Your doctor likely prescribed VRAYLAR (cariprazine) to help manage specific mental health conditions you might be experiencing. It is a prescription medication approved for use in adults for several distinct purposes.
The primary reasons a healthcare provider might prescribe VRAYLAR include:
1. Treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
If you have been diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, your doctor might prescribe VRAYLAR as an add-on treatment. This means it's used alongside your current antidepressant medication. For some individuals, antidepressants alone may not fully alleviate symptoms, and VRAYLAR can help enhance the overall treatment effect, working in conjunction with your existing regimen.
2. Managing Bipolar I Disorder
VRAYLAR is also an effective treatment option for various phases of Bipolar I Disorder, a condition characterized by significant mood swings including manic, mixed, and depressive episodes.
Your doctor may prescribe VRAYLAR for Bipolar I Disorder for the following specific reasons:
- Short-Term Treatment of Manic or Mixed Episodes: If you are experiencing acute manic or mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder, VRAYLAR can be prescribed for short-term relief. These episodes involve periods of unusually elevated mood, energy, or irritability (mania), or a combination of manic and depressive symptoms occurring at the same time (mixed episodes).
- Treating Depressive Episodes (Bipolar Depression): For individuals with Bipolar I Disorder who are experiencing depressive episodes, VRAYLAR can help alleviate symptoms of bipolar depression. These depressive phases can significantly impact daily functioning, and VRAYLAR is approved to help manage them.
In summary, your doctor's decision to prescribe VRAYLAR is tailored to your specific diagnosis and symptoms, aiming to provide effective management for either Major Depressive Disorder (when used with an antidepressant) or the various mood episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder.
Overview of VRAYLAR Uses
| Condition | Specific Use |
|---|---|
| Major Depressive Disorder | As an add-on treatment alongside antidepressant medicines. |
| Bipolar I Disorder | For short-term (acute) treatment of manic or mixed episodes. |
| Bipolar I Disorder | To treat depressive episodes (bipolar depression). |
