The Basics
What is Cariprazine?
Used to treat schizophrenia and episodes of depression in people with bipolar I disorder.
Brand names for Cariprazine
Vraylar
How Cariprazine is classified
Antipsychotic Agents
Cariprazine During Pregnancy
Cariprazine pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Cariprazine while pregnant
Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery. There are no available data on VRAYLAR use in pregnant women to inform any drug-associated risks for birth defects or miscarriage. Based on animal data VRAYLAR may cause fetal harm. Administration of cariprazine to rats during the period of organogenesis caused malformations, lower pup survival, and developmental delays at drug exposures less than the human exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 6 mg/day. However, cariprazine was not teratogenic in rabbits at doses up to 4.6 times the MRHD of 6 mg/day . The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus.
Taking Cariprazine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Cariprazine?
No information is available on the use of cariprazine during breastfeeding. Until more data become available, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
No information is available on the use of cariprazine during breastfeeding. Until more data become available, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Cariprazine on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date. Cariprazine has little to no effect on serum prolactin levels.
Possible alternatives to Cariprazine
Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/None listed
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
