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How long does it take for Vraylar (cariprazine) to work?

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Dec 22, 2022.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Vraylar (cariprazine) takes time to work and patients often see a gradual reduction in symptoms over several weeks. Symptoms tend to continue to improve the longer the medication is taken. Some symptoms may not completely resolve however. Vraylar is an atypical antipsychotic used in the treatment of schizophrenia, the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, and as an adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).

How long does Vraylar take to work in patients with schizophrenia?

  • Within the first 1-2 weeks hallucinations, disorganized thinking and delusions may improve.
  • After 1-2 weeks patients may feel more motivated and have a greater desire to be around other people.
  • After 6 weeks, patients with schizophrenia treated with Vraylar in a clinical trial saw a significant reduction in symptoms compared with patients who received placebo.
  • After 8-12 weeks of taking Vraylar, patients will likely see the full benefit of the treatment they will achieve.

Related Questions

How long does Vraylar take to work in patients with manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder?

  • After 3 weeks, patients with manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder treated with Vraylar in clinical trials saw significant reduction in symptoms compared with patients who received placebo.

How long does Vraylar take to work in patients with depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (bipolar depression)?

  • After 4-6 weeks, patients with schizophrenia treated with Vraylar 1.5 mg in clinical trials saw a significant reduction in symptoms compared with patients treated with placebo.

How long does Vraylar take to work in patients receiving add-on treatment for major depressive disorder?

  • Patients with major depressive disorder who took Vraylar in addition to to their antidepressant experienced an improvement in their overall depression symptoms in 6-week and 8-week studies, compared to an antidepressant alone.
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