Does Vraylar Cause Weight Gain? Side Effects Explained

Weight changes, including modest weight gain, can occur with atypical antipsychotic medications. Vraylar is generally considered to have a lower risk of weight gain than some medications in the same class. Vraylar is a prescription, brand-name, atypical antipsychotic medication. With this in mind, most patients worry about “Does Vraylar cause weight gain”?

If that’s your case, regardless of your condition and prescribed dose, you and your healthcare provider should closely monitor your weight throughout your treatment course at regular, recommended intervals.

Vraylar use is FDA-approved for:

• Schizophrenia in adults
• Short-term treatment for adults experiencing manic or mixed episodes related to Bipolar I Disorder
• Treatment of depressive phases linked to Bipolar I Disorder in adults (bipolar depression)
• Adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for major depressive disorder in adults.

If you want to learn more about how Vraylar (cariprazine) works, approved uses, and dosing information before exploring side effects, read our complete guide: Vraylar (Cariprazine): Benefits, Dosage & More.

Real-world clinical experience indicates that Vraylar’s treatment response varies across patients and conditions. Some patients may experience weight changes during treatment.

In this article, we will understand how Vraylar affects weight, the risk of weight gain, and how weight can be managed. Our focus is to help you be prepared for potential weight gain when using Vraylar.

Does Vraylar Cause Weight Gain and How Common Is It?

Weight gain with Vraylar is often discussed alongside comparisons with other atypical antipsychotics. Patients evaluating treatment options may also want to explore how Vraylar compares with another commonly prescribed medication. Read also: Vraylar vs Abilify: Which Works Better for Bipolar Disorder?

Clinical studies have revealed:

• Not every Vraylar user experiences weight gain
• Some patients gain a few pounds over several months
• Patients can experience varying amounts of weight gain depending on treatment duration, dosage, lifestyle, and metabolism
• Generally, weight changes are modest and may improve after treatment adjustments under medical supervision.

Here’s the average weight changes reported by most clinical trials for different patients/conditions:

Patient Condition	Average Weight Change	Study Duration
Bipolar depression	+1.2 lbs/0.5 kg (placebo: -0.2 lbs/-0.1 kg)	6 to 8 weeks
Bipolar mania	+1.1 lbs/0.5 kg (placebo: +0.4 lbs/0.2 kg)	3 weeks
Schizophrenia	+2.2 to +5.5 lbs	6 to 48 weeks
Major Depressive Disorder (as an add-on therapy)	+3.7 lbs/1.7 kg	26 weeks

Why Can Vraylar Affect Weight? Factors That May Increase Risk

Vraylar use can change the weight of the patient, but not as significantly as other antipsychotic medications.

Here are the factors that may contribute to weight gain in some patients taking Vraylar:

• Increase in Appetite: Increased appetite may contribute to weight changes in some patients. 

• Metabolic Changes: Like other atypical antipsychotics, Vraylar may influence pathways involved in appetite regulation and metabolism. However, its metabolic effects are generally considered lower than those of some other medications in the same class. Antipsychotic medications may influence pathways involved in appetite regulation and energy balance, although the exact effect varies by medication. 

• Lifestyle: Lifestyle factors, changes in activity levels, eating patterns, and baseline weight may influence weight changes during treatment. 

• Dosage: Higher doses may be associated with a greater likelihood of weight changes in some patients. 

• Treatment Duration: A longer course of Vraylar treatment may increase the risk of weight gain.

Vraylar Side Effects Beyond Weight Gain

Though weight gain is the most commonly discussed side effect of Vraylar, patients also experience many other side effects.

Here are the commonly reported side effects of Vraylar:

• Slowed or abnormal body movements
• Tremors
• Akathisia (inner restlessness, or difficulty remaining seated)
• Constipation or Indigestion
• Nausea
• Sleepiness or drowsiness
• Increased appetite.

If the side effects are persistent, severe, or appear unusual, the users should immediately contact a healthcare provider.

Here are some serious, uncommon side effects for which the patient will need prompt medical attention:

• Tardive dyskinesia
• High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) 
• Low white blood cell count 
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome 
• Allergic reactions 
• Severe depression or suicidal thoughts.

Regular follow-ups are important for identifying and addressing side effects early. So regularly see your healthcare provider to ensure your Vraylar treatment course stays effective and safe.

How to Manage Weight While Taking Vraylar?

Here are the preventive strategies that can help manage weight during the entire course of Vraylar treatment:

• Eat healthily, maintaining balanced nutrition. Diet must include lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and healthy fats
• Combine a calorie-controlled diet with regular workouts. Go for a walk, cycle, swim, do yoga, or do strength training. Start gradually and choose physical activities suitable for your health condition. 
• Keep a track of your body weight, especially before starting the prescribed course and when the dose is adjusted. Monitor weight weekly for the first three months, and thereafter monthly
• Talk to a healthcare provider about combining supportive therapies
• Avoid stopping or changing the dose of Vraylar without medical guidance.
• Patients should not stop Vraylar suddenly unless instructed by their healthcare provider.

Key Takeaways

Weight gain can occur with Vraylar, but studies generally suggest the effect is modest for most patients. 

Clinical trials report a low risk of weight gain with Vraylar as compared to other atypical antipsychotics.

Weight gain from Vraylar can occur due to increased appetite, metabolic changes, lifestyle factors, and the prescribed treatment course.

Besides weight gain, Vraylar can even cause slowed or abnormal body movements, akathisia (inner restlessness or difficulty remaining seated), constipation or indigestion, nausea, and sleepiness or drowsiness.

Vraylar weight gain can be practically managed with regular weight monitoring, healthy eating, and regular exercise.

Speak with your doctor if you experience bothersome side effects while taking Vraylar. If the patient experiences excessive weight gain, the healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle adjustments, weight monitoring, or alternative treatments for the patient’s medical condition.

FAQs

References:

https://www.vraylar.com/

https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/vraylar-cariprazine-weight-gain-3547472/

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-vraylar-side-effects

https://www.healthline.com/health/drugs/weight-gain-with-vraylar