Vraylar is a prescription drug that’s used to treat certain mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia. The drug comes as a capsule that you swallow. It’s usually taken once per day.
Vraylar is used in adults to treat:
- schizophrenia
- major depressive disorder (depression), when taken together with an antidepressant
- bipolar depression with bipolar I disorder
- mixed or manic episodes with bipolar I disorder
The active ingredient in Vraylar is cariprazine. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Vraylar is an atypical antipsychotic, and it belongs to a group of drugs called antipsychotics.
This article describes the dosages of Vraylar, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Vraylar, see this in-depth article.
This section covers common dosage information about Vraylar.
What is Vraylar’s form?
Vraylar is only available as a capsule that you swallow.
What strengths does Vraylar come in?
Vraylar capsules come in four strengths:
- 1.5 milligrams (mg)
- 3 mg
- 4.5 mg
- 6 mg
What are the typical dosages of Vraylar?
Typically, your doctor will prescribe a starting dose of 1.5 mg, which you’ll take once per day. Then they’ll adjust your dosage over time to reach the right amount for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The dosage guide below shows the dosage ranges that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
| Condition | Starting dosage | Recommended dosage | Maximum dosage |
| schizophrenia | 1.5 mg once per day | 1.5 mg to 6 mg once per day | 6 mg once per day* |
| depression | 1.5 mg once per day | 1.5 mg to 3 mg once per day | 3 mg once per day |
| bipolar mania | 1.5 mg once per day | 3 mg to 6 mg once per day | 6 mg once per day* |
| bipolar depression | 1.5 mg once per day | 1.5 mg to 3 mg once per day | 3 mg once per day |
* Dosages higher than 6 mg haven’t been shown to be more effective, and they may cause more side effects.
Read on to learn more about dosages for each condition that Vraylar treats.
Dosage for schizophrenia
For schizophrenia, your starting dosage of Vraylar will be 1.5 mg once per day. Your doctor may increase your dose to 3 mg on day 2 of your treatment.
They may then increase or decrease your dose as needed until they find the right dose for you. The maximum dosage for schizophrenia is 6 mg daily. Regardless of the dose your doctor prescribes, you’ll take the drug once per day.
When your doctor adjusts your dosage of Vraylar, they’ll monitor you to see how your body responds to it.
Dosage for major depressive disorder (depression)
If you’re taking Vraylar to treat depression, you’ll start with a dosage of 1.5 mg once per day. You’ll also need to take an antidepressant. The dosage you need will vary depending on the antidepressant your doctor prescribes.
After 14 days, your doctor may increase your Vraylar dosage to 3 mg once per day. This depends on how well your body responds to and tolerates the drug. The maximum dosage of Vraylar for treating depression is 3 mg once per day.
When your doctor adjusts your dosage of Vraylar, they’ll monitor you to see how your body responds to the new dosage.
Dosage for depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder
If you’re taking Vraylar for depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder, your starting dosage will be 1.5 mg once per day.
On day 15 of your treatment, your doctor may increase your dosage to 3 mg once per day. (This is the maximum dosage of Vraylar for depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder.) Whether your doctor increases your dosage depends on how well your body responds to and tolerates the drug.
When your doctor adjusts your dosage of Vraylar, they’ll monitor you to see how your body responds to the new dosage.
Dosage for manic or mixed episodes in bipolar I disorder
To treat manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder, you’ll take one 1.5-mg dose of Vraylar on day 1 of treatment. Your doctor will increase your dose to 3 mg on day 2.
They may then increase or decrease your dose as needed until they find the right dose for you. The maximum dosage for manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder is 6 mg daily. Regardless of the dose your doctor prescribes, you’ll take the drug once per day.
When your doctor adjusts your dosage of Vraylar, they’ll monitor you to see how your body responds to the new dosage.
Is Vraylar used long term?
It depends on the condition you’re taking Vraylar to treat.
Vraylar is typically used as a long-term treatment for schizophrenia, depression, and depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder. If you and your doctor determine that Vraylar is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term for this purpose.
Vraylar doesn’t cure schizophrenia, depression, or bipolar I disorder, but it does help manage their symptoms. If you stop taking Vraylar, your symptoms may come back. You shouldn’t stop taking Vraylar before talking with your doctor.
You may only take Vraylar for a few weeks to treat manic or mixed episodes related to bipolar I disorder. Your doctor will recommend how long you need to keep taking Vraylar for this purpose.
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor will adjust your dosage of Vraylar if you’re taking a medication that interacts with CYP3A4. This is an enzyme in your body that helps Vraylar work properly. It also helps your body get rid of the drug.
A medication that affects the level of CYP3A4 in your body can cause Vraylar to be less effective or build up in your body. If Vraylar builds up, you may have an increased risk of side effects.
Before you start taking Vraylar, tell your doctor about any medications you take. Also let them know if you’re thinking of taking new drugs or stopping any medications during your Vraylar treatment.
Do not take more Vraylar than your doctor prescribes. Taking more than this can lead to serious side effects.
What to do in case you take too much Vraylar
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Vraylar. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you miss a dose of Vraylar, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to when you would take your next dose of Vraylar, skip the dose you missed.
It’s important not to take more than one dose of Vraylar per day. If you’re unsure whether you should take the missed dose of Vraylar, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Vraylar on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or a timer, or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
The dosage of Vraylar your doctor prescribes may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re taking Vraylar to treat
- other medications you take (see “Dosage adjustments” under “What is Vraylar’s dosage?”)
You’ll take your Vraylar dose by swallowing it once per day, with or without food. You should swallow the capsules whole.
You can take Vraylar at any time of the day. But you should try to take it at the same time each day. Choose the time that works best for you.
The sections above describe the typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Vraylar for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you shouldn’t change your dosage of Vraylar without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Vraylar exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions that you may want to ask your doctor:
- What does “therapeutic dose” mean? And is there a therapeutic dose for Vraylar?
- Will you increase or decrease my dosage of Vraylar? If so, when?
- Will a higher dosage of Vraylar cause more side effects?
To learn more about Vraylar, see these articles:
- All About Vraylar
- Vraylar and Cost: What You Need to Know
- Side Effects of Vraylar: What You Need to Know
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Q:
Why is the maximum dosage of Vraylar for bipolar depression 3 milligrams (mg) once per day?
AnonymousA:
Studies of Vraylar have shown that dosages above 3 mg once per day didn’t improve depressive symptoms. In fact, one of these studies found little difference between a 1.5-mg and 3-mg daily dose of Vraylar in reducing symptoms of depression. And doses above 3 mg may increase your risk of side effects.
If you’re taking Vraylar for bipolar depression and you feel that the dosage of your medication isn’t working for you, contact your doctor.
The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.