Cariquel 1.5 Cap

CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Name:

• Brand Name: CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP
• Common Name: Cariprazine

Composition: CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP contains Cariprazine (1.5mg) as its active ingredient. It is an atypical antipsychotic that works by balancing the levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in the brain, which are involved in mood, thinking, and behavior.

Uses: CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP is prescribed for adults to manage symptoms of various psychiatric conditions:

• Schizophrenia: Helps reduce hallucinations, delusions, and disturbed thinking.
• Bipolar I Disorder: Treats manic, mixed, and depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.
• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Can be used as an adjunctive therapy to antidepressants.

Dosage and Administration: CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP should be taken orally once daily, with or without food, as advised by your doctor. It is recommended to take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent medicine levels. Swallow the capsule whole; do not chew, crush, or break it. Due to potential drowsiness, taking it at night may be beneficial. Do not stop the medication suddenly without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects: Common side effects include extrapyramidal symptoms (such as restlessness, tremors, involuntary muscle movements), somnolence (drowsiness), nausea, vomiting, indigestion, headache, dizziness, weight gain, and changes in vision. Serious side effects, though less common, can include Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), high blood sugar/diabetes, blood clots, or suicidal thoughts, especially in younger adults.

Precautions: Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience dizziness or drowsiness. Alcohol consumption should be avoided. Regular monitoring of blood glucose is advised, particularly for diabetic patients. Pregnant individuals or those planning pregnancy should not use this medicine due to risks to the fetus, and effective contraception is required during and for 12 weeks after treatment. Breastfeeding mothers should also exercise caution. Inform your doctor about any pre-existing heart, liver, or kidney conditions, diabetes, or a history of seizures. Avoid grapefruit juice as it can affect blood pressure.

Storage: Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight, at temperatures between 10ºC and 25ºC or below 30ºC. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP (Cariprazine) FAQs

CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP, manufactured by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd., contains the active ingredient Cariprazine. This medication is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat various mental health conditions.

What is CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP used for?

CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP is primarily used in adults to manage the symptoms of schizophrenia, and manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. It also treats depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (bipolar depression) and can be used as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) alongside antidepressants. It helps reduce symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, disturbed thinking, and stabilizes mood swings.

How does CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP work?

CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP (Cariprazine) works in the brain by rebalancing the activity of certain natural substances, specifically dopamine and serotonin. It acts as a partial agonist at central dopamine D2, dopamine D3, and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, and as an antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. This helps to improve mood, thinking, and behavior.

What is the usual dosage of CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP?

The dosage of CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP varies depending on the condition being treated and the patient's response and tolerability. It is usually taken once daily, with or without food.

• For Schizophrenia: The typical dosage ranges from 1.5 mg to 6 mg once per day. Treatment often starts with 1.5 mg on day 1, increasing to 3 mg on day 2. Further adjustments can be made in 1.5 mg or 3 mg increments.
• For Manic or Mixed Episodes of Bipolar I Disorder: The recommended dose range is 3 mg to 6 mg once daily. It typically starts with 1.5 mg on day 1, increased to 3 mg on day 2, with further adjustments in 1.5 mg or 3 mg increments based on clinical response and tolerability.
• For Depressive Episodes of Bipolar I Disorder: The starting dose is usually 1.5 mg once daily. The dosage can be increased to 3 mg once daily on day 15 if needed, but typically should not exceed 3 mg per day.
• For Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: The starting dosage is 1.5 mg once daily, and may be increased to 3 mg on Day 15. The maximum recommended dose is 3 mg daily when used as an adjunct.

It may take several weeks to feel the full effect of the medication.

What are the possible side effects of CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP?

Common side effects of Cariprazine can include restlessness (akathisia), involuntary muscle movements (extrapyramidal symptoms like tremor and stiffness), headache, insomnia, nausea, upset stomach, dizziness, drowsiness, weight gain, and constipation.

Serious side effects are less common but can occur, such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), tardive dyskinesia (uncontrolled movements, especially of the face), metabolic changes (including high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain), and a drop in blood pressure when standing up (orthostatic hypotension). Cariprazine may also increase blood levels of prolactin, potentially leading to menstrual irregularities or erectile problems.

Is CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP is generally considered unsafe for use during pregnancy as there is evidence of risk to the developing baby. Studies have shown that Cariprazine can harm a growing fetus. If taken during the last months of pregnancy, it may cause temporary symptoms in newborns, such as muscle problems or withdrawal symptoms, which may require monitoring or treatment. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits with a healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or become pregnant while taking this medication. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 12 weeks after stopping the therapy.

Breastfeeding: There is no conclusive information on the use of Cariprazine during breastfeeding. It is unknown whether it passes into breast milk and its effects on breastfed infants have not been studied. Limited human data suggest it may pass into breastmilk and harm the baby, so it is considered probably unsafe during breastfeeding. Healthcare providers should be consulted to weigh the benefits and risks for the mother and infant.

Can CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP be taken with other medications?

Cariprazine can interact with many other medications. It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, herbal products (like St. John's wort), and nutritional supplements you are taking or plan to take. Interactions can include increased CNS depression when combined with certain medications (e.g., some antidepressants, sedatives, or antihistamines), and it may decrease the effects of drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease. The dosage of Cariprazine may need adjustment if taken with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers.

What precautions should be taken while using CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP?

Several precautions should be observed when taking CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP:

• Elderly Patients with Dementia: This medicine is not approved for treating behavioral problems in older adults with dementia due to an increased risk of death, stroke, or mini-stroke.
• Suicidal Thoughts: A small number of children, teenagers, and young adults (up to 24 years of age) may experience increased suicidal thoughts or behavior, especially at the beginning of treatment or when the dose is changed.
• Alcohol and Illegal Drugs: Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs as they can decrease the benefits and increase adverse effects like sedation.
• Dehydration and Overheating: Cariprazine can interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature. Avoid overheating by drinking plenty of water, especially during exercise or in hot environments.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medication may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or affect your ability to think clearly, make decisions, and react quickly. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Underlying Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, diabetes, seizures, low white blood cell count, or trouble swallowing.
• Regular Monitoring: Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight regularly during treatment.

What happens if a dose of CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP is missed?

If you miss a dose of CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed. It is important to take the medication daily as directed to avoid relapse of symptoms.

How should CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP be stored?

CARIQUEL 1.5 CAP should be stored at room temperature, typically between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). It should be kept in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Some strengths (e.g., 3 mg and 4.5 mg capsules) may need to be protected from light to prevent color fading. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Do not use outdated medicine.