Question 1

What is Rexulti?

Accepted Answer

Rexulti is a medication classified as an atypical antipsychotic. It works by modulating the activity of natural chemical messengers in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, which are responsible for regulating various neurological functions.

By adjusting the balance of these neurotransmitters, the medication helps to stabilize brain activity. It is primarily used to assist in the management of certain mental and mood-related health conditions.

Question 2

What is Rexulti used for?

Accepted Answer

Rexulti is used to treat schizophrenia and major depressive disorder .

Question 3

How does Rexulti work?

Accepted Answer

Mechanism of Action

Rexulti belongs to a class of medications known as atypical antipsychotics. It is thought to work by adjusting the activity of two key chemical messengers in the brain: dopamine and serotonin.

These chemicals, called neurotransmitters, help regulate mood, behavior, and thinking. In certain mental health conditions, these chemicals may be out of balance. Rexulti acts as a modulator, which means it can either increase or decrease the activity of these neurotransmitters depending on the environment in the brain.

How It Affects the Brain

Dopamine and Serotonin Modulation: Rexulti acts as a partial agonist at specific dopamine and serotonin receptors. This allows it to stimulate these receptors when chemical levels are low or block them when levels are too high.

Serotonin Blockage: It also acts as an antagonist at other serotonin receptors, which means it blocks activity at those specific sites.

The exact mechanism by which Rexulti works in the body is not fully understood. However, by stabilizing the activity of these neurotransmitters, the medication is believed to help improve symptoms related to mood and thought processes.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Rexulti?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Rexulti is brexpiprazole .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Rexulti?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Rexulti may include:

Weight gain

Sleepiness

Restlessness

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Rexulti?

Accepted Answer

Rexulti belongs to the atypical antipsychotic drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Rexulti and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

Rexulti is taken by mouth as a tablet. It is usually prescribed to be taken once a day. You may take this medication with or without food.

To help you remember to take your medication, try to take it at the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

If you miss a dose of Rexulti, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.

Take this medication exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.

Do not increase or decrease your dose without consulting your doctor first.

Continue taking the medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Rexulti without talking to your healthcare provider, as they may want to decrease your dose gradually.

Question 8

Is Rexulti safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

Taking antipsychotic medications like Rexulti during the last three months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn after delivery. These issues can include withdrawal symptoms, breathing difficulties, feeding problems, tremors, fussiness, or muscle stiffness. However, stopping the medication during pregnancy may lead to a relapse of your condition.

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of continuing treatment. There is a pregnancy registry that monitors the health of people who take Rexulti during pregnancy and the health of their babies.

Breastfeeding

It is not known if Rexulti passes into breast milk or how it might affect a nursing baby. Because of the potential for side effects, you should consult your healthcare provider to determine if you should breastfeed while using this medication.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Rexulti come in?

Accepted Answer

Rexulti is supplied in the following form:

Oral Tablet: This medication is a tablet taken by mouth.

The tablets are film-coated and come in various colors.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Rexulti?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indications

Rexulti (brexpiprazole) was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015. It is currently approved for the following indications:

Major Depressive Disorder: Used as an add-on (adjunctive) treatment for adults who are already taking an antidepressant.

Schizophrenia: Used to treat schizophrenia in adults and pediatric patients aged 13 years and older.

Alzheimer's-Related Agitation: Used to treat agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. In May 2023, it became the first FDA-approved medication for this specific use.

Boxed Warnings

The FDA requires a Boxed Warning for Rexulti, which is the most serious type of warning for prescription medications. These warnings include:

Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients: Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Rexulti is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis who do not have agitation associated with Alzheimer's dementia.

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. Patients of all ages should be monitored closely for worsening symptoms or changes in behavior when starting treatment.

Regulatory Status

Rexulti is available only by prescription. It is classified as an atypical antipsychotic. While it is not a controlled substance, the FDA monitors its safety profile through ongoing post-marketing surveillance to identify any new safety concerns or adverse reactions.

Question 11

What should I know about Rexulti and cost?

Accepted Answer

Generic Status

There is currently no generic version of Rexulti (brexpiprazole) available. Brand-name medications typically cost more than generics because they do not have competition from other manufacturers.

Insurance Coverage

Most insurance plans, including Medicare Part D, provide coverage for Rexulti, though it is often listed on a higher cost tier. This means you may have a higher copayment or coinsurance amount. Some insurers require prior authorization, which means your doctor must confirm the medical necessity of the drug before the plan covers it.

Financial Assistance

The manufacturer may offer support to help reduce costs for eligible patients. This can include:

Savings Cards: These may reduce out-of-pocket costs for people with commercial insurance.

Patient Assistance: Programs may be available for those without insurance or those who meet specific financial criteria.

It is also helpful to compare prices at different pharmacies or check if your insurance offers a lower rate for mail-order prescriptions.

Rexulti

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Price Information

FAQ

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