Advanced Practice: Cariprazine

Course overview

Cariprazine is an atypical, second-generation antipsychotic medication that is primarily used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It functions by modulating the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and serotonin receptors. Cariprazine has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of these mental health conditions, including hallucinations, delusions, and mood disturbances. Unlike older antipsychotic medications, cariprazine is associated with a lower risk of certain adverse effects, such as weight gain and metabolic disturbances. However, certain adverse effects unique to antipsychotics exist, namely akathisia, sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms, and nausea. When taken in overdose, fatalities are rare. There is no antidote for cariprazine overdose, and treatment should be symptomatic and supportive.