Table of Contents

I. Types of Psychotic Disorders

a. Schizophrenia

b. Major Depressive Disorder

II. How Rexulti Works

III. Is Rexulti a Cure?

IV. Warnings and Side Effects of Rexulti

Types of Psychotic Disorders

Several exams are necessary to diagnosis mental health disorders. To find the root cause of your symptoms, your doctor may order a physical exam, a psychological evaluation, and a series of lab tests to examine your thyroid function. Because many symptoms of psychotic disorders overlap, it may take some time for your doctor to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

Working closely with your doctor is important because a proper diagnosis will help your doctor prescribe the right treatment. Common types of psychotic disorders include:

• Schizophrenia and reality detachment disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Bipolar and related disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorders
• Dissociative disorders
• Trauma or stress disorders

This article will focus on schizophrenia and depressive disorders. Rexulti (brexpiprazole) is an antipsychotic medication used to treat these mental illnesses. Read on to learn more about Rexulti today. [1]

a. Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a condition most commonly characterized by hallucinations, disordered thinking, confused behavior, and delusions. People with schizophrenia interpret reality abnormally, which can impair everyday function. Schizophrenia will usually require long-term treatment to manage and reduce the risk of complications. [1]

Symptoms of schizophrenia are similar in teenagers and adults. Symptoms in teenagers may be confused with signs of adolescence and harder to recognize. Speak with your healthcare provider if you or a teenager you know experiences the following symptoms:

• Lack of motivation
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability
• Depressed mood
• Performance drops in school
• Withdrawal from friends and family

Teenagers may be less likely than adults to have delusions, but they are more likely to experience visual hallucinations. Some experts believe this is because teenagers have a higher rate of marijuana, LSD, and methamphetamines use. Regardless of your age, medications like Rexulti can treat symptoms of schizophrenia. [2]

b. Major Depressive Disorder

Major depressive disorder, commonly known as depression, is a mood condition that causes a constant feeling of sadness. It is normal to feel down from time to time, but this is different from depression. Patients with depression are affected to the point where they experience emotional and physical problems. Clinical depression often requires long-term treatment, and doctors typically prescribe a combination of medication and psychotherapy to help improve symptoms. [3]

Major depressive disorder commonly causes episodes of fatigue, lack of energy, reduced appetite, and anxiety. Other common symptoms of clinical depression include:

• Tearfulness
• Feelings of hopelessness or emptiness
• Loss of interest in normally pleasurable activities (hobbies, sports, sex)
• Sleep disturbances, including sleeping too much or not enough (insomnia)
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Fixating on past failures
• Self-blame or guilt
• Frequent thoughts of suicide and death
• Unexplained headaches and other physical problems

Untreated depression can lead to memory loss, personality changes, and physical health complications. If you feel depressed, talk to a loved one or someone you trust. Seeing a mental health professional can also help you discover the potential causes of your psychotic disorder.

Your doctor can also put you on the right track in terms of treatment and recovery. If you have suicidal thoughts, it is important to call for emergency help right away. If you are diagnosed with major depressive disorder, you may be prescribed Rexulti with other medications to help you feel better. [3]

How Rexulti Works

Rexulti (brexpiprazole) is known as a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA), also called an atypical antipsychotic. This means that Rexulti works by re-balancing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, improving thinking, behavior, and mood. Dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters; dopamine is responsible for feelings of pleasure, and serotonin reduces anxiety. With the right balance, these chemicals in the brain help regulate more than just your mood, including sexual function, bone health, blood clotting, nausea, and sleep. [4]

Is Rexulti a Cure?

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. The goal of antipsychotic medications like Rexulti is to reduce symptoms so that patients can function and carry out their everyday activities. Antipsychotics are also used to reduce the risk of future psychotic episodes. So, Rexulti isn’t a cure, but it can alleviate symptoms and help patients into remission. [5]

Warnings and Side Effects of Rexulti

As mentioned above, Rexulti is approved for treating symptoms of schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. This drug is not approved for treating dementia-related psychosis in older adults and doing so may increase the risk of death. Your doctor may recommend against taking Rexulti if you have or had one or more of the following conditions:

• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood sugar
• Heart problems
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Seizure
• Low white blood cell count

If you are taking Rexulti to treat depression, you should attend regular check-ups. Some younger people have thoughts of suicide when starting an antidepressant, so ensure you have a good support system and that your family and friends are aware of your mood changes. Do not take antipsychotic medication in the last three months of pregnancy. Doing so can result in breathing and feeding problems in the newborn. Common side effects of Rexulti include weight gain and restlessness (feeling like you cannot sit still). Call your doctor right away if you experience severe side effects, such as:

• Trouble swallowing
• Intolerance to heat
• Uncontrolled facial movements
• High blood sugar (increased thirst, urination, and dry mouth)
• Low white blood cell counts (fever, skin and mouth sores, sore throat, cough)
• Severe nervous system reaction (rigid muscles, high fever, sweating, fast heartbeats, confusion)
• Signs of a blood clot (sudden numbness, problems with speech or vision, swelling) [6]

Canadian Pharmacy Service offers several dosage strengths of Rexulti (brexpiprazole) online at the cheapest price on the market. Visit Canadian Pharmacy Service to fill your prescription for Rexulti 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.