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Drug overview for VRAYLAR (cariprazine hcl):
Generic name: CARIPRAZINE HCL (kar-IP-ra-zeen)
Drug class: Antipsychotics
Therapeutic class: Central Nervous System Agents
Cariprazine hydrochloride is considered an atypical or second-generation antipsychotic agent.
No enhanced Uses information available for this drug.
Generic name: CARIPRAZINE HCL (kar-IP-ra-zeen)
Drug class: Antipsychotics
Therapeutic class: Central Nervous System Agents
Cariprazine hydrochloride is considered an atypical or second-generation antipsychotic agent.
No enhanced Uses information available for this drug.
DRUG IMAGES
VRAYLAR 1.5 MG CAPSULE
VRAYLAR 6 MG CAPSULE
VRAYLAR 3 MG CAPSULE
VRAYLAR 4.5 MG CAPSULE
The following indications for VRAYLAR (cariprazine hcl) have been approved by the FDA:
Indications:
Depression associated with bipolar disorder
Major depressive disorder treatment adjunct
Mania associated with bipolar disorder
Mixed bipolar I disorder
Schizophrenia
Professional Synonyms:
Adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder
Augmentation therapy for major depressive disorder
Bipolar mania
Dementia praecox
Depression associated with bipolar affective disorder
Depression associated with manic depressive disorder
Depressive episode associated with bipolar disorder
Depressive phase of bipolar disorder
Major depressive disorder treatment augmentation
Mania associated with bipolar affective disorder
Manic episode associated with bipolar disorder
Manic phase bipolar mood disorder
Manic phase of bipolar mood disorder
Manic phase of manic-depression
Parergasia
Indications:
Depression associated with bipolar disorder
Major depressive disorder treatment adjunct
Mania associated with bipolar disorder
Mixed bipolar I disorder
Schizophrenia
Professional Synonyms:
Adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder
Augmentation therapy for major depressive disorder
Bipolar mania
Dementia praecox
Depression associated with bipolar affective disorder
Depression associated with manic depressive disorder
Depressive episode associated with bipolar disorder
Depressive phase of bipolar disorder
Major depressive disorder treatment augmentation
Mania associated with bipolar affective disorder
Manic episode associated with bipolar disorder
Manic phase bipolar mood disorder
Manic phase of bipolar mood disorder
Manic phase of manic-depression
Parergasia
The following dosing information is available for VRAYLAR (cariprazine hcl):
Dosage of cariprazine hydrochloride is expressed in terms of cariprazine.
Because of the long half-life of cariprazine and its active metabolites, changes in dosage will not be fully reflected in plasma concentrations for several weeks (see Description). Therefore, patients receiving the drug should be monitored for adverse effects and clinical response for several weeks after initiation of therapy and after each dosage change. In addition, plasma concentrations of cariprazine and its active metabolites may not be immediately reflected in patients' clinical symptoms following discontinuance of the drug.
Plasma concentrations of cariprazine and its active metabolites will decrease by 50% in approximately 1 week.
There are no systematically collected data to specifically address switching patients from cariprazine to other antipsychotic agents or concerning concomitant administration of cariprazine with other antipsychotic agents.
Because of the long half-life of cariprazine and its active metabolites, changes in dosage will not be fully reflected in plasma concentrations for several weeks (see Description). Therefore, patients receiving the drug should be monitored for adverse effects and clinical response for several weeks after initiation of therapy and after each dosage change. In addition, plasma concentrations of cariprazine and its active metabolites may not be immediately reflected in patients' clinical symptoms following discontinuance of the drug.
Plasma concentrations of cariprazine and its active metabolites will decrease by 50% in approximately 1 week.
There are no systematically collected data to specifically address switching patients from cariprazine to other antipsychotic agents or concerning concomitant administration of cariprazine with other antipsychotic agents.
Cariprazine hydrochloride is commercially available as capsules, which are administered orally once daily without regard to meals. (See Description.) Patients receiving cariprazine should be monitored for possible worsening of depression and emergence of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially at the beginning of therapy or during periods of dosage adjustments. (See Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults under Cautions.)
| DRUG LABEL | DOSING TYPE | DOSING INSTRUCTIONS |
|---|---|---|
| VRAYLAR 1.5 MG CAPSULE | Maintenance | Adults take 1 capsule (1.5 mg) by oral route once daily |
| VRAYLAR 3 MG CAPSULE | Maintenance | Adults take 1 capsule (3 mg) by oral route once daily |
| VRAYLAR 4.5 MG CAPSULE | Maintenance | Adults take 1 capsule (4.5 mg) by oral route once daily |
| VRAYLAR 6 MG CAPSULE | Maintenance | Adults take 1 capsule (6 mg) by oral route once daily |
No generic dosing information available.
The following drug interaction information is available for VRAYLAR (cariprazine hcl):
There are 1 contraindications.
These drug combinations generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. A manufacturer label warning that indicates the contraindication warrants inclusion of a drug combination in this category, regardless of clinical evidence or lack of clinical evidence to support the contraindication.
| Drug Interaction | Drug Names |
|---|---|
| Iomeprol/Neuroleptics SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Neuroleptics may lower seizure threshold.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Use of iomeprol in a patient receiving a neuroleptic may increase the risk of seizure.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of iomeprol states that neuroleptics should be discontinued 48 hours before iomeprol use. Treatment with a neuroleptic should not be resumed until 24 hours post-procedure.(1) DISCUSSION: Because neuroleptics may lower seizure threshold, neuroleptics should be discontinued 48 hours before iomeprol use. Treatment with a neuroleptic should not be resumed until 24 hours post-procedure.(1) |
IOMERON 350 |
There are 7 severe interactions.
These drug interactions can produce serious consequences in most patients. Actions required for severe interactions include, but are not limited to, discontinuing one or both agents, adjusting dosage, altering administration scheduling, and providing additional patient monitoring. Review the full interaction monograph for more information.
| Drug Interaction | Drug Names |
|---|---|
| Cabergoline/Selected Dopamine Blockers SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Dopamine (D2) blockers such as the phenothiazines, butyrophenones, thioxanthenes and atypical antipsychotics may decrease the effects of cabergoline, a dopamine agonist.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent administration of cabergoline with dopamine blockers (e.g. phenothiazines, butyrophenones, or thio xanthines) may decrease the effectiveness of cabergoline.(1) Cabergoline may decrease the effectiveness of antipsychotic treatment. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of cabergoline states cabergoline(1) should not be administered concurrently with dopamine antagonists. Avoid concurrent use when possible. If cabergoline is started in a patient receiving long term antipsychotic treatment, monitor closely for loss of antipsychotic efficacy. If an antipsychotic is required for a patient on long term cabergoline therapy, consider use of a shorter half-life, less potent dopamine (D2) blocking atypical antipsychotic (e.g. clozapine, quetiapine) and monitor closely. DISCUSSION: The manufacturer of cabergoline state that it should not be administered concurrently with dopamine antagonists. |
CABERGOLINE |
| Metoclopramide/Antipsychotics; Phenothiazines; Rivastigmine SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: These agents block dopamine (D2) receptors. D2 blockade can cause extrapyramidal reactions, such acute dystonic reactions, pseudoparkinsonian tremors, akathisia, or tardive dyskinesia. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome may also occur in patients receiving D2 blockers. The risk of these adverse effects may be increased by concurrent use.(1-3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use may increase the risk of extrapyramidal reactions (e.g. acute dystonic reactions, pseudoparkinsonian tremors, akathisia, or tardive dyskinesia) and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Tardive dyskinesia, which may be permanent, typically affects the facial muscles and may result in uncontrollable lip smacking, chewing, puckering of the mouth, frowning or scowling, sticking out the tongue, blinking and moving the eyes, and shaking of the arms and/or legs.(1-3) Symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome include hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, an autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and cardiac arrhythmias), elevated creatine phosphokinase, myoglobinuria (rhabdomyolysis), and acute renal failure.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with Parkinson's or Lewy Body Disease may be more likely to have extrapyramidal reactions or unmasking of their primary disease symptoms. The risk of extrapyramidal symptoms is also increased in patients on metoclopramide for longer than 12 weeks. Elderly patients, especially elderly women, and diabetics are at higher risk of developing tardive dyskinesia. Other extrapyramidal symptoms, like acute dystonia, have occurred more frequently in patients younger than 30 years old.(1) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of metoclopramide and agents likely to cause extrapyramidal reactions should be avoided.(1) If concurrent use is warranted, monitor patients closely for extrapyramidal reactions and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. The manufacturer of metoclopramide says to avoid treatment with metoclopramide for longer than 12 weeks, and to use the lowest possible dose.(1) Discontinue therapy if symptoms occur. Instruct patients to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms develop. Symptoms of extrapyramidal reactions, including tardive dyskinesia, include involuntary movements of limbs and facial grimacing, torticollis, oculogyric crisis, rhythmic protrusion of the tongue, bulbar type of speech, trismus, and/or dystonic reactions resembling tetanus/stridor/dyspnea.(3) DISCUSSION: Both metoclopramide and phenothiazines can cause extrapyramidal reactions, such as tardive dyskinesia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. The risk may be increased by concurrent use.(1,2) Extrapyramidal symptoms have been reported with concurrent metoclopramide and neuroleptics, prochlorperazine, and chlorpromazine.(4-6) |
GIMOTI, METOCLOPRAMIDE HCL, REGLAN |
| Cariprazine/Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors; Protease Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cariprazine and its major active metabolite DDCAR are metabolized by CYP3A4. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor or protease inhibitor may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from cariprazine.(1-4) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: When possible, avoid the use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and protease inhibitors with cariprazine. The US manufacturer of cariprazine states that concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors requires a dose adjustment. If a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor is initiated in a patient on a stable dose of cariprazine, the following dose adjustments are recommended: -If current cariprazine dose is 1.5 or 3 mg daily - Decrease cariprazine dose to 1.5 mg every 3 days. -If current cariprazine dose is 4.5 or 6 mg daily - Decrease cariprazine dose to 1.5 mg every other day. Cariprazine has two active metabolites, DCAR and DDCAR which have similar in vitro activity and potency. However, DDCAR has a longer half-life (1-3 weeks) than cariprazine (2-4 days), resulting in systemic DDCAR concentrations that are about 4-fold higher than cariprazine. Thus although interaction onset may begin within a few days, the full effect of inhibition may not be seen for 4 or more weeks. If a patient is already on a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor when cariprazine is started, the following dose adjustments are recommended: -For schizophrenia or bipolar mania - Start cariprazine dose at 1.5 mg every 3 days; Increase to 1.5 mg every other day, if needed. -For bipolar depression or adjunctive therapy for treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) - Start cariprazine dose at 1.5 mg every 3 days.(1) When the inhibitor is discontinued, cariprazine, DCAR and DDCAR will begin to fall and the dosage may need be increased. Monitor for decreased effectiveness for 4 or more weeks. The Australian, Canadian, and UK manufacturers of cariprazine state that concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is contraindicated.(2-4) The Canadian manufacturer of cariprazine states that concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors is also contraindicated for at least 2 weeks after cariprazine discontinuation.(3) DISCUSSION: In an interaction study, coadministration of ketoconazole 400 mg/day with cariprazine 0.5 mg/day increased cariprazine exposure (AUC, area-under-curve) 4-fold and increased DDCAR AUC about 1.5-fold.(1) In a PKPB model, coadministration of ketoconazole 400 mg/day with cariprazine 0.5 mg/day is predicted to increase cariprazine concentration maximum (Cmax) and AUC by 5.5-fold and 6-fold, respectively. Coadministration of fluconazole 200 mg/day with cariprazine 0.5 mg/day is predicted to increased cariprazine Cmax and AUC by up to 3-fold.(1) Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: adagrasib, atazanavir, boceprevir, ceritinib, clarithromycin, cobicistat, darunavir, grapefruit, idelalisib, indinavir, itraconazole, josamycin, ketoconazole, levoketoconazole, lonafarnib, lopinavir-ritonavir, mibefradil, mifepristone, nefazodone, nelfinavir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, paritaprevir, posaconazole, ribociclib, saquinavir, telaprevir, telithromycin, tipranavir, troleandomycin, tucatinib, and voriconazole.(6,7) |
APTIVUS, ATAZANAVIR SULFATE, CLARITHROMYCIN, CLARITHROMYCIN ER, DARUNAVIR, EVOTAZ, GENVOYA, ITRACONAZOLE, ITRACONAZOLE MICRONIZED, KALETRA, KETOCONAZOLE, KISQALI, KORLYM, KRAZATI, LANSOPRAZOL-AMOXICIL-CLARITHRO, LOPINAVIR-RITONAVIR, MIFEPREX, MIFEPRISTONE, NEFAZODONE HCL, NOXAFIL, OMECLAMOX-PAK, PAXLOVID, POSACONAZOLE, PREZCOBIX, PREZISTA, RECORLEV, REYATAZ, SPORANOX, STRIBILD, SYMTUZA, TOLSURA, TUKYSA, TYBOST, VFEND, VFEND IV, VIRACEPT, VOQUEZNA TRIPLE PAK, VORICONAZOLE, ZOKINVY, ZYDELIG, ZYKADIA |
| Opioids (Cough and Cold)/Antipsychotics; Phenothiazines SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of opioids and antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in additive CNS depression.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids and other CNS depressants, such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of adverse effects. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Avoid prescribing opioid-including cough medications for patients taking CNS depressants such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives.(1) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. Consider this risk when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(2) If concurrent use is necessary, monitor patients for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.(1) Discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics (such as those taking CNS depressants) who are at increased risk of opioid overdose and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose.(3) DISCUSSION: A nested case-control study looked at the relationship between antipsychotic use and risk of acute respiratory failure. Current use of antipsychotics was associated with a 2.33-fold increase in risk of respiratory failure compared to no use of antipsychotics. The risk was also significantly increased in patients with recent use of antipsychotics (within the past 15-30 days, OR = 1.79) and recent past use (within 31-90 days OR = 1.41). The risk increased with higher doses and longer duration of use.(4) Between 2002 and 2014, the number of patients receiving an opioid analgesic increased 8%, from 75 million to 81 million patients, and the number of patients receiving a benzodiazepine increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients. During this time, the proportion of patients receiving concurrent therapy increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients.(5) From 2004 to 2011, the rate of nonmedical use-related emergency room visits involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 11 to 34.2 per 100,000 and drug overdose deaths involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 0.6 to 1.7 per 100,000. The proportion of prescription opioid analgesic deaths which also involved benzodiazepines increased from 18% to 31% during this time.(6) A prospective observational cohort study in North Carolina found that the rates of overdose death among patients co-dispensed opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines were 10 times higher than patients receiving opioid analgesics alone.(7) A case-cohort study of VA data from 2004-2009 found that the risk of death from overdose increased with concomitant opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. Compared to patients with no history of benzodiazepines, patients with a history of benzodiazepine use (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.33) and patients with a current benzodiazepine prescription (HR=3.86) had an increased risk of fatal overdose.(8) A study found that opioid analgesics contributed to 77% of deaths in which benzodiazepines were determined to be a cause of death and that benzodiazepines contributed to 30% of deaths in which opioid analgesics were determined to be a cause of death. This study also found that other CNS depressants (including barbiturates, antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs, antiepileptic and antiparkinsonian drugs, anesthetics, autonomic nervous system drugs, and muscle relaxants) were contributory to death in many cases where opioid analgesics were also implicated.(9) A study found that alcohol was involved in 18.5% of opioid analgesic abuse-related ED visits and 22.1 percent of opioid analgesic-related deaths.(10) |
HYCODAN, HYDROCODONE-CHLORPHENIRAMNE ER, HYDROCODONE-HOMATROPINE MBR, HYDROMET, PROMETHAZINE-CODEINE, TUXARIN ER |
| Sodium Iodide I 131/Myelosuppressives; Immunomodulators SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Sodium iodide I 131 can cause depression of the hematopoetic system. Myelosuppressives and immunomodulators also suppress the immune system.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of sodium iodide I 131 with agents that cause bone marrow depression, including myelosuppressives or immunomodulators, may result in an enhanced risk of hematologic disorders, including anemia, blood dyscrasias, bone marrow depression, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow depression may increase the risk of serious infections and bleeding.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of sodium iodide I 131 states that concurrent use with bone marrow depressants may enhance the depression of the hematopoetic system caused by large doses of sodium iodide I 131.(1) Sodium iodide I 131 causes a dose-dependent bone marrow suppression, including neutropenia or thrombocytopenia, in the 3 to 5 weeks following administration. Patients may be at increased risk of infections or bleeding during this time. Monitor complete blood counts within one month of therapy. If results indicate leukopenia or thrombocytopenia, dosimetry should be used to determine a safe sodium iodide I 131 activity.(1) DISCUSSION: Hematologic disorders including death have been reported with sodium iodide I 131. The most common hematologic disorders reported include anemia, blood dyscrasias, bone marrow depression, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.(1) |
HICON, SODIUM IODIDE I-131 |
| Cariprazine/Strong and Moderate CYP3A4 Inducers SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cariprazine and its major active metabolite DDCAR are metabolized by CYP3A4. Strong and moderate inducers of CYP3A4 may accelerate the metabolism of cariprazine.(1-4) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a strong or moderate inducer of CYP3A4 may result in decreased levels and effectiveness of cariprazine.(1-4) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Induction effects may be more likely with regular use of the inducer for longer than 1-2 weeks. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of cariprazine does not recommend concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inducers.(1) The Australian, Canadian, and UK manufacturers of cariprazine state that concurrent use of strong and moderate CYP3A4 inducers is contraindicated.(2-4) DISCUSSION: Cariprazine and its active metabolites are primarily metabolized by CYP3A4. Coadministration with CYP3A4 inducers has not been studied and the net effect is unclear. Due to the long half life of the active metabolites, it takes several weeks for cariprazine to reach steady state after dosage changes.(1) Strong inducers of CYP3A4 include: apalutamide, barbiturates, carbamazepine, encorafenib, enzalutamide, fosphenytoin, ivosidenib, lumacaftor, mitotane, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifampin, rifapentine, and St. John's wort.(5-6) Moderate inducers of CYP3A4 include: belzutifan, bosentan, cenobamate, dabrafenib, dipyrone, efavirenz, elagolix, etravirine, lesinurad, lorlatinib, mavacamten, mitapivat, modafinil, nafcillin, pacritinib, pexidartinib, repotrectinib, rifabutin, sotorasib, telotristat, thioridazine, and tovorafenib.(5-6) |
ASA-BUTALB-CAFFEINE-CODEINE, ASCOMP WITH CODEINE, AUGTYRO, BOSENTAN, BRAFTOVI, BUTALB-ACETAMINOPH-CAFF-CODEIN, BUTALBITAL, BUTALBITAL-ACETAMINOPHEN, BUTALBITAL-ACETAMINOPHEN-CAFFE, BUTALBITAL-ASPIRIN-CAFFEINE, CAMZYOS, CARBAMAZEPINE, CARBAMAZEPINE ER, CARBATROL, CEREBYX, DILANTIN, DILANTIN-125, DONNATAL, DUZALLO, EFAVIRENZ, EFAVIRENZ-EMTRIC-TENOFOV DISOP, EFAVIRENZ-LAMIVU-TENOFOV DISOP, EPITOL, EQUETRO, ERLEADA, ETRAVIRINE, FIORICET, FIORICET WITH CODEINE, FOSPHENYTOIN SODIUM, INTELENCE, LORBRENA, LUMAKRAS, LYSODREN, MITOTANE, MODAFINIL, MYSOLINE, NAFCILLIN, NAFCILLIN SODIUM, OJEMDA, ORIAHNN, ORILISSA, ORKAMBI, PENTOBARBITAL SODIUM, PHENOBARBITAL, PHENOBARBITAL SODIUM, PHENOBARBITAL-BELLADONNA, PHENOBARBITAL-HYOSC-ATROP-SCOP, PHENOHYTRO, PHENYTEK, PHENYTOIN, PHENYTOIN SODIUM, PHENYTOIN SODIUM EXTENDED, PRIFTIN, PRIMIDONE, PROVIGIL, PYRUKYND, RIFABUTIN, RIFADIN, RIFAMPIN, SEZABY, SYMFI, SYMFI LO, TAFINLAR, TALICIA, TEGRETOL, TEGRETOL XR, TENCON, THIORIDAZINE HCL, THIORIDAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE, TIBSOVO, TRACLEER, TURALIO, VONJO, WELIREG, XCOPRI, XERMELO, XTANDI |
| Cariprazine/Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Cariprazine and its major active metabolite DDCAR are metabolized by CYP3A4.(1-4) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor may result in elevated levels of and toxicity from cariprazine.(1-4) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: When possible, avoid the use of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors with cariprazine. The US manufacturer of cariprazine states that concurrent use of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors requires a dose adjustment. If a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor is initiated in a patient on a stable dose of cariprazine, the following dose adjustments are recommended: -If current cariprazine dose is 1.5 or 3 mg daily - Decrease cariprazine dose to 1.5 mg every other day. -If current cariprazine dose is 4.5 or 6 mg daily - Decrease cariprazine dose to 1.5 mg daily. Cariprazine has two active metabolites, DCAR and DDCAR which have similar in vitro activity and potency. However, DDCAR has a longer half-life (1-3 weeks) than cariprazine (2-4 days), resulting in systemic DDCAR concentrations that are about 4-fold higher than cariprazine. Thus although interaction onset may begin within a few days, the full effect of inhibition may not be seen for 4 or more weeks. If a patient is already on a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor when cariprazine is started, the following dose adjustments are recommended: -For schizophrenia or bipolar mania - Start cariprazine dose at 1.5 mg every other day; Increase to 1.5 mg daily, if needed. -For bipolar depression or adjunctive therapy for treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) - Start cariprazine dose at 1.5 mg every other day.(1) When the inhibitor is discontinued, cariprazine, DCAR and DDCAR will begin to fall and the dosage may need be increased. Monitor for decreased effectiveness for 4 or more weeks. The Australian, Canadian, and UK manufacturers of cariprazine state that concurrent use of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors is contraindicated.(2-4) The Canadian manufacturer of cariprazine states that concurrent use of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors is also contraindicated for at least 2 weeks after cariprazine discontinuation.(3) DISCUSSION: In an interaction study, coadministration of ketoconazole 400 mg/day with cariprazine 0.5 mg/day increased cariprazine exposure (AUC, area-under-curve) 4-fold and increased DDCAR AUC about 1.5-fold.(1) In a PKPB model, coadministration of ketoconazole 400 mg/day with cariprazine 0.5 mg/day is predicted to increase cariprazine concentration maximum (Cmax) and AUC by 5.5-fold and 6-fold, respectively. Coadministration of fluconazole 200 mg/day with cariprazine 0.5 mg/day is predicted to increased cariprazine Cmax and AUC by up to 3-fold.(1) Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors linked to this monograph include: amprenavir, aprepitant, avacopan, berotralstat, clofazimine, conivaptan, crizotinib, diltiazem, dronedarone, duvelisib, erythromycin, fedratinib, fluconazole, fluvoxamine, fosamprenavir, fosnetupitant, imatinib, isavuconazole, oral lefamulin, lenacapavir, letermovir, netupitant, nilotinib, nirogacestat, schisandra, tofisopam, treosulfan, verapamil, and voxelotor.(5,6) |
AKYNZEO, APONVIE, APREPITANT, CARDIZEM, CARDIZEM CD, CARDIZEM LA, CARTIA XT, CINVANTI, CLOFAZIMINE, CONIVAPTAN-D5W, COPIKTRA, CRESEMBA, DANZITEN, DIFLUCAN, DILT-XR, DILTIAZEM 12HR ER, DILTIAZEM 24HR ER, DILTIAZEM 24HR ER (CD), DILTIAZEM 24HR ER (LA), DILTIAZEM 24HR ER (XR), DILTIAZEM HCL, DILTIAZEM HCL-0.7% NACL, DILTIAZEM HCL-0.9% NACL, DILTIAZEM HCL-NACL, DILTIAZEM-D5W, E.E.S. 200, E.E.S. 400, EMEND, ERY-TAB, ERYPED 200, ERYPED 400, ERYTHROCIN LACTOBIONATE, ERYTHROCIN STEARATE, ERYTHROMYCIN, ERYTHROMYCIN ESTOLATE, ERYTHROMYCIN ETHYLSUCCINATE, ERYTHROMYCIN LACTOBIONATE, FLUCONAZOLE, FLUCONAZOLE-NACL, FLUVOXAMINE MALEATE, FLUVOXAMINE MALEATE ER, FOSAMPRENAVIR CALCIUM, GLEEVEC, GRAFAPEX, IMATINIB MESYLATE, IMKELDI, INREBIC, MATZIM LA, MULTAQ, NILOTINIB HCL, OGSIVEO, ORLADEYO, PREVYMIS, SUNLENCA, TASIGNA, TAVNEOS, TIADYLT ER, TIAZAC, TRANDOLAPRIL-VERAPAMIL ER, VAPRISOL-5% DEXTROSE, VERAPAMIL ER, VERAPAMIL ER PM, VERAPAMIL HCL, VERAPAMIL SR, XALKORI, XENLETA |
There are 10 moderate interactions.
The clinician should assess the patient’s characteristics and take action as needed. Actions required for moderate interactions include, but are not limited to, discontinuing one or both agents, adjusting dosage, altering administration.
| Drug Interaction | Drug Names |
|---|---|
| Bupropion/Antipsychotics SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Both bupropion and the antipsychotics are known to lower the seizure threshold.(1,2) Bupropion is also a strong inhibitor of CYP2D6.(3) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of bupropion and an antipsychotic may result in additive effects on the seizure threshold, increasing the risk of seizures.(1,2) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk of seizures may be increased in patients with a history of head trauma or prior seizure; CNS tumor; severe hepatic cirrhosis; excessive use of alcohol or sedatives; addiction to opiates, cocaine, or stimulants; use of over-the-counter stimulants an anorectics; a total daily dose of bupropion greater than 450 mg or single doses greater than 150 mg; rapid escalation of bupropion dosage; diabetics treated with oral hypoglycemics or insulin; or with concomitant medications known to lower seizure threshold (antidepressants, theophylline, systemic steroids).(1,2) The risk of anticholinergic toxicities including cognitive decline, delirium, falls and fractures is increased in geriatric patients using more than one medicine with anticholinergic properties.(3) PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The concurrent use of bupropion and antipsychotics should be undertaken only with extreme caution and with low initial bupropion dosing and small gradual dosage increases.(1,2) Single doses should not exceed 150 mg.(1,2) The maximum daily dose of bupropion should not exceed 300 mg for smoking cessation(2) or 450 mg for depression.(1) DISCUSSION: Because of the risk of seizure from concurrent bupropion and other agents that lower seizure threshold, the manufacturer of bupropion states that the concurrent use of bupropion and antipsychotics should be undertaken only with extreme caution and with low initial bupropion dosing and small gradual dosage increases.(1) |
APLENZIN, AUVELITY, BUPROPION HCL, BUPROPION HCL SR, BUPROPION XL, CONTRAVE, FORFIVO XL, WELLBUTRIN SR, WELLBUTRIN XL |
| Selected Dopamine Agonists/Select Atypical Antipsychotics SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Selected dopamine agonists are used to treat neurologic conditions such as Parkinson Disease (PD) or restless legs syndrome, and endocrine disorders such as hyperprolactinemia by directly or indirectly increasing dopamine concentrations at D2 receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). Antipsychotic agents counteract this effect by blocking dopamine activity at CNS D2 receptors.(1-5) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The efficacy of either agent may be decreased, leading to exacerbation of the disease being treated, e.g. Parkinson disease or a psychotic disorder. Dopamine agonists linked to this monograph are: bromocriptine, entacapone, levodopa, pergolide, pramipexole, ropinirole and rotigotine. Atypical antipsychotics linked to this monograph are: aripiprazole, asenapine, iloperidone, lumateperone, lurasidone, paliperidone, quetiapine, risperidone, ziprasidone and zotepine. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with Parkinson or Diffuse Lewy Body (DLB) disease are particularly susceptible to adverse effects of dopamine blockade by antipsychotics. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Reassess the need for antipsychotic therapy. If psychosis or hallucinations are due to an antiparkinson agent, when possible consider reducing the dose or changing the antiparkinson agent before initiating antipsychotic therapy. In patients with PD and dementia, addition of a cholinesterase inhibitor (e.g. rivastigmine) may improve psychosis. If an antipsychotic is required, then an atypical antipsychotic should be used.(6,7) In patients with major psychotic disorders, consider reducing the dose, changing, or stopping the dopamine agonist. The US manufacturer of ropinirole recommends treatment with dopamine agonists only if potential benefits outweigh risks.(1) The US manufacturer of entacapone states it should not ordinarily be used in patients with major psychotic disorders as entacapone may lead to an exacerbation of psychosis.(4) DISCUSSION: An epidemiologic study evaluated 21,043 elderly patients with Parkinson disease to determine if recent initiation of a typical or atypical antipsychotic was associated with increased mortality. They found an adjusted odds ratio of 2.0 for death associated with atypical antipsychotics versus no antipsychotic. They found an adjusted odds ratio of 2.4 for death associated with typical versus atypical antipsychotics. The authors noted the increased mortality found with typical antipsychotics supports current treatment recommendations to use atypical antipsychotic agents in patients with Parkinson disease.(6,7) Two clozapine trials showed significant improvement in psychosis without worsening of motor symptoms. In contrast, two olanzapine trials were associated with unacceptable worsening of motor symptoms. Risperidone has also been associated with motor worsening in case reports. Quetiapine evaluations have been conflicting with several small studies showing improvement in psychotic symptoms while a more rigorous trial showed no improvement.(6) |
BROMOCRIPTINE MESYLATE, CARBIDOPA-LEVODOPA, CARBIDOPA-LEVODOPA ER, CARBIDOPA-LEVODOPA-ENTACAPONE, CREXONT, CYCLOSET, DHIVY, DUOPA, INBRIJA, LEVODOPA, MIRAPEX ER, NEUPRO, PRAMIPEXOLE DIHYDROCHLORIDE, PRAMIPEXOLE ER, ROPINIROLE ER, ROPINIROLE HCL, RYTARY, SINEMET, VYALEV |
| Opioids (Extended Release)/Antipsychotics; Phenothiazines SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of opioids and antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in additive CNS depression.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids and other CNS depressants, such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of adverse effects. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Limit prescribing opioid analgesics with CNS depressants such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, to patients for whom alternatives are inadequate.(1) If concurrent use is necessary, limit the dosages and duration of each drug to the minimum possible while achieving the desired clinical effect. If starting a CNS depressant (for an indication other than epilepsy) with an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid and titrate based upon clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is indicated in a patient already taking a CNS depressant, prescribe a lower dose of the opioid and titrate based upon clinical response.(1) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. Consider this risk when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(2) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.(1) Discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics (such as those taking CNS depressants) who are at increased risk of opioid overdose and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose.(3) DISCUSSION: A nested case-control study looked at the relationship between antipsychotic use and risk of acute respiratory failure. Current use of antipsychotics was associated with a 2.33-fold increase in risk of respiratory failure compared to no use of antipsychotics. The risk was also significantly increased in patients with recent use of antipsychotics (within the past 15-30 days, OR = 1.79) and recent past use (within 31-90 days OR = 1.41). The risk increased with higher doses and longer duration of use.(4) Between 2002 and 2014, the number of patients receiving an opioid analgesic increased 8%, from 75 million to 81 million patients, and the number of patients receiving a benzodiazepine increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients. During this time, the proportion of patients receiving concurrent therapy increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients.(5) From 2004 to 2011, the rate of nonmedical use-related emergency room visits involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 11 to 34.2 per 100,000 and drug overdose deaths involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 0.6 to 1.7 per 100,000. The proportion of prescription opioid analgesic deaths which also involved benzodiazepines increased from 18% to 31% during this time.(6) A prospective observational cohort study in North Carolina found that the rates of overdose death among patients co-dispensed opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines were 10 times higher than patients receiving opioid analgesics alone.(7) A case-cohort study of VA data from 2004-2009 found that the risk of death from overdose increased with concomitant opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. Compared to patients with no history of benzodiazepines, patients with a history of benzodiazepine use (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.33) and patients with a current benzodiazepine prescription (HR=3.86) had an increased risk of fatal overdose.(8) A study found that opioid analgesics contributed to 77% of deaths in which benzodiazepines were determined to be a cause of death and that benzodiazepines contributed to 30% of deaths in which opioid analgesics were determined to be a cause of death. This study also found that other CNS depressants (including barbiturates, antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs, antiepileptic and antiparkinsonian drugs, anesthetics, autonomic nervous system drugs, and muscle relaxants) were contributory to death in many cases where opioid analgesics were also implicated.(9) A study found that alcohol was involved in 18.5% of opioid analgesic abuse-related ED visits and 22.1 percent of opioid analgesic-related deaths.(10) |
BUPRENORPHINE, BUTRANS, CONZIP, FENTANYL, HYDROCODONE BITARTRATE ER, HYDROMORPHONE ER, HYSINGLA ER, MORPHINE SULFATE ER, MS CONTIN, NUCYNTA ER, OXYCODONE HCL ER, OXYCONTIN, OXYMORPHONE HCL ER, TRAMADOL HCL ER, XTAMPZA ER |
| Slt Opioids (Immediate Release)/Antipsychotics;Phenothiazine SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of opioids and antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in additive CNS depression.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids and other CNS depressants, such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of adverse effects. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Limit prescribing opioid analgesics with CNS depressants such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, to patients for whom alternatives are inadequate.(1) If concurrent use is necessary, limit the dosages and duration of each drug to the minimum possible while achieving the desired clinical effect. If starting a CNS depressant (for an indication other than epilepsy) with an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid and titrate based upon clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is indicated in a patient already taking a CNS depressant, prescribe a lower dose of the opioid and titrate based upon clinical response.(1) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. Consider this risk when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(2) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.(1) Discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics (such as those taking CNS depressants) who are at increased risk of opioid overdose and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose.(3) DISCUSSION: A nested case-control study looked at the relationship between antipsychotic use and risk of acute respiratory failure. Current use of antipsychotics was associated with a 2.33-fold increase in risk of respiratory failure compared to no use of antipsychotics. The risk was also significantly increased in patients with recent use of antipsychotics (within the past 15-30 days, OR = 1.79) and recent past use (within 31-90 days OR = 1.41). The risk increased with higher doses and longer duration of use.(4) Between 2002 and 2014, the number of patients receiving an opioid analgesic increased 8%, from 75 million to 81 million patients, and the number of patients receiving a benzodiazepine increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients. During this time, the proportion of patients receiving concurrent therapy increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients.(5) From 2004 to 2011, the rate of nonmedical use-related emergency room visits involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 11 to 34.2 per 100,000 and drug overdose deaths involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 0.6 to 1.7 per 100,000. The proportion of prescription opioid analgesic deaths which also involved benzodiazepines increased from 18% to 31% during this time.(6) A prospective observational cohort study in North Carolina found that the rates of overdose death among patients co-dispensed opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines were 10 times higher than patients receiving opioid analgesics alone.(7) A case-cohort study of VA data from 2004-2009 found that the risk of death from overdose increased with concomitant opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. Compared to patients with no history of benzodiazepines, patients with a history of benzodiazepine use (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.33) and patients with a current benzodiazepine prescription (HR=3.86) had an increased risk of fatal overdose.(8) A study found that opioid analgesics contributed to 77% of deaths in which benzodiazepines were determined to be a cause of death and that benzodiazepines contributed to 30% of deaths in which opioid analgesics were determined to be a cause of death. This study also found that other CNS depressants (including barbiturates, antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs, antiepileptic and antiparkinsonian drugs, anesthetics, autonomic nervous system drugs, and muscle relaxants) were contributory to death in many cases where opioid analgesics were also implicated.(9) A study found that alcohol was involved in 18.5% of opioid analgesic abuse-related ED visits and 22.1 percent of opioid analgesic-related deaths.(10) |
APADAZ, BELBUCA, BELLADONNA-OPIUM, BENZHYDROCODONE-ACETAMINOPHEN, BUPRENORPHINE HCL, BUTORPHANOL TARTRATE, DILAUDID, DSUVIA, DURAMORPH, ENDOCET, FENTANYL CITRATE, FENTANYL CITRATE-0.9% NACL, FENTANYL CITRATE-D5W, FENTANYL CITRATE-STERILE WATER, FENTANYL CITRATE-WATER, FENTANYL-BUPIVACAINE-0.9% NACL, FENTANYL-BUPIVACAINE-NACL, FENTANYL-ROPIVACAINE-0.9% NACL, FENTANYL-ROPIVACAINE-NACL, HYDROCODONE BITARTRATE, HYDROCODONE-ACETAMINOPHEN, HYDROCODONE-IBUPROFEN, HYDROMORPHONE HCL, HYDROMORPHONE HCL-0.9% NACL, HYDROMORPHONE HCL-D5W, HYDROMORPHONE HCL-NACL, HYDROMORPHONE HCL-WATER, INFUMORPH, MITIGO, MORPHINE SULFATE, MORPHINE SULFATE-0.9% NACL, MORPHINE SULFATE-NACL, NALBUPHINE HCL, NALOCET, NUCYNTA, OLINVYK, OPIUM TINCTURE, OXYCODONE HCL, OXYCODONE HYDROCHLORIDE, OXYCODONE-ACETAMINOPHEN, OXYMORPHONE HCL, PENTAZOCINE-NALOXONE HCL, PERCOCET, PRIMLEV, PROLATE, REMIFENTANIL HCL, ROXICODONE, ROXYBOND, SUFENTANIL CITRATE, ULTIVA |
| Selected Opioids for MAT/Antipsychotics SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of opioids and antipsychotics may result in additive CNS depression.(1-3) Levomethadone is an enantiomer of methadone.(4) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids and other CNS depressants, such as antipsychotics, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(1-3) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of adverse effects. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Medication assisted treatment (MAT) with buprenorphine, diacetylmorphine, or methadone is not contraindicated in patients taking CNS depressants; however, gradual tapering or decreasing to the lowest effective dose of the CNS depressant may be appropriate. Ensure that other health care providers prescribing other CNS depressants are aware of the patient's buprenorphine, diacetylmorphine, or methadone treatment.(2) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. Consider this risk when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(5) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.(1) Discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics (such as those taking CNS depressants) who are at increased risk of opioid overdose and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose.(6) DISCUSSION: A nested case-control study looked at the relationship between antipsychotic use and risk of acute respiratory failure. Current use of antipsychotics was associated with a 2.33-fold increase in risk of respiratory failure compared to no use of antipsychotics. The risk was also significantly increased in patients with recent use of antipsychotics (within the past 15-30 days, OR = 1.79) and recent past use (within 31-90 days OR = 1.41). The risk increased with higher doses and longer duration of use.(7) Between 2002 and 2014, the number of patients receiving an opioid analgesic increased 8%, from 75 million to 81 million patients, and the number of patients receiving a benzodiazepine increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients. During this time, the proportion of patients receiving concurrent therapy increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients.(8) From 2004 to 2011, the rate of nonmedical use-related emergency room visits involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 11 to 34.2 per 100,000 and drug overdose deaths involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 0.6 to 1.7 per 100,000. The proportion of prescription opioid analgesic deaths which also involved benzodiazepines increased from 18% to 31% during this time.(9) A prospective observational cohort study in North Carolina found that the rates of overdose death among patients co-dispensed opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines were 10 times higher than patients receiving opioid analgesics alone.(10) A case-cohort study of VA data from 2004-2009 found that the risk of death from overdose increased with concomitant opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. Compared to patients with no history of benzodiazepines, patients with a history of benzodiazepine use (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.33) and patients with a current benzodiazepine prescription (HR=3.86) had an increased risk of fatal overdose.(11) A study found that opioid analgesics contributed to 77% of deaths in which benzodiazepines were determined to be a cause of death and that benzodiazepines contributed to 30% of deaths in which opioid analgesics were determined to be a cause of death. This study also found that other CNS depressants (including barbiturates, antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs, antiepileptic and antiparkinsonian drugs, anesthetics, autonomic nervous system drugs, and muscle relaxants) were contributory to death in many cases where opioid analgesics were also implicated.(12) A study found that alcohol was involved in 18.5% of opioid analgesic abuse-related ED visits and 22.1 percent of opioid analgesic-related deaths.(13) |
BRIXADI, BUPRENORPHINE HCL, BUPRENORPHINE-NALOXONE, DISKETS, METHADONE HCL, METHADONE INTENSOL, METHADOSE, SUBLOCADE, SUBOXONE, ZUBSOLV |
| Meperidine (IR)/Selected Antipsychotics; Phenothiazines SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of opioids such as meperidine and antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in additive CNS depression.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids such as meperidine and other CNS depressants, such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of adverse effects. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Limit prescribing opioid analgesics such as meperidine with CNS depressants such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, to patients for whom alternatives are inadequate.(1) If concurrent use is necessary, limit the dosages and duration of each drug to the minimum possible while achieving the desired clinical effect. If starting a CNS depressant (for an indication other than epilepsy) with an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid and titrate based upon clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is indicated in a patient already taking a CNS depressant, prescribe a lower dose of the opioid and titrate based upon clinical response.(1) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. Consider this risk when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(2) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.(1) Discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics (such as those taking CNS depressants) who are at increased risk of opioid overdose and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose.(3) DISCUSSION: A nested case-control study looked at the relationship between antipsychotic use and risk of acute respiratory failure. Current use of antipsychotics was associated with a 2.33-fold increase in risk of respiratory failure compared to no use of antipsychotics. The risk was also significantly increased in patients with recent use of antipsychotics (within the past 15-30 days, OR = 1.79) and recent past use (within 31-90 days OR = 1.41). The risk increased with higher doses and longer duration of use.(4) Between 2002 and 2014, the number of patients receiving an opioid analgesic increased 8%, from 75 million to 81 million patients, and the number of patients receiving a benzodiazepine increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients. During this time, the proportion of patients receiving concurrent therapy increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients.(5) From 2004 to 2011, the rate of nonmedical use-related emergency room visits involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 11 to 34.2 per 100,000 and drug overdose deaths involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 0.6 to 1.7 per 100,000. The proportion of prescription opioid analgesic deaths which also involved benzodiazepines increased from 18% to 31% during this time.(6) A prospective observational cohort study in North Carolina found that the rates of overdose death among patients co-dispensed opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines were 10 times higher than patients receiving opioid analgesics alone.(7) A case-cohort study of VA data from 2004-2009 found that the risk of death from overdose increased with concomitant opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. Compared to patients with no history of benzodiazepines, patients with a history of benzodiazepine use (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.33) and patients with a current benzodiazepine prescription (HR=3.86) had an increased risk of fatal overdose.(8) A study found that opioid analgesics contributed to 77% of deaths in which benzodiazepines were determined to be a cause of death and that benzodiazepines contributed to 30% of deaths in which opioid analgesics were determined to be a cause of death. This study also found that other CNS depressants (including barbiturates, antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs, antiepileptic and antiparkinsonian drugs, anesthetics, autonomic nervous system drugs, and muscle relaxants) were contributory to death in many cases where opioid analgesics were also implicated.(9) A study found that alcohol was involved in 18.5% of opioid analgesic abuse-related ED visits and 22.1 percent of opioid analgesic-related deaths.(10) |
DEMEROL, MEPERIDINE HCL, MEPERIDINE HCL-0.9% NACL |
| Codeine; Levorphanol (IR)/Slt Antipsychotics; Phenothiazines SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of opioids such as codeine and levorphanol and antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in additive CNS depression.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids such as codeine and levorphanol and other CNS depressants, such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of adverse effects. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Limit prescribing opioid analgesics such as codeine and levorphanol with CNS depressants such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, to patients for whom alternatives are inadequate.(1) If concurrent use is necessary, limit the dosages and duration of each drug to the minimum possible while achieving the desired clinical effect. If starting a CNS depressant (for an indication other than epilepsy) with an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid and titrate based upon clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is indicated in a patient already taking a CNS depressant, prescribe a lower dose of the opioid and titrate based upon clinical response.(1) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. Consider this risk when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(2) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.(1) Discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics (such as those taking CNS depressants) who are at increased risk of opioid overdose and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose.(3) DISCUSSION: A nested case-control study looked at the relationship between antipsychotic use and risk of acute respiratory failure. Current use of antipsychotics was associated with a 2.33-fold increase in risk of respiratory failure compared to no use of antipsychotics. The risk was also significantly increased in patients with recent use of antipsychotics (within the past 15-30 days, OR = 1.79) and recent past use (within 31-90 days OR = 1.41). The risk increased with higher doses and longer duration of use.(4) Between 2002 and 2014, the number of patients receiving an opioid analgesic increased 8%, from 75 million to 81 million patients, and the number of patients receiving a benzodiazepine increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients. During this time, the proportion of patients receiving concurrent therapy increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients.(5) From 2004 to 2011, the rate of nonmedical use-related emergency room visits involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 11 to 34.2 per 100,000 and drug overdose deaths involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 0.6 to 1.7 per 100,000. The proportion of prescription opioid analgesic deaths which also involved benzodiazepines increased from 18% to 31% during this time.(6) A prospective observational cohort study in North Carolina found that the rates of overdose death among patients co-dispensed opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines were 10 times higher than patients receiving opioid analgesics alone.(7) A case-cohort study of VA data from 2004-2009 found that the risk of death from overdose increased with concomitant opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. Compared to patients with no history of benzodiazepines, patients with a history of benzodiazepine use (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.33) and patients with a current benzodiazepine prescription (HR=3.86) had an increased risk of fatal overdose.(8) A study found that opioid analgesics contributed to 77% of deaths in which benzodiazepines were determined to be a cause of death and that benzodiazepines contributed to 30% of deaths in which opioid analgesics were determined to be a cause of death. This study also found that other CNS depressants (including barbiturates, antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs, antiepileptic and antiparkinsonian drugs, anesthetics, autonomic nervous system drugs, and muscle relaxants) were contributory to death in many cases where opioid analgesics were also implicated.(9) A study found that alcohol was involved in 18.5% of opioid analgesic abuse-related ED visits and 22.1 percent of opioid analgesic-related deaths.(10) |
ACETAMIN-CAFF-DIHYDROCODEINE, ACETAMINOPHEN-CODEINE, ASA-BUTALB-CAFFEINE-CODEINE, ASCOMP WITH CODEINE, BUTALB-ACETAMINOPH-CAFF-CODEIN, CARISOPRODOL-ASPIRIN-CODEINE, CODEINE PHOSPHATE, CODEINE SULFATE, DIHYDROCODEINE BITARTRATE, FIORICET WITH CODEINE, HYDROCODONE BITARTRATE, LEVORPHANOL TARTRATE, TREZIX |
| Methadone (non MAT)/Selected Antipsychotics; Phenothiazines SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of opioids such as methadone and antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in additive CNS depression.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids such as methadone and other CNS depressants, such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of adverse effects. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Limit prescribing opioid analgesics such as methadone with CNS depressants such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, to patients for whom alternatives are inadequate.(1) If concurrent use is necessary, limit the dosages and duration of each drug to the minimum possible while achieving the desired clinical effect. If starting a CNS depressant (for an indication other than epilepsy) with an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid and titrate based upon clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is indicated in a patient already taking a CNS depressant, prescribe a lower dose of the opioid and titrate based upon clinical response.(1) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. Consider this risk when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(2) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.(1) Discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics (such as those taking CNS depressants) who are at increased risk of opioid overdose and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose.(3) DISCUSSION: A nested case-control study looked at the relationship between antipsychotic use and risk of acute respiratory failure. Current use of antipsychotics was associated with a 2.33-fold increase in risk of respiratory failure compared to no use of antipsychotics. The risk was also significantly increased in patients with recent use of antipsychotics (within the past 15-30 days, OR = 1.79) and recent past use (within 31-90 days OR = 1.41). The risk increased with higher doses and longer duration of use.(4) Between 2002 and 2014, the number of patients receiving an opioid analgesic increased 8%, from 75 million to 81 million patients, and the number of patients receiving a benzodiazepine increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients. During this time, the proportion of patients receiving concurrent therapy increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients.(5) From 2004 to 2011, the rate of nonmedical use-related emergency room visits involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 11 to 34.2 per 100,000 and drug overdose deaths involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 0.6 to 1.7 per 100,000. The proportion of prescription opioid analgesic deaths which also involved benzodiazepines increased from 18% to 31% during this time.(6) A prospective observational cohort study in North Carolina found that the rates of overdose death among patients co-dispensed opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines were 10 times higher than patients receiving opioid analgesics alone.(7) A case-cohort study of VA data from 2004-2009 found that the risk of death from overdose increased with concomitant opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. Compared to patients with no history of benzodiazepines, patients with a history of benzodiazepine use (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.33) and patients with a current benzodiazepine prescription (HR=3.86) had an increased risk of fatal overdose.(8) A study found that opioid analgesics contributed to 77% of deaths in which benzodiazepines were determined to be a cause of death and that benzodiazepines contributed to 30% of deaths in which opioid analgesics were determined to be a cause of death. This study also found that other CNS depressants (including barbiturates, antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs, antiepileptic and antiparkinsonian drugs, anesthetics, autonomic nervous system drugs, and muscle relaxants) were contributory to death in many cases where opioid analgesics were also implicated.(9) A study found that alcohol was involved in 18.5% of opioid analgesic abuse-related ED visits and 22.1 percent of opioid analgesic-related deaths.(10) |
METHADONE HCL, METHADONE HCL-0.9% NACL, METHADONE HCL-NACL |
| Tramadol (IR)/Selected Antipsychotics; Phenothiazines SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Concurrent use of opioids such as tramadol and antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in additive CNS depression.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of opioids such as tramadol and other CNS depressants, such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and/or death.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants may increase the risk of adverse effects. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Limit prescribing opioid analgesics such as tramadol with CNS depressants such as antipsychotics, including phenothiazine derivatives, to patients for whom alternatives are inadequate.(1) If concurrent use is necessary, limit the dosages and duration of each drug to the minimum possible while achieving the desired clinical effect. If starting a CNS depressant (for an indication other than epilepsy) with an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid and titrate based upon clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is indicated in a patient already taking a CNS depressant, prescribe a lower dose of the opioid and titrate based upon clinical response.(1) Respiratory depression can occur at any time during opioid therapy, especially during therapy initiation and following dosage increases. Consider this risk when using concurrently with other agents that may cause CNS depression.(2) Monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for unusual dizziness or lightheadedness, extreme sleepiness, slowed or difficult breathing, or unresponsiveness.(1) Discuss naloxone with all patients when prescribing or renewing an opioid analgesic or medicine to treat opioid use disorder (OUD). Consider prescribing naloxone to patients prescribed medicines to treat OUD or opioid analgesics (such as those taking CNS depressants) who are at increased risk of opioid overdose and when a patient has household members/close contacts at risk for accidental overdose.(3) DISCUSSION: A nested case-control study looked at the relationship between antipsychotic use and risk of acute respiratory failure. Current use of antipsychotics was associated with a 2.33-fold increase in risk of respiratory failure compared to no use of antipsychotics. The risk was also significantly increased in patients with recent use of antipsychotics (within the past 15-30 days, OR = 1.79) and recent past use (within 31-90 days OR = 1.41). The risk increased with higher doses and longer duration of use.(4) Between 2002 and 2014, the number of patients receiving an opioid analgesic increased 8%, from 75 million to 81 million patients, and the number of patients receiving a benzodiazepine increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients. During this time, the proportion of patients receiving concurrent therapy increased 31%, from 23 million to 30 million patients.(5) From 2004 to 2011, the rate of nonmedical use-related emergency room visits involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 11 to 34.2 per 100,000 and drug overdose deaths involving both opioids and benzodiazepines increased from 0.6 to 1.7 per 100,000. The proportion of prescription opioid analgesic deaths which also involved benzodiazepines increased from 18% to 31% during this time.(6) A prospective observational cohort study in North Carolina found that the rates of overdose death among patients co-dispensed opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines were 10 times higher than patients receiving opioid analgesics alone.(7) A case-cohort study of VA data from 2004-2009 found that the risk of death from overdose increased with concomitant opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines. Compared to patients with no history of benzodiazepines, patients with a history of benzodiazepine use (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.33) and patients with a current benzodiazepine prescription (HR=3.86) had an increased risk of fatal overdose.(8) A study found that opioid analgesics contributed to 77% of deaths in which benzodiazepines were determined to be a cause of death and that benzodiazepines contributed to 30% of deaths in which opioid analgesics were determined to be a cause of death. This study also found that other CNS depressants (including barbiturates, antipsychotic and neuroleptic drugs, antiepileptic and antiparkinsonian drugs, anesthetics, autonomic nervous system drugs, and muscle relaxants) were contributory to death in many cases where opioid analgesics were also implicated.(9) A study found that alcohol was involved in 18.5% of opioid analgesic abuse-related ED visits and 22.1 percent of opioid analgesic-related deaths.(10) |
QDOLO, TRAMADOL HCL, TRAMADOL HCL-ACETAMINOPHEN |
| Apomorphine/Select Atypical Antipsychotics SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Apomorphine is a dopamine agonist. Antipsychotic agents counteract this effect by blocking dopamine activity at CNS D2 receptors.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: The efficacy of either agent may be decreased, leading to exacerbation of the disease being treated, e.g. Parkinson disease or a psychotic disorder. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with Parkinson or Diffuse Lewy Body(DLB) disease are particularly susceptible to adverse effects of dopamine blockade by antipsychotics. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Reassess the need for antipsychotic therapy. If psychosis or hallucinations are due to an antiparkinson agent, when possible consider reducing the dose or changing the antiparkinson agent before initiating antipsychotic therapy. In patients with PD and dementia, addition of a cholinesterase inhibitor (e.g. rivastigmine) may improve psychosis. If an antipsychotic is required, then an atypical antipsychotic should be used.(2,3) The US manufacturer of apomorphine states patients with major psychotic disorders treated with neuroleptics should be treated with dopamine agonists only if the potential benefits outweigh the risks.(1) DISCUSSION: An epidemiologic study evaluated 21,043 elderly patients with Parkinson disease to determine if recent initiation of a typical or atypical antipsychotic was associated with increased mortality. They found an adjusted odds ratio of 2.0 for death associated with atypical antipsychotics versus no antipsychotic. They found an adjusted odds ratio of 2.4 for death associated with typical versus atypical antipsychotics. The authors noted the increased mortality found with typical antipsychotics supports current treatment recommendations to use atypical antipsychotic agents in patients with Parkinson disease.(2,3) Two clozapine trials showed significant improvement in psychosis without worsening of motor symptoms. In contrast, two olanzapine trials were associated with unacceptable worsening of motor symptoms. Risperidone has also been associated with motor worsening in case reports. Quetiapine evaluations have been conflicting with several small studies showing improvement in psychotic symptoms while a more rigorous trial showed no improvement.(2) |
APOKYN, APOMORPHINE HCL, ONAPGO |
The following contraindication information is available for VRAYLAR (cariprazine hcl):
Drug contraindication overview.
Known hypersensitivity to cariprazine. Hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, pruritus, urticaria, and manifestations of possible angioedema (e.g., swollen tongue, lip swelling, facial edema and swelling, pharyngeal edema), have been reported in patients receiving cariprazine.
Known hypersensitivity to cariprazine. Hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, pruritus, urticaria, and manifestations of possible angioedema (e.g., swollen tongue, lip swelling, facial edema and swelling, pharyngeal edema), have been reported in patients receiving cariprazine.
There are 2 contraindications.
Absolute contraindication.
| Contraindication List |
|---|
| Neuroleptic malignant syndrome |
| Parkinsonism |
There are 16 severe contraindications.
Adequate patient monitoring is recommended for safer drug use.
| Severe List |
|---|
| Acute myocardial infarction |
| Chronic heart failure |
| Dehydration |
| Dysphagia |
| Extrapyramidal disease |
| Hypotension |
| Leukopenia |
| Lower seizure threshold |
| Neutropenic disorder |
| Orthostatic hypotension |
| Predisposition to aspiration |
| Pregnancy |
| Seizure disorder |
| Senile dementia |
| Suicidal ideation |
| Tardive dyskinesia |
There are 4 moderate contraindications.
Clinically significant contraindication, where the condition can be managed or treated before the drug may be given safely.
| Moderate List |
|---|
| Hyperglycemia |
| Hyperlipidemia |
| Obesity |
| Weight gain |
The following adverse reaction information is available for VRAYLAR (cariprazine hcl):
Adverse reaction overview.
Adverse effects occurring in 5% or more of patients receiving cariprazine for schizophrenia and at a frequency at least twice that reported with placebo in short-term clinical studies include extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., parkinsonism, dystonia, dyskinesia, tardive dyskinesia) and akathisia. Adverse effects occurring in 5% or more of patients receiving cariprazine for bipolar mania and at a frequency at least twice that reported with placebo in short-term clinical studies include extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., parkinsonism, dystonia, dyskinesia, tardive dyskinesia), akathisia, dyspepsia, vomiting, somnolence, and restlessness. Adverse effects occurring in 5% or more of patients receiving cariprazine for bipolar depression and at a frequency at least twice that reported with placebo in short-term clinical studies include nausea, akathisia, restlessness, and extrapyramidal symptoms.
Adverse effects occurring in 5% or more of patients receiving cariprazine for schizophrenia and at a frequency at least twice that reported with placebo in short-term clinical studies include extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., parkinsonism, dystonia, dyskinesia, tardive dyskinesia) and akathisia. Adverse effects occurring in 5% or more of patients receiving cariprazine for bipolar mania and at a frequency at least twice that reported with placebo in short-term clinical studies include extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., parkinsonism, dystonia, dyskinesia, tardive dyskinesia), akathisia, dyspepsia, vomiting, somnolence, and restlessness. Adverse effects occurring in 5% or more of patients receiving cariprazine for bipolar depression and at a frequency at least twice that reported with placebo in short-term clinical studies include nausea, akathisia, restlessness, and extrapyramidal symptoms.
There are 24 severe adverse reactions.
| More Frequent | Less Frequent |
|---|---|
|
Akathisia Extrapyramidal disease |
Abnormal hepatic function tests Hypertension Leukopenia Neutropenic disorder Orthostatic hypotension Seizure disorder |
| Rare/Very Rare |
|---|
|
Accidental fall Angioedema Cerebrovascular accident Diabetes mellitus Esophageal dysmotility Fever Gastritis Gastroesophageal reflux disease Hepatitis Hyponatremia Oculogyric crisis Rhabdomyolysis Stevens-johnson syndrome Suicidal Suicidal ideation Tardive dyskinesia |
There are 44 less severe adverse reactions.
| More Frequent | Less Frequent |
|---|---|
|
Drowsy Dyspepsia Headache disorder Nausea Nervousness Syncope Weight gain |
Acute abdominal pain Agitation Anorexia Arthralgia Back pain Blurred vision Constipation Cough Diarrhea Dizziness Dysphagia Fatigue Hyperglycemia Hyperlipidemia Hypersomnia Insomnia Pain Pharyngitis Sedation Symptoms of anxiety Tachycardia Toothache Upper abdominal pain Urinary tract infection Vomiting Xerostomia |
| Rare/Very Rare |
|---|
|
Dysarthria Dysmenorrhea Hyperhidrosis Hypertriglyceridemia Increased urinary frequency Joint stiffness Myalgia Pain in extremities Pruritus of skin Skin rash Urticaria |
The following precautions are available for VRAYLAR (cariprazine hcl):
Safety and effectiveness of cariprazine in pediatric patients have not been established. The manufacturer states that pediatric clinical studies with cariprazine have not been conducted to date. Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric patients. (See Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults under Cautions.)
Contraindicated
Severe Precaution
Management or Monitoring Precaution
Contraindicated
| None |
Severe Precaution
| None |
Management or Monitoring Precaution
| None |
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies to date of cariprazine use in pregnant women. The principal active metabolite of cariprazine, didesmethyl cariprazine (DDCAR), has been detected in adult patients up to 12 weeks following discontinuance of cariprazine. Based on animal findings, cariprazine may cause fetal harm.
Fetal developmental toxicity (including reduced body weight, skeletal and external malformations, lower pup survival, and developmental delays) was observed when cariprazine was administered to pregnant rats at dosages 0.2-3.5 times the maximum recommended human dosage.
Neonates exposed to antipsychotic agents during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery. Symptoms reported to date have included agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tardive dyskinetic-like symptoms, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress, and feeding disorder. Neonates exhibiting such symptoms should be monitored.
The complications have varied in severity; some neonates recovered within hours to days without specific treatment while others have required intensive care unit support and prolonged hospitalization. National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics: 866-961-2388 and http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregis try/atypicalantipsychotic/.
Fetal developmental toxicity (including reduced body weight, skeletal and external malformations, lower pup survival, and developmental delays) was observed when cariprazine was administered to pregnant rats at dosages 0.2-3.5 times the maximum recommended human dosage.
Neonates exposed to antipsychotic agents during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery. Symptoms reported to date have included agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tardive dyskinetic-like symptoms, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress, and feeding disorder. Neonates exhibiting such symptoms should be monitored.
The complications have varied in severity; some neonates recovered within hours to days without specific treatment while others have required intensive care unit support and prolonged hospitalization. National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics: 866-961-2388 and http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregis try/atypicalantipsychotic/.
It is not known whether cariprazine is distributed into milk in humans. The drug is distributed into milk in rats. The effects of the drug on breastfed infants or on milk production are not known. The benefits of cariprazine therapy to the woman as well as the benefits of breast-feeding to the infant should be weighed against the potential risk of infant exposure to the drug or from the underlying maternal condition.
Clinical trial experience with cariprazine in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar mania did not include sufficient numbers of patients 65 years of age and older to determine whether geriatric patients respond differently than younger adults. Age did not have a clinically important effect on the pharmacokinetics of cariprazine and its principal metabolites (desmethyl cariprazine (DCAR) and didesmethyl cariprazine (DDCAR)). The manufacturer states that dosage selection in geriatric patients should be cautious, usually starting at the lower end of the dosage range, reflecting the greater incidence of decreased hepatic, renal, and cardiac function; concomitant illnesses; and other drug therapy in this population.
Geriatric patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with cariprazine are at an increased risk of death compared with those treated with placebo. In addition, an increased incidence of adverse cerebrovascular events (cerebrovascular accidents and transient ischemic attacks), including fatalities, has been observed in geriatric patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with certain atypical antipsychotic agents (aripiprazole, olanzapine, risperidone) in placebo-controlled studies. The manufacturer of cariprazine states that the drug is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis (see Increased Mortality in Geriatric Patients with Dementia-related Psychosis under Cautions).
For additional information on the use of antipsychotic agents in the management of dementia-related psychosis, see Geriatric Considerations under Uses: Psychotic Disorders, in the Phenothiazines General Statement 28:16.08.24.
Geriatric patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with cariprazine are at an increased risk of death compared with those treated with placebo. In addition, an increased incidence of adverse cerebrovascular events (cerebrovascular accidents and transient ischemic attacks), including fatalities, has been observed in geriatric patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with certain atypical antipsychotic agents (aripiprazole, olanzapine, risperidone) in placebo-controlled studies. The manufacturer of cariprazine states that the drug is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis (see Increased Mortality in Geriatric Patients with Dementia-related Psychosis under Cautions).
For additional information on the use of antipsychotic agents in the management of dementia-related psychosis, see Geriatric Considerations under Uses: Psychotic Disorders, in the Phenothiazines General Statement 28:16.08.24.
The following prioritized warning is available for VRAYLAR (cariprazine hcl):
WARNING: There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as stroke, heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat, pneumonia) when this medication is used by older adults with dementia. This medication is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related behavior problems. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related behavior problems, with the doctor.
Studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Tell the doctor right away if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.
WARNING: There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as stroke, heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat, pneumonia) when this medication is used by older adults with dementia. This medication is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related behavior problems. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related behavior problems, with the doctor.
Studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Tell the doctor right away if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.
The following icd codes are available for VRAYLAR (cariprazine hcl)'s list of indications:
| Depression associated with bipolar disorder | |
| F31.3 | Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, mild or moderate severity |
| F31.30 | Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, mild or moderate severity, unspecified |
| F31.31 | Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, mild |
| F31.32 | Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, moderate |
| F31.4 | Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, severe, without psychotic features |
| F31.5 | Bipolar disorder, current episode depressed, severe, with psychotic features |
| Major depressive disorder treatment adjunct | |
| F32.0 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, mild |
| F32.1 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, moderate |
| F32.2 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe without psychotic features |
| F32.3 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, severe with psychotic features |
| F32.9 | Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified |
| F33 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent |
| F33.0 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, mild |
| F33.1 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, moderate |
| F33.2 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features |
| F33.3 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, severe with psychotic symptoms |
| F33.8 | Other recurrent depressive disorders |
| F33.9 | Major depressive disorder, recurrent, unspecified |
| Mania associated with bipolar disorder | |
| F31.1 | Bipolar disorder, current episode manic without psychotic features |
| F31.10 | Bipolar disorder, current episode manic without psychotic features, unspecified |
| F31.11 | Bipolar disorder, current episode manic without psychotic features, mild |
| F31.12 | Bipolar disorder, current episode manic without psychotic features, moderate |
| F31.13 | Bipolar disorder, current episode manic without psychotic features, severe |
| F31.2 | Bipolar disorder, current episode manic severe with psychotic features |
| F31.73 | Bipolar disorder, in partial remission, most recent episode manic |
| Mixed bipolar I disorder | |
| F31.6 | Bipolar disorder, current episode mixed |
| F31.60 | Bipolar disorder, current episode mixed, unspecified |
| F31.61 | Bipolar disorder, current episode mixed, mild |
| F31.62 | Bipolar disorder, current episode mixed, moderate |
| F31.63 | Bipolar disorder, current episode mixed, severe, without psychotic features |
| F31.64 | Bipolar disorder, current episode mixed, severe, with psychotic features |
| F31.77 | Bipolar disorder, in partial remission, most recent episode mixed |
| F31.78 | Bipolar disorder, in full remission, most recent episode mixed |
| Schizophrenia | |
| F20 | Schizophrenia |
| F20.0 | Paranoid schizophrenia |
| F20.1 | Disorganized schizophrenia |
| F20.2 | Catatonic schizophrenia |
| F20.3 | Undifferentiated schizophrenia |
| F20.5 | Residual schizophrenia |
| F20.8 | Other schizophrenia |
| F20.81 | Schizophreniform disorder |
| F20.89 | Other schizophrenia |
| F20.9 | Schizophrenia, unspecified |
Formulary Reference Tool