Brexpiprazole is a prescription medication used to treat symptoms of depression when an antidepressant is not enough and schizophrenia. It is also prescribed to treat agitation in patients with dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

Brexpiprazole is available in its generic form or under the brand name Rexulti. This medication is only available via prescription. This means a written prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is required before purchase.

Brexpiprazole is prescribed as a treatment for symptoms caused by various mental disorders and conditions. Brexpiprazole cannot cure conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, or Alzheimer’s disease, but it can help patients manage them by reducing specific symptoms.

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that affects an individual’s ability to think, feel, and behave. Individuals who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia may experience symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, illogical thoughts or behaviors, and abnormal movement behavior. This disease may affect cognition, leading to problems with attention, memory, and concentration.

There is no common cause of schizophrenia. It is thought that genetics, environment, and life stressors may play a role in the development of this condition. While it cannot be cured, schizophrenia can be managed through medication, therapy, and support.

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a type of mood disorder that negatively affects how you think, behave, and feel. Untreated depression can lead to a range of emotional and physical issues. Other mental conditions, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, can cause depression. Symptoms of depression can make it challenging to carry out day-to-day tasks and maintain personal relationships.

Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to die. This produces symptoms of memory loss, difficulty with thinking and reasoning, changes in behavior, and an inability to perform daily tasks. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 6.5 million Americans manage Alzheimer’s disease every year. The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not known, but genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors are all believed to play a part in the development of this condition.

Brexpiprazole belongs to a classification of medications known as antipsychotic agents. Antipsychotics work by binding to certain dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain. Binding to these receptors balances serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. This action can minimize psychotic symptoms caused by schizophrenia, depression, and dementia.

It’s important to note that brexpiprazole is not a cure for schizophrenia, depression, or Alzheimer’s disease. These are chronic conditions that require treatment for a lifetime. Brexpiprazole is prescribed to reduce symptoms of these disorders, making it easier to manage them.

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS

Antipsychotic medication used for the treatment of psychotic and behavior disorders may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Antipsychotic medication, such as brexpiprazole, may change mental health conditions (such as mood and behavior) in unexpected ways. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or other sudden changes in your mental health. Before starting treatment with brexpiprazole, or any other antidepressant, discuss the risks and benefits of the medication with your doctor.

Brexpiprazole has been shown to cause some mild side effects. If these adverse effects do not go away within a few days, talk to your healthcare provider.

Mild side effects reported from brexpiprazole use include:

• Headache
  
• Gas
  
• Constipation
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Indigestion
  
• Heartburn
  
• Increased appetite
  
• Restlessness
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Dizziness
  
• Fatigue
  
• Weight gain
  
• Tremor
  
  

More severe side effects include:

• Skin rash
  
• Hives
  
• Swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles
  
• Nausea
  
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  
• Seizures
  
• Changes in heartbeat
  
• Involuntary movement in your face or body
  
• Faintness/ fainting
  
• Low blood pressure
  
  

Long-term side effects of brexpiprazole include increased risk of diabetes, weight gain, high cholesterol, cardiovascular side effects, low white blood cell count, and tardive dyskinesia.

Seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. These are signs of a severe adverse reaction or overdose requiring medical treatment.

Brexpiprazole has been shown to cause behavioral changes in some patients. Talk to your healthcare provider immediately if you begin experiencing abnormal urges like the urge to gamble, binge eating, or compulsive shopping.

As with all prescription medications, inform your prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have and any medications and supplements you are currently taking before starting treatment with brexpiprazole. This drug can interact with other medicines and substances, leading to potentially serious side effects.

You should tell your provider if you are taking:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Drugs like fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine, commonly used to treat depression and anxiety, may interact with brexpiprazole, potentially increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome or other side effects.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): MAOIs, used to treat depression and certain other conditions, should not be taken concurrently with brexpiprazole due to the risk of serious interactions.

CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Medications or substances that inhibit the enzyme CYP3A4 can increase the levels of brexpiprazole in the body, potentially leading to adverse effects. Examples include ketoconazole, clarithromycin, and grapefruit juice.

CYP2D6 Inhibitors: Drugs that inhibit the CYP2D6 enzyme can also affect brexpiprazole metabolism. Examples include paroxetine and fluoxetine.

This is not a complete list of all drugs that interact with brexpiprazole. Make a comprehensive list of all medicines and supplements that you take before starting treatment with this drug.

You should also tell your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you manage.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with brexpiprazole. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, stop taking it and inform your healthcare provider immediately.

Brexpiprazole is supplied as an oral tablet. The prescribed dosage varies depending on the patient's age, body weight, and the severity of the condition requiring treatment.

Most adults are prescribed up to 3 mg of brexpiprazole once daily. This dosage may be adjusted depending on your need. You can take this medication with or without food.

Do not discontinue or increase your brexpiprazole dosage without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regularly scheduled amount. Do not take a double dose of brexpiprazole.

Brexpiprazole should be stored in the container it’s supplied in. Keep these containers at room temperature, away from excess heat or moisture.

Do not freeze this medication.

Keep all medicines out of sight and out of the reach of children. Ensure that the caps of all medicine bottles are tightly closed and locked (if applicable).

Brexpiprazole is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed healthcare provider must authorize the use of this drug.

Looking for a prescription? Providers on Sesame can write you a prescription during a virtual or in-person visit. You can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy, depending on the medication. Book an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not brexpiprazole might be right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription for brexpiprazole to be picked up near you—often within the same day. Don’t wait to get your prescription filled. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.