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Vraylar (Cariprazine) Withdrawal Symptoms: What To Expect After Discontinuation

Vraylar (Cariprazine) is an atypical antipsychotic that is most frequently prescribed as a pharmacological intervention for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.  The medication functions predominantly as a: D3 and D2 receptor partial agonist, 5-HT2B receptor antagonist, and 5-HT1A partial agonist.  To a less significant extent, Vraylar interacts with H1 receptors and 5-HT2A receptors as an antagonist.  The aforementioned neuropharmacological effects exerted by Vraylar generally help manage unwanted symptoms of schizophrenia and minimize likelihood of unexpected mood transitions in bipolar disorder.

Though Vraylar is often a useful medication managing schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, not all users find it to be adequately effective.  Moreover, while the side effects of Vraylar are suggested to be less prominent and/or frequent than those associated with other atypical antipsychotics, some individuals will find the medication difficult to tolerate.  In the event that you’re not responding well to Vraylar or cannot cope with its side effects, you may decide to discontinue usage whereby you might experience Vraylar withdrawal symptoms.

Vraylar Withdrawal Symptoms: List of Possibilities

Despite the paucity of evidence in medical literature to substantiate Vraylar discontinuation symptoms, many former Vraylar users have reported withdrawal symptoms following cessation.  Moreover, lack of data to support the concept of Vraylar withdrawal may be related to the fact that Vraylar discontinuation has never been extensively researched.  Considering that withdrawal symptoms frequently occur in the aftermath of discontinuing atypical antipsychotics with similar mechanisms of action to Vraylar, it is highly likely that withdrawals can also occur with Vraylar.

It is suspected that withdrawal symptoms from Vraylar are attributable to neurophysiologic readjustments occurring throughout the central nervous system [to compensate for the former pharmacologic activity exerted by the antipsychotic].  In essence, because the central nervous system adapts to Vraylar, there may be a compensatory response (or physiologic backlash) following its discontinuation to provoke withdrawal symptoms.  Included below is a list of possible symptoms that you could experience after quitting Vraylar.

  • Agitation: Agitation is a symptom of Vraylar withdrawal that might occur for a subset of former users. Agitation is commonly described as an uncomfortable sensation of internal excitement or nervousness.  In some cases, agitation in withdrawal could cause restlessness, increase one’s propensity to fidget, or interfere with sleep.  Though relaxation exercises might help alleviate the withdrawal-related agitation, medication might be necessary to fully get agitation under control.
  • Anxiety: Some individuals may experience heightened anxiety after discontinuing Vraylar. Anxiety in withdrawal could be due to increased release of excitatory neurotransmitters, as well as bolstered activation of the sympathetic nervous system.  Furthermore, if you have a preexisting anxiety disorder that Vraylar was effectively managing, anxiety in withdrawal might be partially explained by a relapse of your anxious symptoms (now that treatment has been stopped).
  • Appetite changes: Clinical trial data indicate that, on average, Vraylar is unlikely to significantly affect appetite. Nonetheless, it’s possible that a former Vraylar user’s appetite might fluctuate or change throughout withdrawal.  Appetite changes in withdrawal could be related to a relapse of neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g. anxiety, depression, mania/hypomania, etc. – can sometimes affect appetite).  Moreover, if you experience certain discontinuation symptoms such as nausea and vomiting – these could interfere with appetite for a portion of withdrawal.
  • Body weight changes: Available medical research suggests that clinically-relevant weight change from Vraylar treatment is unlikely for most patients. That said, up to 27% of users will experience significant weight gain throughout treatment and 11% will experience significant weight loss.  In withdrawal from Vraylar, it’s likely that body weight will gradually begin reverting back to pre-Vraylar homeostasis (i.e. body weight before using Vraylar).  For this reason, if you gained or lost weight throughout treatment, you may notice body weight fluctuations in withdrawal.  Additionally, certain withdrawal symptoms that could indirectly affect weight via energy intake or expenditure (e.g. appetite change, fatigue, etc.) might impact body weight following discontinuation.
  • Bipolar relapse: Vraylar is FDA approved for the management of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. If a person with bipolar disorder discontinues Vraylar, it’s very likely that his/her symptoms of bipolar disorder will resurface.  Examples of bipolar symptoms that could occur in withdrawal include: rapid or incoherent speech; decreased need for sleep or insomnia; hypersexuality (high sex drive); impulsive shopping or spending.  It’s also possible that an individual may exhibit mood swings or transitions between mania or hypomania – and depression.  Seek psychiatric treatment if bipolar symptoms resurface following Vraylar discontinuation.
  • Brain fog: Once you’ve discontinued Vraylar, you might experience constant or intermittent bouts of “brain fog.” Brain fog is a non-medical term used to describe disorganized, foggy, or unclear thinking in withdrawal.  The brain fog that occurs in the aftermath of Vraylar cessation could be attributable to fluctuations in neurotransmitters; specific withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, etc. – or a relapse of a preexisting neuropsychiatric disorder.
  • Brain zaps: A rather unique, yet disconcerting symptom of Vraylar withdrawal is “brain zaps.” Brain zaps are described as jolts, shocks, or zaps of what feels like electricity throughout the brain.  It is believed that changes in neurotransmission of serotonin during withdrawal along with high stress could induce these zapping sensations during withdrawal in a subset of individuals.
  • Cognitive impairment: Cognitive impairment or dysfunction can occur in Vraylar withdrawal due to imbalanced neurochemistry. Dealing with high stress and/or sleep cycle changes following Vraylar cessation might also contribute to cognitive impairment.  What’s more, cognitive impairment following Vraylar discontinuation could be due to reemergence of neuropsychiatric symptoms (untreated schizophrenia and bipolar disorder can impair cognition).
  • Concentration problems: A domain of cognition that may seem severely impaired after quitting Vraylar is attention. You may struggle maintaining concentration or focus while working or conversing with others.  It might feel like you’ve somehow experienced brain damage from the process of discontinuing Vraylar.  To cope with the concentration deficits in withdrawal, it may be helpful to reduce stress, get sufficient exercise, eat a balanced diet, and optimize your sleep.
  • Confusion: Mental confusion might occur while withdrawing from Vraylar. The confusion could be due to an overlap of withdrawal-related neurochemical adjustments and a return of a preexisting neuropsychiatric condition.  Confusion may be accompanied by memory lapses and/or difficulty recognizing familiar environments.
  • Depersonalization: Certain individuals my experience depersonalization when withdrawing from Vraylar. Depersonalization is commonly described as a feeling as though you’ve lost your identity, sense of self, or authentic personality.  Depersonalization in withdrawal might be caused by neurotransmitter adjustments, excessive stress, and/or lack of adequate sleep.  Assuming you never exhibited depersonalization prior to using Vraylar, this symptom should eventually clear up.
  • Dizziness: It’s relatively common to experience dizziness when discontinuing any potent neuropsychiatric drug – including Vraylar. The dizziness might interfere with balance and coordination, or make you want to lie down and close your eyes.  Dizziness tends to be most severe in the first few weeks of withdrawal and should gradually diminish thereafter.  For some individuals, the dizziness may come and go – whereas for others it may be constant and severe.
  • Fatigue: Withdrawing from Vraylar could cause some individuals to feel fatigued. If you experienced increased energy throughout treatment, there’s a chance that you may experience the opposite effect (low energy) in withdrawal.  Furthermore, neurotransmitter recalibration in withdrawal can sometimes tax the central nervous system to a significant extent, possibly causing the fatigue.  High stress, sleep changes, and/or a return of neuropsychiatric symptoms in withdrawal – might also explain the fatigue.
  • Flu-like symptoms: Discontinuing Vraylar rapidly or “cold turkey” without any backup medication may cause flu-like symptoms. Flu-like symptoms that might occur following Vraylar cessation include: muscle aches or weakness; headaches; nausea; vomiting; body temperature changes; and sweating.  It may be helpful to use over-the-counter medications (e.g. anti-inflammatories) to attenuate flu-like symptoms throughout withdrawal.
  • Headaches: Headaches are another common symptom of Vraylar withdrawal that you might experience. There are many potential reasons as to why headaches occur after quitting Vraylar, including: increased stress; sleep changes; neurotransmitter recalibration; and cerebral blood flow changes.  If you aren’t staying sufficiently hydrated or eating adequate calories – this might also account for your headaches in withdrawal.
  • Heart palpitations: Heart rhythms may change during Vraylar withdrawal such that it feels like the heart is beating rapidly, irregularly, or skipping beats. If you have a history of cerebrovascular conditions or are concerned about your heart in withdrawal, have your heart function evaluated by a medical doctor.  Assuming there’s nothing medically wrong with your heart, this is likely a withdrawal reaction caused by sympathetic nervous system activation, excitatory neurotransmitter release, and/or anxiety.
  • Insomnia: A very common Vraylar withdrawal symptom is insomnia. It may seem impossible to fall asleep at night or stay asleep after discontinuing this medication.  If you have bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder – insomnia throughout withdrawal might be attributable to symptom relapse.  Regardless of the specific causes of insomnia in withdrawal, a combination of medication and stress reduction might help counteract this symptom.
  • Irritability: Withdrawing from Vraylar might cause former users to experience irritability, and possibly even anger. A combination of increased stress or anxiety plus ongoing neurotransmitter fluctuations could cause irritability and anger as withdrawal symptoms.  If you find yourself feeling exceptionally irritable in the aftermath of Vraylar discontinuation, avoid stressful environments that might increase your irritability and do your best to refrain from angrily lashing out at others.
  • Muscle aches or weakness: Following discontinuation of Vraylar, some people will experience muscle aches, joint pain, or weakness throughout the body. It’s unclear as to exactly why muscle aches and weakness occur following Vraylar cessation.  Some speculate that aches or weakness might be related to changes in peripheral blood flow, hormones, and neurotransmitter levels.  Assuming you’re staying hydrated, eating a nutritious diet, and minimizing stress – you might want to use an OTC anti-inflammatory to help manage the achiness in withdrawal.
  • Nausea: Although nausea is a side effect of Vraylar, it’s also a symptom of withdrawal. Nausea may be noticed within the first couple days after quitting Vraylar – and could persist for up to several weeks.  In most cases, nausea will subside within the first week of Vraylar cessation.  Nonetheless, because nausea could impair appetite or cause vomiting, it may be necessary to treat the nausea with an antiemetic.
  • Restlessness: Restlessness or the urge to constantly move around can be caused by agitation and anxiety in withdrawal. It is thought that excitatory neurotransmitter release and/or the body’s innate stress response could provoke restless behavior in withdrawal.  Stress reduction and/or anxiolytic medication may be necessary to get this symptom under control.
  • Schizophrenia relapse: Many individuals are prescribed Vraylar for the treatment of schizophrenia. If Vraylar is discontinued by an individual with schizophrenia, symptoms of schizophrenia are likely to resurface in withdrawal.  Signs of schizophrenia relapse include: hallucinations (e.g. hearing voices), delusions, disorganized speech, bizarre behavior, lack of emotion (i.e. flat affect), etc.
  • Shakiness or twitching: Some individuals have reported shakiness, tremor, feeling jittery, and even muscle twitching as Vraylar discontinuation symptoms. The shakes might be caused by heightened anxiety or stress, along with neurotransmitter irregularities in withdrawal.  Taking time each day to de-stress via relaxation exercises – and using anxiolytics may aid in the management of these symptoms.
  • Sleep changes: In addition to general insomnia, some persons will experience changes in their sleep cycle throughout Vraylar withdrawal. Some individuals might sleep significantly more or less than usual in withdrawal, or experience frequent nighttime awakenings.  There may be an increase in dreaming or the occurrence of particularly weird dreams as well – likely due to neurotransmitter changes.
  • Suicidal thinking: If a person becomes depressed while discontinuing Vraylar, he/she may experience suicidal thinking in withdrawal. Suicidal thinking or wanting to die should be taken very seriously and treated as a medical emergency.  Suicidal thoughts might be caused by withdrawal-related neurotransmitter changes, as well as a return of depressive symptoms associated with a neuropsychiatric condition.
  • Sweating: Due to dysregulation of body temperature after quitting Vraylar, some individuals may experience sweating. The sweating in withdrawal may be profuse or excessive and could even cause dehydration.  If you find yourself sweating a lot after stopping Vraylar, drink extra water to compensate for the loss of water and to avert dehydration.
  • Temperature changes: Body temperature fluctuations have been reported by individuals undergoing Vraylar withdrawal. At times throughout withdrawal you might find yourself feeling overheated or with a low-grade fever, whereas other times you might feel cold or chilled.  Neurotransmitter alterations in withdrawal might affect thermoregulatory centers in the brain to cause transient changes in body temperature following Vraylar discontinuation.
  • Vomiting: If you discontinue Vraylar too rapidly and/or don’t transition to another similarly-acting medication, there’s a chance that you might end up vomiting. If you end up with vomiting throughout withdrawal, the vomiting will probably subside within the first week or two following medication cessation.  To prevent vomiting in withdrawal, you might want to consider using an antiemetic medication.

Note: The list of Vraylar withdrawal symptoms compiled above might be incomplete.  If you’re aware of additional symptoms that could emerge following Vraylar discontinuation, document them in the comments section.

Variables that may influence Vraylar withdrawal symptoms

It is suspected that the specific symptoms, as well as the severities of symptoms that emerge following Vraylar cessation are typically subject to interindividual variability.  In other words, the symptoms that you experience while quitting Vraylar might differ substantially from those reported by another person in his/her withdrawal.  Nevertheless, it is thought that variables such as: duration of Vraylar treatment; Vraylar dosage (during treatment); rate of Vraylar discontinuation; use of other substances (throughout withdrawal); and the lifestyle plus genetics of the person withdrawing – might account for interindividual variance in symptoms.

  1. Vraylar treatment length

The cumulative length of time over which you administered Vraylar to treat a neuropsychiatric condition might influence the severity of your withdrawal.  It is hypothesized that long-term Vraylar users may exhibit more substantial neurophysiologic adaptation to Vraylar than short-term users for numerous reasons.  Long-term users may endure neurophysiologic adaptations that don’t occur in short-term users – and might be more likely to use a high dose (due to tolerance onset after extensive Vraylar use).

On the other hand, short-term users may exhibit lesser neurophysiologic adaptation to Vraylar and should have an easier time readapting to homeostasis (pre-Vraylar neurophysiology).  Additionally, short-term Vraylar users may be more likely to use lower doses (due to lack of tolerance), another potential reason as to why withdrawal could be easier.  Nevertheless, realize that in some cases, treatment length might impact withdrawal difficulty.

  1. Vraylar dosage (1.5 mg to 6 mg)

In most cases, it is thought that persons who use high doses of Vraylar throughout treatment will endure more difficult or longer-lasting withdrawals (especially following rapid or “cold turkey” discontinuation) in comparison to those who administer lower doses throughout treatment.  Low dose users are likely to exhibit less severe withdrawals due to less substantial neurophysiologic alterations being facilitated by the lower dose.  In other words, taking 1.5 mg of Vraylar won’t exert as potent of neurophysiologic effect and adaptation as taking 6 mg.

As a result, it should be easier for the central nervous system of a lower dose Vraylar user to transition back to homeostasis following discontinuation – compared to a higher dose user.  High dose users may exhibit more substantial imbalances in neurotransmitter signaling and receptor activation following discontinuation, potentially causing a tougher withdrawal.  Though dosage administered during treatment might not always affect withdrawal severity, it is an influential factor for many.

  1. Vraylar discontinuation rate (Taper vs. Cold Turkey)

The rate at which a person withdraws from Vraylar might influence the intensity of discontinuation symptoms.  It is known that gradually tapering off of atypical antipsychotics tends to yield less severe withdrawal symptoms and faster recovery – compared to abruptly discontinuing treatment (i.e. “cold turkey” cessation).  Gradually tapering off of Vraylar should help the neurophysiology of the former user gradually readjust back to homeostasis.

Abrupt or cold turkey discontinuation of Vraylar may leave the neurophysiology of a former user stuck in a Vraylar-adapted state whereby it struggles to transition back to homeostasis.  The central nervous system is taxed to a greater extent in cold turkey withdrawal, and a severe neurophysiologic backlash could occur with imbalanced neurotransmitters, receptor sites, hormones, etc. – thus accounting for the harsher withdrawals.  In most cases, discontinuing Vraylar at a slow pace should help minimize the severity of withdrawal.

  1. Using substances in Vraylar withdrawal

Anyone who uses substances throughout Vraylar withdrawal including: prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and/or dietary supplements – should know that these agents might influence withdrawal severity.  For a majority of persons, withdrawal from Vraylar is substantially less difficult if other substances are utilized following discontinuation.  For example, if you quit taking Vraylar – but transition to a similarly-acting antipsychotic medication, you may not experience any noticeable withdrawals (due to similar actions of the new medication and Vraylar).

Additionally, if you’re using anxiolytics, antidepressants, or sleep aids – you might end up with less anxiety, depression, or sleep problems in withdrawal than you otherwise might’ve experienced.  Taking over-the-counter medications like anti-inflammatories or antiemetics might entirely prevent certain withdrawal symptoms from occurring such as: headache, fever, nausea, and/or vomiting.  Persons who aren’t utilizing any substances in withdrawal for neurophysiologic support and/or recovery enhancement should be expected to endure harsher withdrawals.

  1. Lifestyle & genetics

The combination of a person’s lifestyle plus his/her genetics could dictate the severities of Vraylar discontinuation symptoms – as well as the time it takes for full recovery.  Persons who live healthy lifestyles or make a deliberate effort to make healthy choices in withdrawal in terms of diet, stress management, exercise, socializing, and sleep – may experience less severe symptoms than those who don’t.

On the other hand, persons who make no effort to exercise, consume excessive “junk” (non-nutritious) food, isolate themselves from others, and/or don’t regularly communicate with their doctor – might endure more difficult withdrawals.  Moreover, it’s possible that a person’s gene expression or epigenetics could influence withdrawal severity.  Perhaps expressing or lacking specific genes could either protect against or increase likelihood of certain withdrawal symptoms – compared to the general population.

How long does Vraylar withdrawal last? (Duration & Timeline)

Considering the fact that Vraylar withdrawal experiences are subject to interindividual variability, there’s no exact timeline that can be referenced to explain how long your particular withdrawal symptoms will linger.  Furthermore, medical literature on atypical antipsychotic withdrawal is relatively limited and fails to highlight a general or average timeline for the duration of discontinuation symptoms.  In most cases, withdrawal symptoms following Vraylar discontinuation will be harshest within the first 1 to 4 weeks following cessation.

If you end up transitioning to another antipsychotic or neuropsychiatric medication, symptoms may fade within the first month of Vraylar cessation.  That said, if you don’t transition to any other medications or supplements – and receive zero neurophysiologic support in withdrawal, there’s a chance that withdrawal symptoms could be protracted and linger for months following discontinuation.  To ensure that you recover at the fastest possible rate, it is recommended to work closely with a medical doctor during withdrawal.

Anyone who is transitioning from Vraylar treatment to zero medication may experience a very slow recovery from symptoms.  As a general rule of thumb, it is recommended to reevaluate symptoms after 90 days (~3 months) post-discontinuation; in most cases symptoms will have significantly improved.  Though symptoms may not always clear up within a 90-day period, most will have noticed a reduction in symptoms.  To track your symptoms in withdrawal, it may be helpful to maintain a daily journal – this will help you reflect on your recovery progress.

How to minimize the severity of Vraylar withdrawal symptoms

If your goal is to decrease likelihood of adverse reactions while withdrawing from Vraylar, as well as minimize the severities of withdrawal symptoms – it is recommended to follow some of the suggestions listed below.  Interventions for mitigating withdrawal symptoms following Vraylar discontinuation include: receiving psychiatric support; tapering off of Vraylar (instead of quitting cold turkey); utilizing medications that your psychiatrist thinks could help throughout withdrawal; meeting with a psychologist; and making healthy choices.

  • Psychiatric guidance: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who’s trained specifically in treating neuropsychiatric disorders and understanding medications like Vraylar. For the sake of personal safety and to prevent relapse of a neuropsychiatric condition, it is recommended to only discontinue Vraylar under guidance or instruction from a psychiatrist.  A psychiatrist will be able to recognize and treat symptomatic relapse and adverse reactions in withdrawal – as well as recommend a tapering protocol (if necessary).
  • Vraylar tapering or transition: Vraylar is a medication that can cause severe withdrawal symptoms if discontinued suddenly (i.e. “cold turkey”). To prevent harsh withdrawal symptoms, it is recommended to taper off of Vraylar gradually – or transition to another similar medication.  A psychiatrist will be able to recommend whether it would be in your best interest to completely taper off of Vraylar – or transition immediately from Vraylar to another drug.  Resources online recommend tapering at a very slow rate (e.g. 10% per month) to minimize withdrawal severity.
  • Medications & supplements: If certain withdrawal symptoms are debilitating and/or interfering with your quality of life, a doctor may be able to recommend medications or supplements to alleviate those particular symptoms. Use medications and/or supplements as directed by a psychiatrist or medical doctor during withdrawal – this should augment recovery efforts.
  • Psychologist support: For extra psychological support during Vraylar withdrawal, it is recommended to schedule meetings with a psychologist. A psychologist may help you learn mental strategies for coping with discontinuation symptoms and/or your neuropsychiatric condition.
  • Living a healthy lifestyle: In order to recover from withdrawal symptoms as efficiently as possible, it is recommended to make healthy lifestyle choices. Unhealthy habits can interfere with recovery from withdrawal symptoms – and may even exacerbate the severities of those symptoms.  Focus on diet, exercise, stress management, sleep, and relationships for optimal recovery.

Best supplements for managing Vraylar withdrawal symptoms

Included below are supplements that select individuals might find helpful for the management of Vraylar discontinuation symptoms.  Understand that not all individuals will find supplementation to be of therapeutic value in withdrawal.  Additionally, before taking any supplement in withdrawal, confirm safety of that supplement with a medical doctor in accordance with your neuropsychiatric and medical diagnoses.

Affiliate link disclosure: The supplements listed above contain affiliate links which help mentalhealthdaily.com earn money.  If you want to support the site, buying products through affiliate links is appreciated.  I did my best to select products that I thought were reasonably priced and potentially therapeutic for individuals withdrawing from Vraylar.

  • Glutathione: Glutathione is an antioxidant that has been shown to be potentially-helpful in the management of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. To decrease oxidative stress in withdrawal, support detoxification pathways, and potentially counteract certain discontinuation symptoms, consider trying glutathione.
  • Krill oil: There are preliminary data suggesting that omega-3 fatty acids may improve symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Considering that krill oil provides omega-3 fatty acids in a highly bioavailable format, it may be helpful to supplement with krill oil in withdrawal.
  • Low-dose melatonin: Persons who are struggling with insomnia and/or maintaining a normal sleep routine in Vraylar withdrawal might want to try low-dose melatonin. Low-dose melatonin should prevent tolerance onset (to melatonin) while augmenting sleep.
  • Multivitamin: Multivitamins can be useful if you aren’t eating a nutritious diet and/or are at risk of a vitamin deficiency. A vitamin deficiency could worsen symptoms of withdrawal and/or a neuropsychiatric disorder.  To ensure that you aren’t deficient in any important vitamins – consider supplementing.
  • Probiotic: It isn’t known as to whether Vraylar treatment and/or withdrawal alter concentrations of gut bacteria. Nevertheless, to ensure that healthy gut bacteria remain adequately populated, you may want to supplement with a probiotic following Vraylar cessation.
  • B complex: Vitamin B complex supplements are sometimes useful in attenuating the severities of drug withdrawal symptoms. Anecdotes suggest that B complex supplementation could increase energy levels, counteract restlessness, and reduce anxiety in withdrawal.
  • Electrolyte formula: It’s unknown as to whether electrolyte levels could become imbalanced following Vraylar treatment. Nevertheless, it’s possible that high stress and/or erratic neurotransmission could cause imbalances in electrolytes.  Supplementing with a balanced, quality electrolyte formula might help.
  • Magnesium citrate: Magnesium is a supplement that might reduce or help manage a myriad of discontinuation symptoms, including: agitation, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, and restlessness.
  • Epsom salts: For persons who are experiencing muscle aches and pains in withdrawal, it may be helpful to use Epsom salts. Though it’s unclear as to whether Epsom salts are legitimately absorbed transdermally (through the skin), some claim that they are very effective in reducing body aches.
  • Curcumin: Curcumin has been investigated as a prospective treatment for numerous neurological disorders – including bipolar disorder. It’s possible that certain forms of curcumin might help mitigate or decrease the severities of Vraylar withdrawal symptoms and/or manage relapse of a preexisting neuropsychiatric condition.

Note: Never use multiple substances simultaneously without first having a medical doctor rule out interactions.

Have you experienced Vraylar withdrawal symptoms?

Assuming you’ve recently discontinued Vraylar and are undergoing withdrawal, leave a comment below about your withdrawal experience.  Sharing a comment about your withdrawal experience might be invaluable to someone else who is currently attempting to quit Vraylar.

To help others get a better understanding of your withdrawal experience, include some details in your comment such as: the total time over which you used Vraylar; the Vraylar dose that you administered (during treatment); and how quickly you withdrew (e.g. slowly, cold turkey, etc.).  Also note whether you’ve transitioned from Vraylar to another medication and/or have been using other substances (supplements, meds, etc.) to help manage withdrawal symptoms.

If you’re in the midst of Vraylar withdrawal, mention the specific symptoms you’re experiencing – as well as the severities of those symptoms.  Have you figured out any strategies that are helpful in managing or alleviating the withdrawal symptoms?  If you’re already finished with Vraylar withdrawal – how long did it last?

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6 thoughts on “Vraylar (Cariprazine) Withdrawal Symptoms: What To Expect After Discontinuation”

  1. Like the others who have only been on it a short time, the withdrawal effects are scary and intense. I was on Vraylar for 2 and 1/2 weeks. I suffered from unmanageable symptoms. I stopped immediately per my doctor. Now 4 days off it the side effects feel almost to much to bare. Please understand how this medicine works. It has turned me off to trying anything else. I was on 1.5 mg once a day.

    Reply
  2. I was on a 3mg dose of vralar for at least a year. Now I have quit cold turkey at the behest of my psychiatrist, who put me on another med. Wow…just…wow. aches, pains, weakness, indigestion, irritability, and to top it off…BRAIN ZAPS?! I didn’t read the withdrawal symptoms until just now. I didn’t have a name for them then, but “brain zaps” is the right term to describe them. Twice in one night, I was awoken to a feeling of doom. My vision was red-rimmed, and pain shot through my skull. To say the least, I wouldn’t recommend it.

    Reply
  3. Like the other stories, I too regret not doing more research before taking vraylar! I even had a seizure! I was only on this med for 3 weeks. Withdrawal from heroin wasn’t even this bad for real!

    Reply
  4. My PCP told me to break the 1.5 capsules in half and sprinkle half on yogurt since I felt like the side effects were too much. Well I think taking Vraylar this way sent me into withdrawal because I had every symptom listed above.

    The brain zaps, fatigue, anxiety, and dizziness are terrible. I started taking the 1.5 caps again without breaking them up. The zaps went away. Still tired but less so.

    Reply
  5. This is one I regret ever going on in the first place. The withdrawal has been awful, and I was only on it for 3 weeks at a maximum dose of 3mg, tapered to the 1.5 for several days before complete cessation. It’s been 2 weeks since being completely off of it, and the beginning was the worst.

    I had severe akathisia and muscle pain/spasms, as well a nausea to the point of not being able to eat. The muscle pain/spasms are slowly subsiding, but still there enough to cause issues, and the akathisia has been replaced with sudden unexpected bouts of panic that even my xanax is having trouble tackling.

    I just… should have researched it more before agreeing to go on it. If I had, and had discovered just how long it takes your brain to readjust even after such a short time on it, I never would have bothered. I don’t recommend anybody does unless it is literally a last resort.

    Reply
    • This comment above mine is very similar to my story. I was on Vraylar, only 2.5 mg, for about two months. It’s been about a month since I’ve been off of it and my mind is having trouble with my own identity. At the beginning I was having nausea, I was very irritable, I was confused, and couldn’t focus.

      Now I am healing but it’s been hard trying to get back to myself again because something Isn’t right I can feel it. The withdrawal symptoms to this medication are real. I have been forgetting more lately, un personification is big too. I also wish I would have done more research prior to agreeing to take this medication.

      Reply

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