Cariprazine is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics.
It is used for the treatment of certain mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
It is primarily prescribed for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults.
It is also approved for use in the treatment of bipolar I disorder in adults, both as a monotherapy or as an adjunctive treatment used in combination with other medications.
It is thought to act as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and D3 receptors, as well as a partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors.
By modulating these receptors, it helps to rebalance certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms associated with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
It may help improve symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and mood disturbances.
Common side effects may include restlessness, tremors, dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain, nausea, constipation, and dry mouth.