Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Cariprazine is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and for the emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The safety and efficacy of cariprazine have not been established in pediatric patients.
Note: Due to the long half-life of cariprazine and its active metabolites, changes in dose will not be fully reflected in plasma for several weeks.
Bipolar disorder:
Acute mania and acute episodes with mixed features (monotherapy): Oral: Initial: 1.5 mg once daily; adjust dose based on response and tolerability to 3 mg on day 2 and make further adjustments in increments of 1.5 or 3 mg. Recommended dosing range: 3 mg to 6 mg once daily. Maximum dose: 6 mg/day (product labeling); doses up to 12 mg/day have been evaluated in clinical trials, however, greater efficacy has not been demonstrated (Calabrese 2015; Vieta 2015).
Bipolar major depression (monotherapy): Oral: Initial: 1.5 mg once daily; increase based on response and tolerability to 3 mg on day 15. Maximum dose: 3 mg/day (Earley 2019; Earley 2020).
Major depressive disorder, unipolar (adjunctive therapy with an antidepressant) (off-label use): Oral: Initial: 1.5 mg/day, may increase to 3 mg/day after 2 weeks based on response and tolerability, with a subsequent increase to 4.5 mg/day, if needed (Nelson 2022). Note: The provided dosing is based on expert opinion. Available literature evaluated a starting dose of 0.5 mg/day, using dosage strengths that are not available in the United States (Durgam 2016a).
Schizophrenia: Oral: Initial: 1.5 mg once daily; adjust dose based on response and tolerability to 3 mg on day 2 and make further adjustments in increments of 1.5 or 3 mg. Recommended dosing range: 1.5 mg to 6 mg once daily. Maximum dose: 6 mg/day (product labeling); doses up to 9 mg/day have been evaluated in clinical trials, however, greater efficacy has not been demonstrated (Durgam 2016b; Kane 2015).
Dosage adjustment for concomitant therapy: Significant drug interactions exist, requiring dose/frequency adjustment or avoidance. Consult drug interactions database for more information.
Discontinuation of therapy: In the treatment of chronic psychiatric disease, switching therapy rather than discontinuation is generally advised if side effects are intolerable or treatment is not effective. If patient insists on stopping treatment, gradual dose reduction (ie, over several weeks to months) is advised to detect a re-emergence of symptoms and to avoid withdrawal reactions (eg, agitation, alternating feelings of warmth and chill, anxiety, diaphoresis, dyskinesias, GI symptoms, insomnia, irritability, myalgia, paresthesia, psychosis, restlessness, rhinorrhea, tremor, vertigo) unless discontinuation is due to significant adverse effects. Monitor closely to allow for detection of prodromal symptoms of disease recurrence (APA [Keepers 2020]; Lambert 2007; Moncrieff 2020; Post 2020).
Switching antipsychotics: An optimal universal strategy for switching antipsychotic drugs has not been established. Strategies include: cross-titration (gradually discontinuing the first antipsychotic while gradually increasing the new antipsychotic) and abrupt change (abruptly discontinuing the first antipsychotic and either increasing the new antipsychotic gradually or starting it at a treatment dose). In patients with schizophrenia at high risk of relapse, the current medication may be maintained at full dose as the new medication is increased (ie, overlap); once the new medication is at therapeutic dose, the first medication is gradually decreased and discontinued over 1 to 2 weeks (Cerovecki 2013; Remington 2005; Takeuchi 2017). Based upon clinical experience, some experts generally prefer cross-titration and overlap approaches rather than abrupt change (Stroup 2022).
CrCl ≥30 mL/minute: No dosage adjustment necessary.
CrCl <30 mL/minute: Use not recommended (has not been studied).
Mild to moderate impairment (Child-Pugh class A or B): No dosage adjustment necessary.
Severe impairment (Child-Pugh class C): Use not recommended (has not been studied).
Refer to adult dosing. Dosages in the lower range of recommended adult dosing are generally sufficient with late-onset schizophrenia or psychosis. Titrate dosage slowly and monitor carefully (Howard 2000).
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Capsule, Oral:
Vraylar: 1.5 mg
Vraylar: 3 mg, 4.5 mg [contains fd&c blue #1 (brilliant blue), fd&c red #40 (allura red ac dye)]
Vraylar: 6 mg [contains fd&c blue #1 (brilliant blue)]
Capsule Therapy Pack, Oral:
Vraylar: 1.5 mg (1) and 3 mg (6s) (7 ea) [contains fd&c blue #1 (brilliant blue), fd&c red #40 (allura red ac dye)]
No
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Capsule, Oral:
Vraylar: 1.5 mg
Vraylar: 3 mg, 4.5 mg [contains fd&c blue #1 (brilliant blue), fd&c red #40 (allura red ac dye)]
Vraylar: 6 mg [contains fd&c blue #1 (brilliant blue), fd&c red #3 (erythrosine sodium)]
An FDA-approved patient medication guide, which is available with the product information and as follows, must be dispensed with this medication:
Vraylar: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/204370s006lbl.pdf#page=39
Oral: Administer with or without food.
Bipolar disorder: Acute treatment of mania or episodes with mixed features and major depression associated with bipolar I disorder.
Schizophrenia: Treatment of schizophrenia.
Major depressive disorder, unipolar, augmentation of antidepressant
Beers Criteria: Antipsychotics are identified in the Beers Criteria as potentially inappropriate medications to be avoided in patients 65 years and older due to an increased risk of cerebrovascular accidents (stroke) and a greater rate of cognitive decline and mortality in patients with dementia. Antipsychotics may be appropriate for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, other mental health conditions or short-term use as antiemetic during chemotherapy but should be given in the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible. In addition, antipsychotics should be used with caution in older adults due to their potential to cause or exacerbate syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) or hyponatremia; monitor sodium closely with initiation or dosage adjustments in older adults (Beers Criteria [AGS 2019]).
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.
>10%:
Central nervous system: Drug-induced extrapyramidal reaction (15% to 41%), Parkinsonian-like syndrome (13% to 21%), akathisia (9% to 20%), headache (14%), insomnia (9% to 13%)
Gastrointestinal: Nausea (7% to 13%)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Hypertension (2% to 5%), tachycardia (2%)
Central nervous system: Drowsiness (7% to 8%), restlessness (4% to 7%), dizziness (3% to 7%), anxiety (5% to 6%), agitation (5%), dystonia (2% to 5%), fatigue (3% to 4%), suicidal ideation
Dermatologic: Hyperhidrosis
Endocrine & metabolic: Weight gain (2% to 8%), hyponatremia
Gastrointestinal: Vomiting (4% to 10%), constipation (6% to 7%), dyspepsia (5% to 7%), abdominal pain (6%), diarrhea (4%), toothache (4%), decreased appetite (3%), xerostomia (3%)
Genitourinary: Pollakiuria
Hepatic: Increased serum transaminases (≥3x ULN; 2% to 4%), increased liver enzymes (1%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Increased creatine phosphokinase (2% to 6%), limb pain (4%), back pain (3%), muscle rigidity (2% to 3%), arthralgia (2%)
Ophthalmic: Blurred vision (4%)
<1%, postmarketing, and/or case reports: Cerebrovascular accident, dysphagia, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hepatitis, leukopenia, neutropenia, rhabdomyolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Hypersensitivity (rash, pruritus, urticaria, angioedema) to cariprazine or any component of the formulation.
Canadian labeling: Additional contraindications (not in US labeling): Coadministration with or within 2 weeks of moderate and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors; coadministration with moderate and strong CYP3A4 inducers.
Major psychiatric warnings:
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors: [US Boxed Warning]: Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (18 to 24 years of age) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders; consider risk prior to prescribing. Short-term studies did not show an increased risk in patients >24 years of age and showed a decreased risk in patients ≥65 years of age. Closely monitor patients for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior, particularly during the initial 1 to 2 months of therapy or during periods of dosage adjustments (increases or decreases); the patient's family or caregiver should be instructed to closely observe the patient and communicate condition with health care provider. A medication guide concerning the use of antidepressants should be dispensed with each prescription. Cariprazine is not FDA approved for adjunctive treatment of depression in children.
-The possibility of a suicide attempt is inherent in major depression and may persist until remission occurs. Worsening depression and severe abrupt suicidality that are not part of the presenting symptoms may require discontinuation or modification of drug therapy. Use caution in high-risk patients during initiation of therapy. Patients should be screened for bipolar disorder prior to initiation of treatment of major depression.
- Prescriptions should be written for the smallest quantity consistent with good patient care. The patient's family or caregiver should be alerted to monitor patients for the emergence of suicidality and associated behaviors such as anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, akathisia, hypomania, and mania; patients should be instructed to notify their health care provider if any of these symptoms or worsening depression or psychosis occur.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Blood dyscrasias: Leukopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis (sometimes fatal) have been reported in clinical trials and postmarketing reports with antipsychotic use; presence of risk factors (eg, preexisting low WBC/ANC or history of drug-induced leuko-/neutropenia) should prompt periodic blood count assessment. Discontinue therapy at first signs of blood dyscrasias or if absolute neutrophil count <1,000/mm3.
• CNS depression: May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks that require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery, driving).
• Dyslipidemia: Has been reported with atypical antipsychotics; risk profile may differ between agents. In clinical trials, lipid changes observed with cariprazine monotherapy were similar to those observed with placebo.
• Esophageal dysmotility/aspiration: Antipsychotic use has been associated with esophageal dysmotility and aspiration; risk increases with age. Use with caution in patients at risk for aspiration pneumonia (eg, Alzheimer disease), particularly in patients >75 years of age (Herzig 2017; Maddalena 2004).
• Extrapyramidal symptoms: May cause extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), including pseudoparkinsonism, acute dystonic reactions, akathisia, and tardive dyskinesia (risk of these reactions is generally much lower relative to typical/conventional antipsychotics; frequencies reported are similar to placebo). Risk of dystonia (and probably other EPS) may be greater with increased doses, use of conventional antipsychotics, males, and younger patients. Factors associated with greater vulnerability to tardive dyskinesia include older in age, female gender combined with postmenopausal status, Parkinson disease, pseudoparkinsonism symptoms, affective disorders (particularly major depressive disorder), concurrent medical diseases such as diabetes, previous brain damage, alcoholism, poor treatment response, and use of high doses of antipsychotics (APA [Keepers 2020]; Soares-Weiser 2007). Consider therapy discontinuation with signs/symptoms of tardive dyskinesia.
• Falls: May increase the risk for falls due to somnolence, orthostatic hypotension, and motor or sensory instability.
• Hyperglycemia: Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with development of hyperglycemia; in some cases, may be extreme and associated with ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar coma, or death. All patients should be monitored for symptoms of hyperglycemia (eg, polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, weakness). Use with caution in patients with diabetes or other disorders of glucose regulation; monitor for worsening of glucose control.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: Use may be associated with neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS); monitor for mental status changes, fever, muscle rigidity, autonomic instability, increased creatine phosphokinase, rhabdomyolysis, and/or acute renal failure. If NMS is suspected, discontinue immediately, provide symptomatic treatment, and monitor patient. NMS can recur. Following recovery from NMS, reintroduction of drug therapy should be carefully considered; if an antipsychotic agent is resumed, monitor closely for NMS (APA [Keepers 2020]).
• Orthostatic hypotension: May cause orthostatic hypotension; risk is increased at initial dose titration and when increasing the dose. Use with caution in patients at risk of this effect or in those who would not tolerate transient hypotensive episodes (patients who are antipsychotic-naive or have cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular disease, hypovolemia, dehydration, or are taking concurrent medication use which may predispose to hypotension/bradycardia). Consider using lower starting dosages and slower titrations in these patients.
• Temperature regulation: Impaired core body temperature regulation may occur; caution with strenuous exercise, heat exposure, dehydration, and concomitant medication possessing anticholinergic effects.
• Weight gain: Significant weight gain (>7% of baseline weight) has been observed with antipsychotic therapy; incidence varies with product. Monitor waist circumference and BMI.
Disease-related concerns:
• Dementia: [US Boxed Warning]: Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotics are at an increased risk of death compared to placebo. Most deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (eg, heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (eg, pneumonia) in nature. Use with caution in patients with Lewy body dementia or Parkinson disease dementia due to greater risk of adverse effects, increased sensitivity to extrapyramidal effects, and association with irreversible cognitive decompensation or death. (APA [Reus 2016]). Cariprazine is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis.
• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment; use is not recommended in severe impairment.
• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment; use is not recommended if CrCl <30 mL/minute.
• Seizures: Use with caution in patients at risk of seizures or with conditions that potentially lower the seizure threshold. Elderly patients may be at increased risk of seizures due to an increased prevalence of predisposing factors.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Discontinuation of therapy: When discontinuing antipsychotic therapy, gradually taper antipsychotics to avoid physical withdrawal symptoms and rebound symptoms (APA [Keepers 2020]; WFSBP [Hasan 2012]). Withdrawal symptoms may include agitation, alternating feelings of warmth and cold, anxiety, diaphoresis, dyskinesia, GI symptoms, insomnia, irritability, myalgia, paresthesia, psychosis, restlessness, rhinorrhea, tremor, and vertigo (Lambert 2007; Moncrieff 2020). The risk of withdrawal symptoms is highest following abrupt discontinuation of highly anticholinergic or dopaminergic antipsychotics (Cerovecki 2013). Patients with chronic symptoms, repeated relapses, and clear diagnostic features of schizophrenia are at risk for poor outcomes if medications are discontinued (APA [Keepers 2020]).
• Pharmacokinetics: Plasma levels of cariprazine and its major metabolites accumulate over time. Adverse reactions may not appear until several weeks after initiation of treatment. Monitor response and for adverse reactions several weeks after the patient has begun treatment and after each dose increase. With treatment discontinuation the plasma concentration of cariprazine and active metabolites declines by 50% in ~1 week; therefore, the decline of plasma concentrations of active drug and metabolite may not be immediately reflected in the patient's clinical symptoms.
Substrate of CYP2D6 (minor), CYP3A4 (major); Note: Assignment of Major/Minor substrate status based on clinically relevant drug interaction potential
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the Lexicomp drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors (Central): May enhance the neurotoxic (central) effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Severe extrapyramidal symptoms have occurred in some patients. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Agents With Seizure Threshold Lowering Potential: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Specifically, the risk of seizures may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Alcohol (Ethyl): CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Alcohol (Ethyl). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Alizapride: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Amifampridine: Agents With Seizure Threshold Lowering Potential may enhance the neuroexcitatory and/or seizure-potentiating effect of Amifampridine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Amisulpride (Oral): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Specifically, the risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome or increased QTc interval may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Amphetamines: Antipsychotic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Amphetamines. Antipsychotic Agents may diminish the stimulatory effect of Amphetamines. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Antidiabetic Agents: Hyperglycemia-Associated Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Antidiabetic Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist): Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist). Management: Consider avoiding atypical antipsychotic use in patients with Parkinson disease. If an atypical antipsychotic is necessary, consider using clozapine, quetiapine, or ziprasidone at lower initial doses, or a non-dopamine antagonist (eg, pimavanserin). Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Antipsychotic Agents: Agents With Seizure Threshold Lowering Potential may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Specifically, the risk of seizures may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Azelastine (Nasal): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Blonanserin: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Blonanserin. Management: Use caution if coadministering blonanserin and CNS depressants; dose reduction of the other CNS depressant may be required. Strong CNS depressants should not be coadministered with blonanserin. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Blood Pressure Lowering Agents: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]). Risk C: Monitor therapy
Brexanolone: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Brexanolone. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Brimonidine (Topical): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Bromopride: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination
Bromperidol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Buprenorphine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Buprenorphine. Management: Consider reduced doses of other CNS depressants, and avoiding such drugs in patients at high risk of buprenorphine overuse/self-injection. Initiate buprenorphine at lower doses in patients already receiving CNS depressants. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
BuPROPion: May enhance the neuroexcitatory and/or seizure-potentiating effect of Agents With Seizure Threshold Lowering Potential. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Cabergoline: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Cannabinoid-Containing Products. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Chlormethiazole: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Monitor closely for evidence of excessive CNS depression. The chlormethiazole labeling states that an appropriately reduced dose should be used if such a combination must be used. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Chlorphenesin Carbamate: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Clofazimine: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk C: Monitor therapy
CNS Depressants: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of other CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
CYP3A4 Inducers (Moderate): May decrease the serum concentration of Cariprazine. Risk X: Avoid combination
CYP3A4 Inducers (Strong): May decrease the serum concentration of Cariprazine. Risk X: Avoid combination
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate): May increase serum concentrations of the active metabolite(s) of Cariprazine. Specifically, concentrations of didesmethylcariprazine (DDCAR), the primary active metabolite of cariprazine, may increase. CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Moderate) may increase the serum concentration of Cariprazine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Strong): May increase serum concentrations of the active metabolite(s) of Cariprazine. Specifically, concentrations of didesmethylcariprazine (DDCAR), the primary active metabolite of cariprazine, may increase. CYP3A4 Inhibitors (Strong) may increase the serum concentration of Cariprazine. Management: Decrease cariprazine dose 50% (4.5 mg to 1.5 mg or 3 mg; 1.5 mg to 1.5 mg every other day) if starting a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor. If on a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor, start cariprazine at 1.5 mg day 1, 0 mg day 2, then 1.5 mg daily. May increase to 3 mg daily Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Daridorexant: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Dose reduction of daridorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of daridorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of daridorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Deutetrabenazine: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Specifically, the risk for akathisia, parkinsonism, or neuroleptic malignant syndrome may be increased. Risk C: Monitor therapy
DexmedeTOMIDine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of DexmedeTOMIDine. Management: Monitor for increased CNS depression during coadministration of dexmedetomidine and CNS depressants, and consider dose reductions of either agent to avoid excessive CNS depression. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Dexmethylphenidate-Methylphenidate: Antipsychotic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Dexmethylphenidate-Methylphenidate. Dexmethylphenidate-Methylphenidate may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Specifically, the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms may be increased when these agents are combined. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Difelikefalin: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Dimethindene (Topical): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Doxylamine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: The manufacturer of Diclegis (doxylamine/pyridoxine), intended for use in pregnancy, specifically states that use with other CNS depressants is not recommended. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Droperidol: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider dose reductions of droperidol or of other CNS agents (eg, opioids, barbiturates) with concomitant use. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Esketamine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Fexinidazole: May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk X: Avoid combination
Flunarizine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Flunarizine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Flunitrazepam: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Flunitrazepam. Management: Reduce the dose of CNS depressants when combined with flunitrazepam and monitor patients for evidence of CNS depression (eg, sedation, respiratory depression). Use non-CNS depressant alternatives when available. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Fusidic Acid (Systemic): May increase the serum concentration of CYP3A4 Substrates (High risk with Inhibitors). Risk X: Avoid combination
Guanethidine: Antipsychotic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Guanethidine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
HydrOXYzine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider a decrease in the CNS depressant dose, as appropriate, when used together with hydroxyzine. Increase monitoring of signs/symptoms of CNS depression in any patient receiving hydroxyzine together with another CNS depressant. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Iohexol: Agents With Seizure Threshold Lowering Potential may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Iohexol. Specifically, the risk for seizures may be increased. Management: Discontinue agents that may lower the seizure threshold 48 hours prior to intrathecal use of iohexol. Wait at least 24 hours after the procedure to resume such agents. In nonelective procedures, consider use of prophylactic antiseizure drugs. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Iomeprol: Agents With Seizure Threshold Lowering Potential may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Iomeprol. Specifically, the risk for seizures may be increased. Management: Discontinue agents that may lower the seizure threshold 48 hours prior to intrathecal use of iomeprol. Wait at least 24 hours after the procedure to resume such agents. In nonelective procedures, consider use of prophylactic antiseizure drugs. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Iopamidol: Agents With Seizure Threshold Lowering Potential may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Iopamidol. Specifically, the risk for seizures may be increased. Management: Discontinue agents that may lower the seizure threshold 48 hours prior to intrathecal use of iopamidol. Wait at least 24 hours after the procedure to resume such agents. In nonelective procedures, consider use of prophylactic antiseizure drugs. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Kava Kava: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Kratom: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Lemborexant: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Dosage adjustments of lemborexant and of concomitant CNS depressants may be necessary when administered together because of potentially additive CNS depressant effects. Close monitoring for CNS depressant effects is necessary. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Lithium: May enhance the neurotoxic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Lithium may decrease the serum concentration of Antipsychotic Agents. Specifically noted with chlorpromazine. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Lofexidine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Magnesium Sulfate: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Mequitazine: Antipsychotic Agents may enhance the arrhythmogenic effect of Mequitazine. Management: Consider alternatives to one of these agents when possible. While this combination is not specifically contraindicated, mequitazine labeling describes this combination as discouraged. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Methotrimeprazine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Methotrimeprazine. Methotrimeprazine may enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Management: Reduce the usual dose of CNS depressants by 50% if starting methotrimeprazine until the dose of methotrimeprazine is stable. Monitor patient closely for evidence of CNS depression. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Metoclopramide: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Risk X: Avoid combination
MetyroSINE: CNS Depressants may enhance the sedative effect of MetyroSINE. Risk C: Monitor therapy
MetyroSINE: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Minocycline (Systemic): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Olopatadine (Nasal): May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Opioid Agonists: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Opioid Agonists. Management: Avoid concomitant use of opioid agonists and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Orphenadrine: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Orphenadrine. Risk X: Avoid combination
Oxomemazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid combination
Oxybate Salt Products: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Oxybate Salt Products. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination when possible. If combined, dose reduction or discontinuation of one or more CNS depressants (including the oxybate salt product) should be considered. Interrupt oxybate salt treatment during short-term opioid use Risk D: Consider therapy modification
OxyCODONE: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of OxyCODONE. Management: Avoid concomitant use of oxycodone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Paraldehyde: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Paraldehyde. Risk X: Avoid combination
Perampanel: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Piribedil: Antipsychotic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Piribedil. Piribedil may diminish the therapeutic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Management: Use of piribedil with antiemetic neuroleptics is contraindicated, and use with antipsychotic neuroleptics, except for clozapine, is not recommended. Risk X: Avoid combination
Procarbazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Quinagolide: Antipsychotic Agents may diminish the therapeutic effect of Quinagolide. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b: CNS Depressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b. Specifically, the risk of neuropsychiatric adverse effects may be increased. Management: Avoid coadministration of ropeginterferon alfa-2b and other CNS depressants. If this combination cannot be avoided, monitor patients for neuropsychiatric adverse effects (eg, depression, suicidal ideation, aggression, mania). Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Rufinamide: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of CNS Depressants. Specifically, sleepiness and dizziness may be enhanced. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Serotonergic Agents (High Risk): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Specifically, serotonergic agents may enhance dopamine blockade, possibly increasing the risk for neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Antipsychotic Agents may enhance the serotonergic effect of Serotonergic Agents (High Risk). This could result in serotonin syndrome. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Sodium Phosphates: Agents With Seizure Threshold Lowering Potential may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Sodium Phosphates. Specifically, the risk of seizure or loss of consciousness may be increased in patients with significant sodium phosphate-induced fluid or electrolyte abnormalities. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Sulpiride: Antipsychotic Agents may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Sulpiride. Risk X: Avoid combination
Suvorexant: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Suvorexant. Management: Dose reduction of suvorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of suvorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of suvorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Tetrabenazine: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Antipsychotic Agents. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Thalidomide: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Thalidomide. Risk X: Avoid combination
Trimeprazine: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Valerian: May enhance the CNS depressant effect of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor therapy
Zolpidem: CNS Depressants may enhance the CNS depressant effect of Zolpidem. Management: Reduce the Intermezzo brand sublingual zolpidem adult dose to 1.75 mg for men who are also receiving other CNS depressants. No such dose change is recommended for women. Avoid use with other CNS depressants at bedtime; avoid use with alcohol. Risk D: Consider therapy modification
Antipsychotic use during the third trimester of pregnancy has a risk for abnormal muscle movements (extrapyramidal symptoms [EPS]) and/or withdrawal symptoms in newborns following delivery. Symptoms in the newborn may include agitation, feeding disorder, hypertonia, hypotonia, respiratory distress, somnolence, and tremor; these effects may be self-limiting or require hospitalization.
The ACOG recommends that therapy during pregnancy be individualized; treatment with psychiatric medications during pregnancy should incorporate the clinical expertise of the mental health clinician, obstetrician, primary health care provider, and pediatrician. Safety data related to atypical antipsychotics during pregnancy are limited and routine use is not recommended. However, if a woman is inadvertently exposed to an atypical antipsychotic while pregnant, continuing therapy may be preferable to switching to a typical antipsychotic that the fetus has not yet been exposed to; consider risk:benefit (ACOG 2008).
Health care providers are encouraged to enroll women exposed to cariprazine during pregnancy in the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics (866-961-2388 or http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/).
It is not known if cariprazine is excreted in breast milk. The manufacturer recommends the development and health benefits of breast-feeding be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for therapy and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed infant.
|
Frequency of Antipsychotic Monitoringa,b | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Monitoring parameter |
Frequency of monitoring |
Comments |
|
Adherence |
Every visit |
|
|
Blood chemistries (electrolytes, renal function, liver function, TSH) |
Annually |
|
|
CBC |
As clinically indicated |
Check frequently during the first few months of therapy in patients with preexisting low WBC or history of drug-induced leukopenia/neutropenia |
|
Extrapyramidal symptoms |
Every visit; 4 weeks after initiation and dose change; annually. Use a formalized rating scale at least annually or every 6 months if high riskc |
|
|
Fall risk |
Every visit |
|
|
Fasting plasma glucose/HbA1c |
12 weeks after initiation and dose change; annually |
Check more frequently than annually if abnormal. Follow diabetes guidelines. |
|
Lipid panel |
12 weeks after initiation and dose change; annually |
Check more frequently than annually if abnormal. Follow lipid guidelines. |
|
Mental status and alertness |
Every visit |
|
|
Metabolic syndrome history |
Annually |
Evaluate for personal and family history of obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease |
|
Prolactin |
Ask about symptoms at every visit until dose is stable. Check prolactin level if symptoms are reported. |
Hyperprolactinemia symptoms: Changes in menstruation, libido, gynecomastia, development of galactorrhea, and erectile and ejaculatory function |
|
Tardive dyskinesia |
Every visit; annually. Use a formalized rating scale at least annually or every 6 months if high riskd |
|
|
Vital signs (BP, orthostatics, temperature, pulse, signs of infection) |
Every visit (at least weekly during first 3 to 4 weeks of treatment); 4 weeks after dose change. |
|
|
Weight/Height/BMI |
8 and 12 weeks after initiation and dose change; quarterly |
Consider monitoring waist circumference at baseline and annually, especially in patients with or at risk for metabolic syndrome. Consider changing antipsychotic if BMI increases by ≥1 unit. Some experts recommend checking weight and height at every visit. |
|
a For all monitoring parameters, it is appropriate for check at baseline and when clinically relevant (based on symptoms or suspected ADRs) in addition to the timeline. b ADA 2004; APA [Keepers 2020]; De Hert 2011; Gugger 2011; manufacturer’s labeling. c Risk factors for extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) include prior history of EPS, high doses of antipsychotics, young age (children and adolescents at higher risk than adults), and dopaminergic affinity of individual antipsychotic. d Risk factors for tardive dyskinesia include age >55 years; females; White or African ethnicity; presence of a mood disorder, intellectual disability, or central nervous system injury; and past or current EPS. | ||
Timing of serum samples: Draw trough just before next dose (Hiemke 2018).
Therapeutic reference range: 10 to 20 ng/mL (SI: 23.4 to 46.8 nmol/L) (Hiemke 2018). Note: Dosing should be based on therapeutic response as opposed to serum concentrations; however, therapeutic drug monitoring can be used to confirm adherence (APA [Keepers 2020]).
Laboratory alert level: 40 ng/mL (SI: 93.6 nmol/L) (Hiemke 2018).
Cariprazine is a second generation antipsychotic which displays partial agonist activity at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors and antagonist activity at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. It exhibits high affinity for dopamine (D2 and D3) and serotonin (5-HT1A) receptors and has low affinity for serotonin 5-HT2C and alpha1A-adrenergic receptors. Cariprazine functions as an antagonist for 5-HT2B (high affinity) and 5-HT2A receptors (moderate affinity), binds to histamine H1 receptors, and has no affinity for muscarinic (cholinergic) receptors.
Onset of action: Oral:
Bipolar disorder, acute mania: Initial effects may be observed within days of treatment with continued improvements over 1 to 2 weeks (Goikolea 2013; Tohen 2000; Welten 2016).
Bipolar disorder, depressive episode: Initial effects may be observed within 1 week of treatment with continued improvements through 6 weeks (Cruz 2010).
Major depressive disorder, unipolar: Initial effects may be observed within 1 week with continued improvements over 6 to 12 weeks (Wen 2014).
Schizophrenia: Initial effects may be observed within 1 to 2 weeks of treatment with continued improvements through 4 to 6 weeks (Agid 2003; Levine 2010).
Protein binding: 91% to 97%
Metabolism: Extensively metabolized by CYP3A4 and, to a lesser extent, by CYP2D6 to active metabolites (desmethyl cariprazine [DCAR] and didesmethyl cariprazine [DDCAR]). DCAR is further metabolized into DDCAR by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. DDCAR is then metabolized by CYP3A4 to a hydroxylated metabolite.
Half-life elimination: Cariprazine: 2 to 4 days; DCAR: 1 to 2 days; DDCAR: 1 to 3 weeks
Time to peak, plasma: Cariprazine: 3 to 6 hours
Excretion: Urine (21%; 1.2% as unchanged drug cariprazine)
Note: After multiple dose administration of cariprazine, mean cariprazine and desmethyl cariprazine (DCAR) reached steady state at around week 1 to week 2 and mean didesmethyl cariprazine (DDCAR) appeared to be approaching steady state around week 4 to week 8. After discontinuation, mean cariprazine and DCAR concentration decreased by about 50% in a day and mean DDCAR concentrations decreased by ~50% in 1 week after the last dose. There was an approximately 90% decline in plasma exposure within 1 week for cariprazine and DCAR and at about 4 weeks for DDCAR. Following a single dose of 1 mg of cariprazine, DDCAR remained detectable 8 weeks post-dose.
Hepatic function impairment: Cmax and AUC for cariprazine was increased in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment and exposure was decreased for the active metabolites.
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