Skip to main content

Does Vraylar (cariprazine) make you sleepy?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Dec 13, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Yes, sleepiness or drowsiness can be a common side effect with Vraylar in about 6% to 7% of patients compared to 4% receiving a placebo (inactive) medicine.

Vraylar (cariprazine) is an oral, once daily atypical antipsychotic medicine used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar mania, bipolar depression and major depressive disorder (as an add-on medicine to antidepressant therapy) in adults.

Side effects with medications can vary between patients. Your side effects may be the same or different from other patients also taking Vraylar.

Use caution if Vraylar makes you sleepy

Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how you will react to Vraylar. Vraylar may also increase your risk for a fall, bone fracture or other injury, especially if you are drowsy or sedated. These effects may be especially common in older patients. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Vraylar. Dangerous side effects could occur.

Vraylar stays in your body for a long time. Vraylar and its active metabolites have a long half-life up to three weeks. Some side effects may not occur until a few weeks after starting Vraylar or after a dose change.

Common side effects associated with Vraylar include:

Your health care provider will monitor you for side effects after starting or adjusting your dose of Vraylar. If your doctor should stop your Vraylar treatment, it may take several weeks or longer for any side effects to go away. Do not stop taking Vraylar unless your doctor has recommended that you stop treatment.

These are not all the possible side effects that can occur with Vraylar. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Learn More: Side Effects with Vraylar (in more detail)

Related questions

Bottom Line

This is not all the information you need to know about Vraylar (cariprazine) for safe and effective use. Review the full Vraylar product information here, and discuss this information with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Read next

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

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. Continue reading

How does Vraylar compare with Seroquel?

Vraylar and Seroquel are both oral prescription medicines known as atypical antipsychotics. They treat the mental health conditions schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Vraylar is also approved to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). They work by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain to help stabilize thoughts, actions and moods. Continue reading

Do Vraylar (cariprazine) side effects go away?

Most side effects with Vraylar will subside with time after your body has become used to the medicine. However, some side effects can be serious, have long-lasting effects or be irreversible. Speak to your doctor for medical advice if you have side effects that concern you with Vraylar or any other medication. Continue reading

See also:

Related medical questions

Drug information

Related support groups