Introduction About CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE

CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE is used in adults to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia and manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder. It contains a medicine called Cariprazine which is an antipsychotic agent. It works by modifying the release of certain brain chemicals (serotonin and dopamine) which involves in stabilizing mood and behavior.

Take this medicine only under careful medical supervision. It can be taken with or without food. Avoid taking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine as it could severely decrease your blood pressure.

Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have any heart, liver or kidney problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have diabetes, fits, alcoholism, drug abuse or excessive dehydration as a precaution.

While taking cariprazine, avoid doing vigorous exercise or work in hot climate and drink plenty of water to stabilize your body temperature. Do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding as a precaution.

Women of childbearing potential must use an effective contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy while taking this medicine and for at least 12 weeks after stopping the therapy. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience excessive tiredness, sleepiness, tendency of falling due to poor balance or dizziness or have suicidal thoughts as a precaution.

The most common side effects of taking CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE are back pain or abdominal pain, changes in vision, headache, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, nausea or vomiting, excessive sweating, agitation, tiredness, sleepiness, body pains or weight gain. Talk to your doctor immediately if any of these side effects trouble you or experience severe muscle twitching, uncontrollable body movements or suicidal thoughts after taking this medicine.

Uses Of CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE

It is used in adults to manage the symptoms of following psychiatric conditions such as:

• Schizophrenia (common symptoms include hallucination, delusions, paranoia, depression, anxiety, solitude)
• Manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder

How CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE Works

CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE contains a medicine called cariprazine which works by adjusting the levels of two brain chemicals, dopamine and serotonin, which affect mood, thoughts, and behavior. It acts on certain receptors in the brain, helping to either increase or decrease dopamine activity depending on what the brain needs. This helps to stabilize mood swings, reduce symptoms of schizophrenia, and manage other mental health conditions.

How to use CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE

• CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE should be used only under medical supervision
• Take the medicine once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day
• Your doctor will decide the right dose based on your condition
• Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine
• So not change the dose or stop taking cariprazine without your doctor’s advice, even if you start feeling better
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's close to the time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one
• Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider

Side Effects Of CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE

Common side effects of CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE:

• back pain or abdominal pain
• changes in vision, headache
• diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, nausea or vomiting
• excessive sweating
• feeling agitated
• tiredness, sleepiness or cannot sleep
• joint pain or stiffness, arm pain, leg pain, pain in feet or hands, tooth pain
• painful menstrual periods (in women)
• stuffy or runny nose
• frequent urination
• weight gain, changes in appetite (loss or increase)

Stop taking this medicine and inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

• Extrapyramidal Symptoms (such as abnormal muscle movements, including difficulty starting muscle movements, shaking, restlessness or muscle stiffness without pain)
• Signs of high blood sugar levels such as increased thirst, frequent urination, excessive hunger, headache, blurred vision and fatigue
• Signs of blood clots such as swelling, pain and redness in an arm or leg that can be warm to the touch. You may develop sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing and heart palpitations.
• High or low blood pressure (such as shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness or fainting, chest pain or pressure, swelling in your ankles and legs, bluish colour to your lips and skin, racing pulse or heart palpitations)
• Suicidal thoughts, fits
• Muscle stiffness or inflexibility with high fever, rapid or irregular heartbeat, sweating, state of confusion, or reduced consciousness

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

Contraindicated

Studies have shown that Cariprazine can harm the growing fetus when taken during pregnancy. Therefore, do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, stop taking the medicine and inform your doctor immediately.

Women of childbearing potential must use an effective contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy while taking this medicine and for at least 12 weeks after stopping the therapy.

Breastfeeding

Contraindicated

It is not known whether cariprazine passes through breast milk or not. Therefore, it is not recommended to take this medicine if you are breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor for advice.

Driving and Using Machines

Contraindicated

Do not drive or handle heavy tools or machineries while taking cariprazine capsules.

Alcohol

Consult your doctor

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking this medicine, as it could severely drop your blood pressure.

Kidney

Use with Caution

CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems.

Liver

Use with Caution

This medicine should be used with caution in patients with liver problems.

Allergy

Contraindicated

Before taking this medicine, talk to your doctor if you are allergic to Cariprazine.

Lungs

Use with Caution

CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE should be used with caution in patients who are at risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Heart Disease

Use with Caution

This medicine should be used with caution in patients having heart problems.

Use In Pediatrics

Contraindicated

This medicine is not suitable for use in children (aged below 18 years).

Use In Geriatrics

Use with Caution

CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE should be used with caution in elderly patients.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug Interactions:

• Antifungal agents (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole)
• Antibiotics (such as rifampin, erythromycin, clarithromycin)
• Antivirals (such as efavirenz)
• Cardiac agents (such as bosentan, diltiazem, digoxin)
• Antidepressants
• Antiepileptics (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital)
• Anti-inflammatory medicines
• St. John’s Wort (an herbal remedy for depression)
• Sedatives and anxiolytics (such as midazolam, triazolam)
• Dabigatran (used for blood clots)
• Cimetidine and ranitidine (used for stomach and intestines)
• strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors

B. Drug-Food Interactions:

Avoid consumption of grapefruit juice while taking cariprazine tablets, as it could lead to potential side effects like severe decrease in blood pressure

Overdosage:

If you have taken too many doses of CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE, talk to your doctor immediately.

Synopsis

More Information

Schizophrenia:

Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It causes a person to lose touch with reality, leading to hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

Symptoms:

1. Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t real (e.g., hearing voices).
2. Delusions: Strong beliefs that are not based in reality (e.g., thinking people are out to harm you).
3. Disorganized thinking and speech: Trouble organizing thoughts, speaking in a way that is hard to understand.
4. Lack of emotion: Showing little or no emotion, speaking in a flat voice.
5. Social withdrawal: Avoiding social activities and interacting less with others.

Bipolar Disorder:

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, which include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

Symptoms

1. Manic phase:
   1. Feeling overly happy or "high."
   2. Increased energy, activity, and restlessness.
   3. Trouble sleeping or feeling very little need for sleep.
   4. Risky behavior (e.g., spending sprees, reckless decisions)
2. Depressive phase:
   1. Feeling very sad or hopeless.
   2. Lack of energy and motivation.
   3. Trouble concentrating and making decisions.
   4. Changes in sleep patterns (too much or too little sleep).
   5. Thoughts of death or suicide.

Both conditions require professional treatment and ongoing care.

FAQs About CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE

Q: What is CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE used for?

A: CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE is used in adults to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia and manic and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder.

Q: How does CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE work?

A: This medicine works by balancing the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, improving mood, behavior, and thought processes.

Q: How long does Cariprazine take to work?

A: It may take a few weeks to notice improvements in symptoms. Some effects, like reduced agitation, may be felt sooner, while full benefits may take several weeks.

Q: Can Cariprazine cause weight gain?

A: Weight gain is a possible side effect, but it varies from person to person. Some people may experience weight gain, while others might not.

Q: What are the common side effects of CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE?

A: The most common side effects of taking CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE are back pain or abdominal pain, changes in vision, headache, diarrhoea, constipation, indigestion, nausea or vomiting, excessive sweating, agitation, tiredness, sleepiness, body pains or weight gain.

Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking CARIQUEL 1.5 CAPSULE?

A: It's advised to avoid alcohol while taking Cariprazine, as it can increase drowsiness and dizziness, potentially making these side effects worse.

Q: Is Cariprazine safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

A: Studies have shown that Cariprazine can harm the growing fetus when taken during pregnancy. Therefore, do not take this medicine if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, stop taking the medicine and inform your doctor immediately. Women of childbearing potential must use an effective contraceptive method to avoid pregnancy while taking this medicine and for at least 12 weeks after stopping the therapy. It is not known whether cariprazine passes through breast milk or not. Therefore, it is not recommended to take this medicine if you are breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor for advice.

Q: Is Cariprazine addictive in nature?

A: Yes, suddenly stopping Cariprazine can cause withdrawal symptoms like mood swings, irritability, and sleep disturbances. Always taper off under medical supervision.

Q: Can Cariprazine be used for depression?

A: Cariprazine is not typically prescribed for depression alone but is sometimes used in combination with other medications to manage bipolar depression. Always follow your doctor's advice.

References

1. Cariprazine to Treat Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder in Adults. PMC. PubMed Central. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. September 2020. [Accessed on 3rd October 2024] click here

2. Cariprazine. EMC. UK. [Revised in February 2022]. [Accessed on 3rd October 2024] click here

3. AbbVie. Cariprazine Capsules. [Revised in March 2024]. [Accessed on 3rd October 2024] click here

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Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Kidney Function test (KFT)
• Liver Function test (LFT)
• HbA1C, Also known as Glycated Hemoglobin, Glycosylated Hemoglobin
• Glucose - Fasting Urine

Author Details

Written By Srilekha. R - B.Pharm

Reviewed By Dr. Sankara Babu Gorle - MBBS, MD(Pharmacology) View profile

Last updated on 03 Oct 2024 | 04:33 PM(IST)