Cariprazine for Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although atypical antipsychotics reduce positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia as well as manic or mixed episodes of bipolar disorder, they are associated with varying degrees of metabolic adverse effects. This necessitates continued development of efficacious yet metabolically favorable treatments. Cariprazine was recently approved to treat adult patients with schizophrenia and manic or mixed episodes. It was well-tolerated and adverse reactions included akathisia, extrapyramidal symptoms, nausea, or constipation. Cariprazine is taken once daily without regard to food. The dose should be adjusted in patients who receive CYP450 inhibitors, and it should not be given to patients with severe hepatic or renal disease. This article reviews mechanisms of action, efficacy, tolerability (including adverse effects), dosing, and contraindications of cariprazine.