Cariprazine
Uses
An antipsychotic drug used for bipolar disorder’s manic and mixed episodes as well as schizophrenia.
IUPAC name: 3-[4-[2-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl]ethyl]cyclohexyl]-1,1-dimethylurea
Drug class: Atypical antipsychotics
Route of administration: Oral
Is it a drug that needs a prescription? YES
Is it an OTC drug? NO
Mechanism of action
This medication works by regulating and restoring the activity of certain neurotransmitters (such as dopamine and serotonin) in the brain and helps to enhance thoughts, feelings, moods, and behavior.
Side effects
It may cause dizziness, drowsiness, headache, constipation, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, vision problems, salivation, difficulty sleeping, agitation, fatigue, tremors, restlessness, nervousness, involuntary movements and seizures.
Precautions
Before using this medication, take the following precautions and notify your doctor:
If you are allergic to it or to other antipsychotic (neuroleptic) drugs, or if you have any other allergies,
If you are taking any other medication (prescribed, non-prescribed, or herbal products),
If you have a history of leukemia (low white blood cell count), seizures (fits), obesity, trouble swallowing, breathing/lung problems (including sleep apnea, severe asthma, COPD-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiac disease (heart attack, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia), dehydration, stroke,
If you have undergone any type of surgery,
Limit your alcohol usage since it increases your chances of developing blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. It may also cause a loss of alertness.
This drug’s adverse effects are more severe in older adults.
Avoid activities that can cause you to overheat while taking this medication.
Avoid abruptly discontinuing this medication without first talking to your doctor.
If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor. Using this drug in the last trimester of pregnancy is not recommended since it might harm the unborn child.
Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
