You may be taking medication prescribed by a doctor for severe depression. But sometimes, do you feel like the medication alone isn't enough, and your sadness, fatigue, and lack of interest in anything still control you? Don't worry, you're not alone. Sometimes, the main antidepressant medication you take for depression needs a little extra help. That's when we're talking about an additional treatment that doctors use.
Why is medication for depression sometimes not enough?
Major depression, or what we medically call ``Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)'', is much more than just sadness. It is a mental health condition. It can be characterized by persistent sadness, excessive fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy, changes in sleep patterns, changes in appetite, and sometimes even thoughts of ending your life.
Usually, your doctor will prescribe an antidepressant. But for some people, that medication alone doesn't provide complete relief. Think of it like the main engine of a car. But sometimes that engine needs a little extra boost to run at its best. Vraylar (pronounced: వ్రే-లర్) is an add-on medication that provides that kind of help.
What does this drug called Vraylar do inside the body?
The drug `Vraylar` contains the active ingredient `cariprazine`. It belongs to a class of drugs called `second-generation antipsychotics`. These are a type of medication used to treat mental illnesses. These `second-generation` drugs differ from older drugs in that they are less likely to cause movement-related side effects (extrapyramidal symptoms), such as tremors and restlessness.
It's not yet known exactly how this drug works. But what we do know is that it works by altering the activity of serotonin and dopamine, two chemical messengers in our brains that control mood. Just like tuning a radio to get a clearer sound, this drug works by fine-tuning the chemical messages in your brain and helping to improve your mood.
How do you use this medicine?
`Vraylar` comes in capsules. It can be taken once a day, with or without food. The most important thing is to take it exactly as your doctor prescribes, at the time prescribed.
Usually, your doctor will start you on a small dose of 1.5mg. After about two weeks, depending on how you tolerate the medication and the results, you can increase the dose to 3mg. When treating depression, remember that the maximum dose of this medication is 3mg per day. Do not increase or decrease the dose or stop it suddenly, thinking that it is better for you. Everything should be done only on the advice of your doctor.
Very important: Be sure to be aware of this
The risk of suicidal thoughts and actions may be slightly increased during the first few months of taking Vraylar and when changing the dose. This is something that should be taken very seriously.
If you or someone close to you experiences these symptoms , you should take action immediately.
- If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, please go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Otherwise, call the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) on 1926.
- Talk to someone you trust about this and see your doctor as soon as possible.
Keep an eye out for these signs:
- New or more thoughts come to mind to ruin your life.
- Trying to do something like that.
- New or increased anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in behavior.
Possible side effects of medication and how to deal with them
Like any medicine, Vraylar can cause side effects in some people. Since this medicine stays in the body for a long time, some side effects may appear after a few weeks. Here are the main side effects that can be seen and how to manage them.
| Side effect | How to manage? |
|---|---|
| Restlessness (akathisia) and restlessness | If you experience any of these symptoms, tell your doctor right away. He or she may be able to lower your dose, give you a different medication to control these symptoms, or switch you to another medication. |
| Fatigue or dizziness | Avoid activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how the medication affects you. |
| Constipation | Drink plenty of water. Eat foods high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Exercise. Cut down on fatty meats and cheeses. If these don't help, talk to your doctor. |
| Nausea | Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Eat bland foods like bread and bananas. Don't eat a lot at once, eat several small meals. Stay away from strong smells. If it persists, tell your doctor. |
| Insomnia | If you have difficulty falling asleep at night or staying asleep, talk to your doctor about this as well. |
| Increased appetite and weight gain | Eat a balanced diet and exercise. Your doctor will monitor this. He or she will probably check your weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. |
Let's also learn about the interactions with other medications.
Other medications you are taking (medicines for other conditions, vitamins, traditional medicines) may interact with this `Vraylar` medicine. Some medications may increase the side effects of `Vraylar`, while others may decrease the effectiveness of `Vraylar`.
Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you take, even any vitamins you take in addition. He or she can then adjust the dosage or give you appropriate advice if necessary.
Depression is a battle. But remember, there are the right treatments and the right medical advice to help you in this battle.
Take-Home Message
- `Vraylar` is a medication that is given in addition to your main antidepressant medication, to enhance its effectiveness.
- This should only be used as directed by a doctor. Never change or stop the dosage on your own.
- It may take some time for the medicine to take full effect, so be patient and continue using it as directed by your doctor.
- Very important: There is a risk of suicidal thoughts during the initial stages of taking the medication. If such thoughts occur, go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) immediately or call 1926.
- Side effects may occur. Don't be afraid to talk about them openly with your doctor.
- It is imperative that you inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
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