How long does Vraylar stay in your system?
Vraylar can remain in your system for at least 12 weeks after stopping treatment. This means side effects may persist for several weeks even after discontinuation. The time it takes for Vraylar to leave your system varies between individuals due to differences in metabolism.
It is recommended to avoid becoming pregnant for at least 12 weeks after stopping Vraylar, due to potential risks to an unborn baby. If you become pregnant during treatment or within 12 weeks after stopping Vraylar, notify your healthcare provider right away.
What Is the Half-Life of Vraylar?
The half-life of a drug refers to how long it takes for half of the substance to be eliminated from the body. Vraylar has three active components, which influence its duration in your system:
Half-Life of Vraylar’s Active Substances:
- Cariprazine (Vraylar’s active ingredient): 2–4 days
- Desmethylcariprazine (DCAR): 1–2 days
- Didesmethylcariprazine (DDCAR): 1–3 weeks
Since DDCAR has the longest half-life, Vraylar and its effects may persist in the body for an extended period.
This is not all the information you need for the safe and effective use of Vraylar (cariprazine). Always consult your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your specific situation.
References
Hallare, J., et. al. (Updated Jun 2023). Half Life. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Accessed 06/04/2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554498/
Vraylar [package insert]. Revised Feb 2024. Allergan, Inc. Accessed on 06/04/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=4b5f7c65-aa2d-452a-b3db-bc85c06ff12f
Abbvie.ca. Patient Medication Information. (Revised Mar 2024). Accessed 06/04/2024 at https://www.abbvie.ca/content/dam/abbvie-dotcom/ca/en/documents/products/VRAYLAR_PI_EN.pdf
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
Related medical questions
- How long does it take for Vraylar (cariprazine) to work?
- How does Vraylar compare with Seroquel?
- Do Vraylar (cariprazine) side effects go away?
- Does Vraylar (cariprazine) cause weight gain?
- Does caffeine affect Vraylar (cariprazine)?
- Does Vraylar (cariprazine) make you sleepy?
- Is Vraylar (cariprazine) a controlled substance?
- Does Vraylar increase or decrease dopamine?
- Vraylar - What are some of the important warnings?
Drug information
- Vraylar Information for Consumers
- Vraylar prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Vraylar (detailed)
- Vraylar user reviews (522)
Related support groups
- Vraylar (37 questions, 68 members)
- Major Depressive Disorder (531 questions, 1,384 members)
- Bipolar Disorder (504 questions, 3,193 members)
- Schizophrenia (101 questions, 324 members)