Cariprazine
Cariprazine is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic, mixed, and depressive episodes), and major depressive disorder as an adjunctive treatment. It works by modulating dopamine and serotonin activity in the brain, helping to restore mental balance and reduce symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and mood disturbances.
Cariprazine is an antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression by balancing dopamine and serotonin activity in the brain.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05AX15
- RxNorm
- 1667655
- Generic
- Cariprazine
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- Vraylar
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of schizophrenia in adults; acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder; adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder in adults.
Functions as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, while acting as an antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, helping to regulate neurotransmitter activity associated with psychosis and mood symptoms.
May cause side effects including weight gain, drowsiness, and movement disorders. Not recommended for elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis due to increased mortality risk. Should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, seizure disorders, or those taking other CNS depressants. Avoid abrupt discontinuation.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy