Exploring Alternatives to Vraylar
30-year-old female, 225 pounds Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder Currently prescribed Vraylar 4.5mg/once daily ADHD Treatment: - Qelbree 200mg/once daily - Adderall 20mg/twice daily Anxiety Management: - Clonazepam 0.5mg/as needed Dealing with Diabetes and PCOS: - Ozempic 2mg injection/once weekly - Metformin 1000mg/twice daily GERD Treatment: - Omeprazole 80mg/once daily I began taking Vraylar eight years ago. Since starting this medication, I have experienced significant weight gain that has proven difficult to lose and I have also developed type 2 diabetes. My bipolar disorder was diagnosed after I experienced a manic episode characterized by psychosis in 2015. Back then, I weighed 175 pounds when I entered college, and by the time I graduated, my weight had increased to 240 pounds. Unfortunately, none of my healthcare providers have discussed the potential side effects of Vraylar, such as weight gain, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. While I haven't suffered from any manic episodes over the past eight years, I can’t help but wonder if transitioning to a different medication might be beneficial for me. I’m in a constant state of fear regarding the possibility of another manic episode, but I’m also weary of being held responsible for my weight and diabetes, especially since I feel as if much of this situation is beyond my control.
Answers (1)
8/9/2025, 1:10:54 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about the weight gain and diabetes you have experienced while on Vraylar, especially given your long-term use and the impact on your overall health. Here’s a focused approach to exploring alternatives while managing your bipolar disorder effectively.
Main Points
- Weight Gain and Diabetes Concerns: Vraylar may contribute to weight gain and metabolic issues in some patients, and your concerns are valid.
- Stability in Bipolar Disorder: Staying stable in your bipolar disorder treatment is crucial, especially considering your past manic episodes.
- Discussing Alternatives: There are alternative medications that may have a more favorable metabolic profile.
Explanation
Vraylar (cariprazine) is used for bipolar disorder and can indeed lead to weight gain and other metabolic issues in some patients. Your weight increase and the development of type 2 diabetes could be linked to this medication, which is why you are considering alternatives. It's encouraging to hear you've maintained stability for several years, as stability can be a critical factor when transitioning to new medication options.
Next Steps
-
Track Your Symptoms and Concerns: Write down your experiences with Vraylar, including any side effects and how your mood has been. This will be valuable when discussing your situation with a healthcare provider.
-
Research Alternative Medications: Consider options like:
- Latuda (Lurasidone): Has a lower risk of weight gain.
- Saphris (Asenapine): Another alternative that may help control symptoms without as much impact on weight.
- Abilify (Aripiprazole): May have less association with weight gain, but responses can vary.
-
Consult with Your Healthcare Provider: Schedule a visit with your psychiatrist to discuss your concerns. Bring your symptom diary and specific questions about alternative medications that might suit you better. Emphasize your desire to manage both your mental health and metabolic health.
-
Consider a Nutrition and Exercise Plan: As you explore medication changes, working with a dietitian could help you create a personalized plan that addresses both diabetes and weight management.
-
Support Network: Join support groups for people with bipolar disorder or diabetes to share experiences and coping strategies. This can help alleviate feelings of isolation and fear.
Remember, it's important to take these steps collaboratively with your healthcare providers to ensure the best outcomes for both your mental and physical health. You deserve a treatment plan that supports your overall well-being.
Related Questions
Concerns About Potential Acute Kidney Injury
Hey there, I'm a 17-year-old girl, standing at 5'8" and weighing around 133 pounds. I recently posted about my worries regarding urinary retention during a road trip due to a shy bladder. I have additional thoughts to share and I'm beginning to worry that I might be experiencing acute kidney injury (AKI) and could really use some guidance. For those who might have missed my earlier message, I apologize for the repetition, but it really provides necessary context. Typically, my family breaks our long road trips into two days, stopping at budget motels for the night. This summer, we traveled from Illinois to Myrtle Beach. During our initial drive towards Myrtle Beach a week ago, I lost track of how long I held my urine, though I doubt it was the exaggerated 13 hours I mentioned earlier. Out of fear of needing to go, I've consciously reduced my fluid intake during these trips. When we finally arrived at our Airbnb on the second day—maybe even the next day, which was our first full day of vacation—I was puzzled by the significant drop in my urge to urinate and the minimal amount I was able to pass. It felt like trying to squeeze droplets from a lemon. This situation sent me into a panic as I feared I might need IV hydration (my anxiety about health isn’t helping). However, after that scare, I forced myself to hydrate a lot the next day, which resulted in excessive urination. What's been troubling is that subsequently, I was not drinking much yet continued to pee frequently, and it seemed to stabilize only on our departure day—the last day of the trip about a week later. Now, regarding our return journey: Two days ago when we left the hotel, I had a pressing need to relieve myself during the trip. However, we made an unplanned stop because my dad wanted to explore another city, allowing me to finally empty my bladder. The following day (yesterday), we started our drive back. Since our previous day’s journey was short due to proximity to Myrtle Beach, we had a long 13-hour drive ahead since my parents preferred not to stay at another hotel. That day was particularly difficult—I held my urge for too long, resulting in a loss of the feeling altogether until I finally relieved myself, although I felt somewhat dehydrated. The most concerning aspect came today. It’s currently 11 PM, and I've only used the restroom three times since waking up at 9 AM, with two of those instances amounting to very little. I did manage to urinate approximately thirty minutes ago, which felt somewhat normal, but I’m anxious about what tomorrow might bring. I’ve done some research online (I know, not always advisable), and it outlined a pattern of AKI—varying between small amounts of urine one day and significantly more the next. Considering I've had two injuries happening in quick succession, I feel my risk for lasting kidney damage could be higher. I trust that actual medical professionals have deeper insights. My family, including my grandmother, who is a retired doctor from the former Soviet Union (so I’m skeptical of her advice), keeps reminding me that this might just be dehydration. Regardless, I’m adamant about visiting a physician, since my parents think I'm only experiencing anxiety. I would appreciate any insights from doctors here regarding: - Could this indeed be indicative of acute kidney injury? - What is my likelihood of enduring permanent damage? Thanks for patiently reading through my lengthy post!
Seeking Insights on Renal Hypouricemia Type 2
I am a 26-year-old female, standing at 152 cm and weighing 43 kg. I smoke but don’t consume alcohol or use recreational drugs. In terms of medication, I only take electrolytes on a daily basis to stay hydrated. I have recently been diagnosed with Renal Hypouricemia Type 2, recognized as a rare genetic kidney disorder associated with a mutation in the SLC2A9 gene. My last test indicated an extremely low uric acid level of just 0.2 mg/dL, although my urine uric acid levels are elevated. So far, I haven’t experienced any kidney stones. After consulting with multiple healthcare professionals, I've been informed that I am at a heightened risk for exercise-induced acute kidney injuries, and possibly developing kidney stones. I've been advised to steer clear of extreme heat, vigorous physical activity, and even prolonged walking, which has necessitated a significant adjustment in my daily routine, proving to be quite challenging. When I research this condition online, I predominantly come across alarming accounts of children being diagnosed post-injury, with some even collapsing or suffering severe consequences during physical education. I am eager to comprehend the long-term implications this condition may have on my health. I have a few questions for anyone who may have experience with RHUC2: - Has anyone found effective ways to live with or manage this condition? - What are your daily management strategies? - Are there specific supplements, foods, or medications I should avoid? - How frequently should I be monitoring my kidney function and uric acid levels? I generally feel healthy, but I am concerned about my future and how to safeguard my kidney health. Any guidance, medical knowledge, or resources you could share would be immensely valuable to me.
Battling Illness After a Resort Getaway
I’ll keep this brief. I'm a 38-year-old woman currently nursing, and recently, I took my family for a vacation in Mexico where we stayed exclusively within a resort. We enjoyed all-inclusive dining and drinks, yet, surprisingly, no one else fell ill. However, when I returned home, I quickly experienced intense fatigue coupled with bouts of nausea that lasted for six days. On July 4th, the nausea intensified to the point that I lost my appetite completely. I then started to struggle with severe diarrhea, which would hit me anywhere from every 30 seconds to every ten minutes for extended periods over the course of a couple of weeks. Alongside this, I faced unexplained shortness of breath along with a gnawing hunger that I was unable to satisfy, and even now, I still can’t handle food well. In an attempt to endure these troubling symptoms, I eventually found myself in the emergency room, where my condition was assessed. The tests revealed that I was positive for Giardia, Cyclospora, and E. Coli infections. The medical team prescribed a rigorous treatment involving Azithromycin, Sulfamethoxazole, Flagyl, and Zofran. Fortunately, after about five days on this demanding treatment plan, I began to see some improvement, although I still felt unwell. However, not long after, my health deteriorated once again, particularly in relation to my ability to eat. Whenever I attempt to eat, I feel extremely nauseous, and it seems as though my stomach is in distress, yearning to be empty. If I manage to keep food down, I often end up feeling horrific and excessively tired, as if I can barely keep my eyes open. This ongoing struggle makes it really challenging to care for my children; some days, I feel as if I'm facing a slow decline. Currently, I’ve started a new medication regimen that includes sucralfate, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), and Gaviscon, alongside Milk of Magnesia to aid with constipation. I’m uncertain whether I’m still dealing with an ongoing infection, if something has been overlooked, or if I’m facing an entirely new issue. I’ve inquired about testing for H. pylori but haven’t received any updates yet. I also have a referral to a gastroenterologist but have to wait until Monday to book that appointment. Coincidentally, I have my annual physical on the same day, and I'm hopeful that somebody may have tips for self-care or suggestions to discuss with my doctor. I appreciate any assistance offered!
Seeking Support and Answers
I am reaching out for some guidance. My latest beta hCG measurement stands at 2300, yet my doctor has indicated that the ultrasound shows no signs of pregnancy. After my first miscarriage, my menstrual cycles have been somewhat erratic; they range between 38 to 45 days. My last period began on June 17, and since then, I have not had another one. I took a home pregnancy test two days after my missed period, which came back positive. A week later, I visited my OB/GYN, who performed a transvaginal ultrasound but found no evidence of pregnancy. At that point, she ordered a blood test, showing my hCG levels at 44 and progesterone at 18. Two days later, my hCG level rose to 49, which the doctor considered low. She advised me to return after a two-week period. Unfortunately, during the follow-up ultrasound, it was again confirmed that there was no visible pregnancy, prompting another blood test. This test revealed my hCG has since increased to 2322. I am feeling quite distressed, as my doctor has not provided any clear explanations about what might be happening. I have concerns that it could be an ectopic pregnancy, but she assured me that it is not. I find myself feeling defeated and anxious. Has anyone experienced a similar situation that eventually had a positive outcome? Is it possible for a gestational sac or a developing baby to appear later in the pregnancy? I would greatly appreciate any insights or reassurances from those who can relate. Thank you!🙏🙏
Considering Hydroxyzine with Prolonged QT Interval
A 28-year-old female diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and atypical anorexia, six months after giving birth, experienced serious preeclampsia. Currently, she takes 100mg of Zoloft along with a prescription for 25mg of hydroxyzine. She also smokes cannabis and uses nicotine vapor. Notably, she has a consistent issue with low potassium levels, which may be relevant to her health concerns. She is seeking advice about whether it is safe to take hydroxyzine tonight, given her recent history. Unfortunately, it's late, leaving her unable to contact her doctor for guidance. Her QT interval has been progressively lengthening; her next cardiology appointment is scheduled for the following week. Recently, she has been experiencing frequent fainting spells, which is a new development for her. Her last ECG recorded a QT interval of 550 milliseconds in conjunction with a heart rate of 107 beats per minute. She is aware that some medications could pose risks in relation to a prolonged QT interval, which adds to her concern.