Caplyta is a brand-name oral capsule prescribed for schizophrenia and depressive episodes caused by bipolar disorder. It’s not known whether Caplyta is safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Keep reading for specific information about reproductive health and Caplyta. For a comprehensive look at Caplyta, see this article.

It’s not known whether Caplyta is safe to take during pregnancy.

Caplyta is a type of drug called an atypical antipsychotic. Newborns exposed to this type of medication in the last trimester of pregnancy may have certain side effects. These include unusual muscle movements, drug withdrawal, or both. (Withdrawal refers to side effects that occur when you stop taking a drug.)

Symptoms may include:

  • tremors or twitching
  • rigid or low muscle tone (sometimes called floppy muscle syndrome)
  • agitation (restlessness)
  • sleepiness
  • problems with breathing or feeding

In animal studies, fetal harm occurred when Caplyta was given to pregnant animals. But keep in mind that outcomes in animals don’t always predict effects in humans.

If you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk with your doctor. They can discuss the risks and benefits of taking Caplyta during pregnancy.

Note: It’s important that mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are treated during pregnancy to help you and your child stay safe and healthy.

Caplyta pregnancy registry

If you decide to take Caplyta while pregnant, talk with your doctor about joining the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics. This registry tracks the health effects of taking atypical antipsychotics, such as Caplyta, during pregnancy and the effects on children. The information can help doctors and people make informed choices about treating mental health conditions during pregnancy.

If you’d like to learn more about the registry, talk with your doctor. You can also visit the registry website or call 866-961-2388.

Caplyta and fertility

Caplyta may cause fertility problems in both males and females. This means taking Caplyta may affect your ability to become pregnant or initiate pregnancy. (Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “male” and “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.)

This warning is based on fertility studies in animals, which may not predict effects in humans.

If you’re concerned about fertility problems with Caplyta, talk with your doctor.

It’s not known whether Caplyta is safe to take while breastfeeding. Small amounts of the drug may pass through breast milk. However, it’s not known whether this affects breast milk production or children who are breastfed.

If you’re breastfeeding or considering breastfeeding, talk with your doctor. They’ll discuss the risks and benefits of taking Caplyta while breastfeeding.

If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control options while you’re taking Caplyta. This is because it’s not known whether Caplyta is safe to take during pregnancy.

For more information about taking Caplyta during pregnancy, see the “Caplyta and pregnancy” section.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.