For those with bipolar disorder, finding medications has always been a struggle. Sometimes the medications don’t work and other times the side effects are too daunting to keep taking the medication. Sometimes the medications are ineffective and other times they make patients feel like a zombie. Other times, the sheer amount of weight gained on these medications is enough to quit taking them. New, “sexy,” drugs come out all the time, but are they worth trying? This article explores one such new drug named Caplyta.
Side Effects with Caplyta
You may have seen the commercial that claims Caplyta claims significant symptom relief for bipolar 1 and 2 depression, and without significant weight gain in clinical trials. The side effects listed include fever, confusion, dizziness, sleepiness, stiff muscles, uncontrolled muscle movement (which may be permanent), high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and potentially weight gain – despite claiming not to have that problem in clinical trials. My personal experience with Caplyta in the short time I have taken it had some side effects but nothing so severe that I had to stop taking it. I did notice an increase in temperature, but I wouldn’t call it a fever. I’m anemic so I’m usually cold anyway, so that was a pleasant change for me. The dizziness was mild but prevalent each time I take the pill, about an hour after taking it. It’s enough to want to take it closer to bedtime so I don’t have to fight with dizziness during the workday. I did feel a bit sedated at first, but I wouldn’t say it made me sleepy.
Depression and Caplyta
I noticed a real change in my depression symptoms by day 2 of taking the pill. The depression relief has only gotten better since taking it. While I am still on the starter dosage, I can see that it does help and it even got me elated at times. I believe that this could be a medication that I can take for a long time.
Cost
I hope you have insurance because the cost of Caplyta is significant if you don’t. Goodrx.com has a discount price of about $1700 a month for 30 tablets. It’s so costly that it’s possible your insurance company may need a prior authorization. I got lucky with Cigna insurance that they did not ask for one, but your mileage may vary (YMMV). I would say that the paperwork is worth it if you can get it covered.
Final Thoughts about Caplyta
All in all, this is a decent drug to try if you have tried a lot of other medications and haven’t found them to be effective. Even if you get side effects early on, stick with it for a couple of weeks. The side effects tend to go away as treatment progresses. All in all I would recommend Caplyta for bipolar disorder.
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