cariprazine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Second-generation antipsychotic; dopamine and serotonin receptor partial agonist.
Licensed use
Schizophrenia in adults.
Form
Oral hard capsule that can be taken with or without food.
Food and drink
Avoid grapefruit juice and alcohol.
What is cariprazine hydrochloride used for?
The selected UK product is licensed for:
Treatment of schizophrenia in adults.
How does cariprazine hydrochloride work?
Cariprazine partly stimulates dopamine and serotonin receptors while blocking several other serotonin receptors. Its two major active metabolites act similarly and remain in the body for a prolonged period.
cariprazine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1.5 mg, 3 mg, 4.5 mg, 6 mg
How to take cariprazine hydrochloride
Use the capsules exactly as prescribed. Treatment changes should be planned with the prescribing team because their full effects may take several weeks to appear.
Swallow the hard capsule by mouth; it may be taken with or without food.
Avoid grapefruit juice and alcohol.
Do not drive or operate hazardous machinery until you know how cariprazine affects you.
cariprazine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Inner restlessness or a compelling need to move
- Shaking, stiffness, slowed movement or other Parkinson-like symptoms
- Sleep disturbance, anxiety, sleepiness or dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting or constipation
- Blurred vision
- Weight or appetite changes
- Raised blood fats, liver enzymes or blood pressure
- Fatigue
Get urgent medical advice
- High fever, severe muscle rigidity, confusion or unstable pulse or blood pressure
- New persistent involuntary movements, especially of the face or tongue
- Seizure
- Sudden breathlessness, chest pain or a painful swollen leg
- Severe allergic reaction
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviour
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or other signs of liver injury
cariprazine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is very limited, and the selected UK product is not recommended during pregnancy. Effective contraception is required during treatment and after stopping because active substances clear slowly. Contact mental-health and maternity teams promptly if planning pregnancy or becoming pregnant; do not stop treatment independently.
cariprazine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether cariprazine or its active metabolites enter human milk, and risk to the infant cannot be excluded. The selected UK product information advises discontinuing breastfeeding during treatment; discuss options with the specialist team.
cariprazine hydrochloride interactions
Cariprazine is mainly metabolised by CYP3A4. Ask a pharmacist or prescriber before starting or stopping medicines, supplements or herbal products.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, including clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, ritonavir and cobicistat
Can markedly increase exposure; combined use is contraindicated.
Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, including erythromycin, fluconazole, diltiazem and verapamil
Can increase exposure for several weeks, requiring clinical review and closer monitoring.
Strong or moderate CYP3A4 inducers, including carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampicin, modafinil and St John’s wort
Can substantially reduce exposure; combined use is contraindicated.
Common questions about cariprazine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can cariprazine hydrochloride be taken with food?
Yes. The hard capsule may be taken with or without food.
Why can treatment changes take weeks to show?
Cariprazine has two long-lasting active metabolites, so blood exposure changes gradually.
What is cariprazine-related akathisia?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.