Caplyta belongs to a class of drugs called atypical and second-generation antipsychotics. Second-generation antipsychotics are less likely to cause side effects than first-generation or older antipsychotics. Although the exact mechanism of Caplyta’s action is still unclear, it is believed to work on serotonin and dopamine receptors in your brain.
What is Caplyta used for?
Caplyta was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to treat schizophrenia in adults.
Caplyta can also help with depressive episodes (the lows), related to bipolar I and II disorders in adults. This is known as bipolar depression. Caplyta is used to treat bipolar depression. It can be taken either as a standalone medication or combined with other medications like lithium and valproate.
How to Take Caplyta?
Before you start your treatment with Caplyta read your prescription label. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any further questions. You must take the drug exactly as directed, at least once daily.
Caplyta is a tool that allows you to create and share your own content.
- You may feel sleepy or dizzy. It can make you feel dizzy and unable to drive or use machinery. Caplyta can cause drowsiness, so it is advisable to avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
- You should not get too hot or dehydrated. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and avoid long periods in direct sunlight. To keep cool when it is hot, you can wear lighter clothes and not exercise as much.
- Caplyta can be interacted with grapefruit. This medication can cause grapefruit to be consumed or eaten.
- If you have symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea, tell your doctor immediately.
Storage
Caplyta should be kept at room temperature away from heat, light and moisture. This medication should be kept in the original, clearly labelled container. Keep it out of reach of pets and children. When not in use, keep the bottle closed tightly.
Uses Off-Label
This medication may be prescribed by healthcare providers for non-approved uses. Caplyta can be used in some cases for mental health conditions.
Common side effects
3 are the most common side effects from Caplyta
- Excessive sleepiness/tiredness
- Stomach problems include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhoea.
- Headache
- High cholesterol
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Appetite loss
- Upper respiratory infections
- Inadequate body temperature regulation (body feels warm and has difficulty cooling down)
- Higher levels of liver enzymes
- An increase in creatinine phosphokinase can be a sign of a potentially fatal condition, neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).
Side effects can be severe
If you experience serious side effects, call your healthcare provider immediately. If your symptoms are life-threatening, or you feel you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. Side effects can have serious consequences and symptoms.
- Hypersensitivity reaction : These symptoms can include hives, skin rashes, swelling around the mouth, tongue and face, difficulty breathing and difficulty swallowing.
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviour: Call your healthcare provider immediately if your mood or behaviour has changed. Friends, family, or caregivers can monitor your mood and behaviour for signs of depression, anxiety, agitation and panic attacks, as well as thoughts and ideas about suicide.
- Stroke: Seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms such as face drooping, numbness or trouble speaking; arm weakness or numbness; and trouble swallowing.
- Fever: Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience fainting while taking Caplyta.
- Hypotension: This is when blood pressure drops from a sitting or lying position. For support, stand slowly and grab something solid. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, contact your healthcare provider.
- Neuroleptic malignant Syndrome: Also called NMS, this condition is potentially fatal and requires immediate medical attention. High fever, irregular pulse rate, rapid heartbeat, sweating and stiff muscles are some of the symptoms.
- Side effects that affect muscle may include extrapyramidal symptoms like restlessness, tremor and stiffness, as well as tardive dyskinesia, which is a repetitive, involuntary movement such eye blinking and grimacing. These side effects should be reported to your healthcare provider.
- Dystonia: This condition can cause neck spasms, throat tightness, and difficulty swallowing or breathing. If this happens, seek medical attention immediately.
- Hyperglycemia or Diabetes mellitus may present as symptoms. These include dry mouth, increased thirst, and an increase in urination. If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.
