Rexulti (Brexpiprazole)

Description

Indications

Brexpiprazole is classified as an atypical antipsychotic medication, it works by altering the activity of specific natural substances in the brain. It is prescribed to adults and children aged 13 and above to alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia, a mental disorder characterized by unusual or disturbed thinking, diminished interest in life, and intense or inappropriate emotions. It may also be used in combination with an antidepressant to treat depression when the antidepressant alone fails to manage symptoms.

Uses and Dosage

Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking this medication, which can be consumed with or without food as advised. Usually, it is taken once daily, with the dosage determined by your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking.

Your doctor may instruct you to begin with a low dose and gradually increase it to minimize side effects.

To achieve maximum benefits, take this medication regularly at the same time each day. To help remember, it can be helpful to set a reminder.

Even if you start feeling better and thinking more clearly, continue taking this medication precisely as prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take it more frequently than recommended, as this will not improve your symptoms any faster and may increase your risk of side effects.

Do not discontinue this medication without consulting your doctor.

In case you do not experience any improvement or your condition worsens, inform your doctor. It may take a few weeks before you experience the full benefits of this medication.

Side Effects

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:

• headache
• constipation
• heartburn
• tiredness
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• dizziness, feeling unsteady, or having trouble keeping your balance

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:

• rash
• hives
• itching
• swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• seizures
• shortness of breath
• sore throat, cough, chills, and other signs of infection
• fever, sweating, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, and severe muscle stiffness
• unusual movements of your face or body that you cannot control
• falling
• tightening of the neck muscles
• tightness in the throat

Caution

Before taking brexpiprazole, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have allergies to it or any other substances. This medication may contain inactive elements that can trigger allergic reactions or other complications.

Before using this drug, inform your physician or pharmacist of your medical history, particularly if you have dementia, kidney or liver problems, a personal or family history of diabetes, high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, heart problems, seizures, stroke, difficulty swallowing, low white blood cell count, or breathing difficulties during sleep (sleep apnea).

This drug may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Using alcohol or marijuana may intensify these side effects. Until you can safely perform these activities, avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing any activities that require alertness.

This medication may reduce sweating, increasing your risk of heat stroke. Avoid activities that can cause you to overheat, such as strenuous work or exercise in hot weather, or using hot tubs. Drink plenty of fluids and dress appropriately in hot weather. If you begin to overheat, immediately seek a place to cool down and rest. If you have a fever that persists, changes in mental/mood, headache, or dizziness, seek medical help immediately.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the adverse effects of this drug, particularly drowsiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness, increasing their risk of falls.

During pregnancy, use this medication only if it is explicitly required. Newborns born to mothers who used this drug during the last three months of pregnancy may rarely experience symptoms such as muscle stiffness or shakiness, drowsiness, feeding/breathing difficulties, or constant crying. Inform the physician immediately if your newborn displays any of these symptoms, especially during their first month.

Since untreated mental/mood conditions such as schizophrenia and depression can be severe, do not stop using this drug unless instructed by your doctor. If you are planning to become pregnant, are pregnant, or believe you may be pregnant, discuss with your doctor immediately the risks and benefits of taking this medication during pregnancy.

It is unknown whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strength

Rexulti is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Rexulti tablet:
  • 0.25mg
  • 0.5mg
  • 1mg
  • 2mg
  • 3mg
  • 4mg

FAQ

How long does it take to get used to Rexulti?

It may take two to three months before you feel the full effect of Rexulti.

Does Rexulti reduce anxiety?

Rexulti is not approved to treat anxiety. But the drug may be prescribed off-label to treat this condition.

Resources

1. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Brexpiprazole-(Rexulti)#:~:text=It%20may%20take%20two%20to,increased%20slowly%20over%20several%20weeks
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-rexulti-dosage#fa-qs
3. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-169294/rexulti-oral/details
4. https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/rexulti
5. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a615046.html
6. https://www.drugs.com/rexulti.html