Side effects of cariprazine
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Common Side Effects of Cariprazine: Akathisia, Insomnia, and Extrapyramidal Symptoms
Cariprazine is most commonly associated with side effects such as akathisia (a feeling of inner restlessness), insomnia, and other extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) like tremor and restlessness. These side effects occur more frequently with cariprazine than with placebo, with akathisia being the most reported, affecting up to 14.6% of patients in some studies. Most of these symptoms are mild to moderate and can often be managed with dose adjustments or additional medications. Other frequently reported side effects include headache, sedation, nausea, dizziness, constipation, fatigue, and somnolence 1245+3 MORE.
Rare and Serious Side Effects: Rhabdomyolysis and Impulse Control Disorders
Although rare, serious side effects have been reported. There is a documented case of rhabdomyolysis (a severe muscle breakdown condition) in a patient taking cariprazine, which resolved after stopping the medication. This highlights the need for clinicians to be aware of potentially dangerous but uncommon adverse reactions . Additionally, there is a case report of hypersexuality (an impulse control disorder) that appeared after starting cariprazine and resolved upon discontinuation, suggesting a possible link between the drug and impulse control symptoms, though more research is needed .
Metabolic and Cardiovascular Effects: Minimal Impact
Cariprazine generally has a neutral metabolic profile, with minimal changes in cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels. However, there is a slightly increased risk of clinically significant weight gain compared to placebo, but this effect is less pronounced than with some other antipsychotics. Cardiovascular side effects, such as changes in heart rhythm (QT prolongation), are rare and occur in less than 1% of patients 1245+2 MORE.
Eye Disorders: Emerging Adverse Event Signals
Recent real-world data analysis has identified new potential side effects involving the eyes, such as cataracts, accommodation disorders, lenticular opacities, oculogyric crisis, and color vision disturbances. These eye-related adverse events were not previously listed in the drug’s official information, indicating the importance of ongoing monitoring for new side effects as more patients use the medication .
Discontinuation Rates and Tolerability
The overall risk of discontinuing cariprazine due to adverse events is similar to that of placebo, suggesting that most side effects are manageable and do not often lead to stopping the medication. Most adverse events are mild or moderate in severity, and the majority of patients are able to continue treatment with appropriate management 158.
Conclusion
Cariprazine is generally well tolerated, with the most common side effects being akathisia, insomnia, and other mild to moderate extrapyramidal symptoms. Serious side effects like rhabdomyolysis and impulse control disorders are rare but possible. The drug has a minimal impact on metabolic and cardiovascular health, but new signals for eye disorders have emerged, highlighting the need for ongoing safety monitoring. Most patients can continue cariprazine with proper management of side effects.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic