Is Vraylar (cariprazine) a controlled substance?
Vraylar (cariprazine) is not classified as a controlled substance.
It is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat::
- Schizophrenia
- Acute manic or mixed episodes in bipolar I disorder
- Depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder
- Major depressive disorder (as an add-on to antidepressants)
Why Might People Think Vraylar Is a Controlled Drug?
Vraylar may help reduce substance abuse in individuals with bipolar I disorder. Since substance use disorders are sometimes treated with controlled substances (e.g., methadone) and are common in people with bipolar I disorder or schizophrenia, there may be confusion about Vraylar’s classification.
What Are Controlled Substances?
Controlled substances are drugs regulated under strict government guidelines due to their potential for abuse and dependence. They are categorized into five schedules:
- Schedule I: High potential for abuse, no accepted medical use (e.g., heroin).
- Schedule II-V: Varying degrees of abuse potential, with accepted medical uses (e.g., opioids, stimulants, sedatives).
Since Vraylar does not pose a high risk for abuse or dependence, it is not scheduled as a controlled drug.
References
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Vraylar. Highlights of Prescribing Information. [Accessed December 22, 2022]. Available online at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/204370s009lbl.pdf
- Sanders LO, Miller JJ. Cariprazine May Decrease Substance Abuse in Patients with Bipolar I Disorders. Psychiatric Times. March 15, 2019. Vol 36, Issue 3. Available online at: https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/cariprazine-may-decrease-substance-abuse-patients-bipolar-i-disorder.
- Thoma P, Daum I. Comorbid substance use disorder in schizophrenia: A selective overview of neurobiological and cognitive underpinnings. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences 2013; 67: 367–383. doi:10.1111/pcn.12072.
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Drug Scheduling. Controlled Substances. May 5. 2020. [Accessed February 2, 2021]. Available online at: https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/orangebook/c_cs_alpha.pdf
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Drug Scheduling. [Accessed July 21, 2020]. Available online at: https://www.dea.gov/drug-scheduling.
Read next
Vraylar vs Abilify - How do they compare?
Abilify (aripiprazole) and Vraylar (cariprazine) are both classified as atypical antipsychotic medications. They help treat mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and as additive treatment for depression. Abilify comes as a long-acting injection and oral form (tablet, solution), and Vraylar comes as an oral capsule. Continue reading
What are 6 Vraylar side effects you need to be aware of?
Common side effects of Vraylar include movement disorders (extrapyramidal symptoms); stomach problems (such as indigestion, nausea, vomiting, or constipation); sleep problems such as drowsiness, dizziness, feeling sleepy all the time, fatigue, or trouble sleeping; and increased appetite and weight gain. For most people, these side effects lessen or go away after a few weeks of treatment. Continue reading
Should you take Vraylar in the morning or at night?
Vraylar may be taken either in the morning or at night, depending on your preference. Some people may find changing the time of day that you take Vraylar helps with certain side effects.For example, people who experience restlessness or restless legs as a side effect of Vraylar may find taking it in the morning helps. Up to 10% of people taking Vraylar report sleepiness or drowsiness as a side effect of Vraylar, and these people may prefer taking Vraylar at night. Continue reading
See also:
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