Is Vraylar (cariprazine) a controlled substance?

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

Official answer

by drugclasses.com

Vraylar (cariprazine) is not a controlled drug or substance.

Vraylar is an atypical antipsychotic used in the treatment of schizophrenia, in the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, in the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, and as an add-on to antidepressants in the treatment of major depressive disorder.

Why might people think that Vraylar is a controlled drug?

Vraylar use may decrease substance abuse in patients with bipolar I disorder. Substance use disorders are sometimes treated with controlled drugs, such as methadone, and are commonly associated with bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia.

Certain drugs are classed as controlled substances

Some drugs, substances or chemicals are classified as controlled substances. These agents are more closely regulated and fall into one of five categories or schedules. Drugs with a high potential for abuse and potential to create severe dependence are listed as Schedule I drugs and those with the least potential for abuse are listed as Schedule V drugs.

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.

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

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