazine is likely to stay in your body, talk to your pharmacist or provider.

Does cariprazine (Vraylar) cause drowsiness?

Yes, drowsiness is a common side effect of cariprazine. Until you're familiar with how cariprazine affects you, do not operate machinery or perform tasks that require you to be alert. If drowsiness becomes bothersome and starts interfering with your daily life, your provider may have suggestions on how to manage this side effect, such as taking the medication at night. Note: Some people may experience insomnia (trouble sleeping) while taking cariprazine.

Can I get a prescription online?

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published October 3, 2024

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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