Table of Contents

I. How Rexulti Works

II. Rexulti Warnings

III. What to Tell Your Doctor

IV. Side Effects of Rexulti

V. Understand How Rexulti Affects You

How Rexulti Works

Rexulti is an antipsychotic medication that contains brexpiprazole. This medication is an atypical antipsychotic, which causes fewer side effects than traditional antipsychotics. Atypical antipsychotics are known as second-generation antipsychotics because they were discovered more recently. [1]

Compared to traditional antipsychotic medications, atypical antipsychotics also tend to affect serotonin receptors more than dopamine receptors. Rexulti is approved to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and may be used with other medications to treat depression in adults. [2]

Rexulti does not cure schizophrenia or depression. However, brexpiprazole helps to manage symptoms by affecting the brain’s chemical messengers (serotonin and dopamine). When taken as prescribed, Rexulti can reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms like delusions, disorganized speech and thinking, abnormal motor behavior, and hallucinations. [3]

Rexulti may be dangerous for certain patients and may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related conditions. Rexulti should also not be used by anyone under the age of 18. Your doctor will determine if Rexulti (brexpiprazole) is right for you. Learn more about Rexulti below. [2]

Rexulti Warnings

It is important to be aware of your mood when taking Rexulti. Some reports show that patients may have thoughts of suicide when first taking this medication. If you experience this side effect, speak with a friend, family member, or doctor at once. If this symptom worsens, you may want to seek medical help. [2]

If you are allergic to brexpiprazole, taking Rexulti may result in the swelling of your face, tongue, lips, or throat. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may also include hives and difficulty breathing. Rexulti may cause you to feel impulsive, irritable, restless, or hostile. If you feel like you are not in control of your mood or behavior, or if you have thoughts about self-harm, speak with your doctor. [2]

Your doctor will likely advise against high doses or long-term use of this medication because it can cause a serious and irreversible movement disorder. This disorder is known as extrapyramidal disease and involves involuntary tremors and muscle contractions. The longer you use Rexulti, the more you increase your risk of extrapyramidal disease. [4]

What to Tell Your Doctor

To ensure Rexulti is safe for you, it is important to inform your doctor if you currently have (or have a history of) certain conditions that increase your risk of side effects. These conditions include:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Heart problems like hypertension or hypotension
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Seizure
• Diabetes
• Low white blood cell count
• High cholesterol

Before taking Rexulti, you should also inform your doctor about the medications you are taking for other health conditions. This is because certain medications can interact with Rexulti and increase the risk of adverse effects or lower the efficacy of this antipsychotic. Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products may  potentially interact with Rexulti. Common drugs that interact with Rexulti include metformin, bupropion, and duloxetine. Ask your doctor for a full list of known Rexulti interactions. [5]

If you are pregnant, let your doctor know. Taking Rexulti in the last three months of pregnancy may increase the risk of breathing and feeding problems in the baby. Additionally, breastfeeding while taking antipsychotics may cause harm to the infant. [2]

Side Effects of Rexulti

The most common side effects of Rexulti are weight gain and feelings of restlessness. Rexulti may also increase sexual urges, and some patients have reported unusual urges to gamble. More severe side effects include:

• Seizures
• High blood sugar
• Blood clot
• Severe nervous system reaction (high fever, fast heartbeats, tremors, muscle rigidity)
• Intolerance to warmth and heat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Uncontrolled facial movements, such as chewing, lip-smacking, blinking and frowning [2]

Understand How Rexulti Affects You

Finally, it is important when you are starting Rexulti to safely find out how your body reacts to this drug. This means you should avoid driving and refrain from operating machinery because your reaction may be impaired. Brexpiprazole may make it more difficult for the body to regulate its temperature, so it is important to stay hydrated in hot weather to avoid becoming overheated.

If your doctor decides that Rexulti (brexpiprazole) is right for you, visit Canadian Pharmacy Service to fill your prescription at a discounted price today.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.