Dosage for Vraylar: What You Need to Know
Vraylar is a prescription drug that’s used to treat certain mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia. The drug comes as a capsule that you swallow. It’s usually taken once per day.
Vraylar is used in adults to treat:
- schizophrenia
- major depressive disorder (depression), when taken together with an antidepressant
- bipolar depression with bipolar I disorder
- mixed or manic episodes with bipolar I disorder
The active ingredient in Vraylar is cariprazine. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Vraylar is an atypical antipsychotic, and it belongs to a group of drugs called antipsychotics.
This article describes the dosages of Vraylar, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Vraylar, see this in-depth article.
This section covers common dosage information about Vraylar.
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What is Vraylar’s form?
Vraylar is only available as a capsule that you swallow.
What strengths does Vraylar come in?
Vraylar capsules come in four strengths:
- 1.5 milligrams (mg)
- 3 mg
- 4.5 mg
- 6 mg
What are the typical dosages of Vraylar?
Typically, your doctor will prescribe a starting dose of 1.5 mg, which you’ll take once per day. Then they’ll adjust your dosage over time to reach the right amount for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The dosage guide below shows the dosage ranges that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
| Condition | Starting dosage | Recommended dosage | Maximum dosage |
| schizophrenia | 1.5 mg once per day | 1.5 mg to 6 mg once per day | 6 mg once per day* |
| depression | 1.5 mg once per day | 1.5 mg to 3 mg once per day | 3 mg once per day |
| bipolar mania | 1.5 mg once per day | 3 mg to 6 mg once per day | 6 mg once per day* |
| bipolar depression | 1.5 mg once per day | 1.5 mg to 3 mg once per day | 3 mg once per day |
* Dosages higher than 6 mg haven’t been shown to be more effective, and they may cause more side effects.
Read on to learn more about dosages for each condition that Vraylar treats.
Dosage for schizophrenia
For schizophrenia, your starting dosage of Vraylar will be 1.5 mg once per day. Your doctor may increase your dose to 3 mg on day 2 of your treatment.
They may then increase or decrease your dose as needed until they find the right dose for you. The maximum dosage for schizophrenia is 6 mg daily. Regardless of the dose your doctor prescribes, you’ll take the drug once per day.
When your doctor adjusts your dosage of Vraylar, they’ll monitor you to see how your body responds to it.
Dosage for major depressive disorder (depression)
If you’re taking Vraylar to treat depression, you’ll start with a dosage of 1.5 mg once per day. You’ll also need to take an antidepressant. The dosage you need will vary depending on the antidepressant your doctor prescribes.
After 14 days, your doctor may increase your Vraylar dosage to 3 mg once per day. This depends on how well your body responds to and tolerates the drug. The maximum dosage of Vraylar for treating depression is 3 mg once per day.
When your doctor adjusts your dosage of Vraylar, they’ll monitor you to see how your body responds to the new dosage.
Dosage for depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder
If you’re taking Vraylar for depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder, your starting dosage will be 1.5 mg once per day.
On day 15 of your treatment, your doctor may increase your dosage to 3 mg once per day. (This is the maximum dosage of Vraylar for depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder.) Whether your doctor increases your dosage depends on how well your body responds to and tolerates the drug.
When your doctor adjusts your dosage of Vraylar, they’ll monitor you to see how your body responds to the new dosage.
Dosage for manic or mixed episodes in bipolar I disorder
To treat manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder, you’ll take one 1.5-mg dose of Vraylar on day 1 of treatment. Your doctor will increase your dose to 3 mg on day 2.
They may then increase or decrease your dose as needed until they find the right dose for you. The maximum dosage for manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder is 6 mg daily. Regardless of the dose your doctor prescribes, you’ll take the drug once per day.
When your doctor adjusts your dosage of Vraylar, they’ll monitor you to see how your body responds to the new dosage.
Is Vraylar used long term?
It depends on the condition you’re taking Vraylar to treat.
Vraylar is typically used as a long-term treatment for schizophrenia, depression, and depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder. If you and your doctor determine that Vraylar is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term for this purpose.
Vraylar doesn’t cure schizophrenia, depression, or bipolar I disorder, but it does help manage their symptoms. If you stop taking Vraylar, your symptoms may come back. You shouldn’t stop taking Vraylar before talking with your doctor.
You may only take Vraylar for a few weeks to treat manic or mixed episodes related to bipolar I disorder. Your doctor will recommend how long you need to keep taking Vraylar for this purpose.
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor will adjust your dosage of Vraylar if you’re taking a medication that interacts with CYP3A4. This is an enzyme in your body that helps Vraylar work properly. It also helps your body get rid of the drug.
A medication that affects the level of CYP3A4 in your body can cause Vraylar to be less effective or build up in your body. If Vraylar builds up, you may have an increased risk of side effects.
Before you start taking Vraylar, tell your doctor about any medications you take. Also let them know if you’re thinking of taking new drugs or stopping any medications during your Vraylar treatment.
