Carisiz 3 mg

Indications

Cariprazine is an atypical antipsychotic medicine used in adults to treat schizophrenia, manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder, and depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder. In some countries it is also used as an add-on to an antidepressant for major depression when the antidepressant alone has not helped enough.

How It Works

Cariprazine partly activates dopamine D3 and D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, and blocks serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain. This helps balance brain chemical signalling, reducing psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, calming mania and lifting low mood. It and its active breakdown products stay in the body for several weeks.

Dosage and Administration

Take exactly as prescribed. The doctor starts with a low dose and adjusts it gradually according to the condition and response. It is taken once a day, at about the same time, with or without food. Because it lasts a long time in the body, effects of a dose change and some side effects may appear only after a few weeks. Do not stop suddenly without your doctor's advice.

Interactions

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin, Ritonavir): raise cariprazine levels; usually not recommended together or a lower dose is needed.
• CYP3A4 inducers (such as Rifampicin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, St John's wort): lower cariprazine levels; not recommended together.
• Alcohol, sedatives and opioids: more drowsiness.
• Medicines for high blood pressure: greater risk of dizziness on standing.
• Hormonal contraceptives: women using them should also use a barrier method, as their effect may be reduced.

Contraindications

Do not take if you are allergic to cariprazine or any ingredient, or if you are taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers.

Side Effects

• Restlessness or inability to sit still (akathisia).
• Tremor, stiffness, slow movements and other movement problems.
• Sleepiness or difficulty sleeping, dizziness.
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation, indigestion.
• Weight gain, raised blood sugar or cholesterol, raised blood pressure.
• Blurred vision.

Get urgent medical help for high fever with stiff muscles, confusion and sweating, uncontrolled movements of the face or tongue, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, fainting, seizures, extreme thirst or passing a lot of urine, frequent infections or fever with sore throat, or swelling of the face and throat.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Women who could become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 10 weeks after stopping. Newborns exposed late in pregnancy may have movement or withdrawal symptoms. Use in pregnancy only if your doctor decides it is clearly needed. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment.

Precautions and Warnings

Elderly people with dementia-related psychosis have a higher risk of death and stroke with antipsychotics. Young people may have more suicidal thoughts when treated for depression, so watch for mood changes. Regular checks of weight, blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood counts are advised. Use with care in heart disease, seizures, diabetes and in people at risk of falls. Cataracts were seen in animal studies, so tell your doctor about any vision changes. Avoid overheating and dehydration. Take care when driving until you know how it affects you.

Overdose

Overdose may cause sleepiness, low blood pressure on standing, fast heartbeat and movement problems. Seek emergency medical help.

Therapeutic Class

Atypical antipsychotic (dopamine D3/D2 partial agonist).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.