Course Summary
Cariprazine is an atypical, second-generation antipsychotic medication that is primarily used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It functions by modulating the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and serotonin receptors. Cariprazine has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of these mental health conditions, including hallucinations, delusions, and mood disturbances. Unlike older antipsychotic medications, cariprazine is associated with a lower risk of certain adverse effects, such as weight gain and metabolic disturbances. However, certain adverse effects unique to antipsychotics exist, namely akathisia, sedation, extrapyramidal symptoms, and nausea. When taken in overdose, fatalities are rare. There is no antidote for cariprazine overdose, and treatment should be symptomatic and supportive.
Course Format
Homestudy
Course Syllabus
- Introduction
- Pharmacological Profile, Dosing, Uses, and Warnings
Dosage Forms, Recommended Dosing, and Dosing Adjustments
- Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Major Depression, and Dementia-related Psychosis
- Bipolar 1 Disorder and Major Depression
- Dementia-Related Psychosis
- Drug Warnings, Contraindications, and Adverse Effects
- Cardiovascular
- Central Nervous System
- Metabolic Challenges, Weight Gain, and Dysphagia/Aspiration
- Hematologic
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
- Temperature Regulation
- Seizure Disorder and Falls
- Suicidal Ideation and Behavior
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Cariprazine Drug Interactions and Overdose
- Case Study and Research Review: Treatment of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder
Research Review
- Summary
Author
Richard Daniels, PharmD, BCPS
Richard “Cole” Daniels earned his Doctor of Pharmacy(PharmD) from the Skaggs School of Pharmacy at the University of Montana in 2018. Throughout pharmacy school he completed a 3-year internship at Community Medical Center in Missoula, Montana in which he gained valuable experience in an acute care setting. Cole currently serves as a psychiatric clinical staff pharmacist at the Montana State Hospital. He has over 11 years of pharmacy experience having worked in several settings including retail, acute care, and inpatient psychiatric care. Cole has a diverse set of interests. However, acute care medicine, infectious disease, pain management, and asthma/COPD are a primary focus of his at the Montana State Hospital. He obtained board certification as a certified pharmacotherapy specialist in the Spring of 2022.
