Common, Moderate, and Severe Effects of Rexulti Medication
Rexulti, a drug used to treat various mental health conditions, has a range of potential side effects. These side effects can vary slightly depending on the condition it is used to treat, but they generally overlap significantly. Rexulti is prescribed for major depressive disorder (as an add-on treatment), schizophrenia, and agitation related to dementia from Alzheimer's disease.
Side Effects for Major Depressive Disorder
When used as an adjunctive therapy for major depressive disorder, common side effects of Rexulti include weight gain, somnolence (sleepiness), and akathisia, a movement disorder characterized by restlessness. These side effects occur in more than 5% of patients and at least twice the rate seen with a placebo.
Side Effects for Schizophrenia
For those using Rexulti to treat schizophrenia, common side effects include weight gain (more than 4% of body weight and at least twice the placebo rate), sleepiness, dizziness, restlessness, and symptoms resembling a common cold.
Side Effects for Dementia-related Agitation in Alzheimer's Disease
In patients with dementia-related agitation from Alzheimer's disease, similar side effects appear, including weight gain, drowsiness, dizziness, and restlessness (akathisia). Additionally, there is a risk of serious side effects such as suicidal thoughts, worsening depression, agitation, or aggression, which require immediate medical attention.
General Side Effects
Across all conditions, common side effects observed with Rexulti include weight gain, sleepiness or somnolence, dizziness, restlessness or akathisia, common cold-like symptoms (nasal or throat irritation), and mood swings or worsening psychiatric symptoms during adjustment periods.
Other Potential Side Effects
Insomnia is also a possible side effect of Rexulti. Mild side effects that have been reported with Rexulti include tiredness, headache, tremors, and dizziness.
Important Considerations
It is crucial to discuss your health history with your doctor before taking Rexulti. The drug has a boxed warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours in children and adults ages 24 years and younger. Serious side effects that have been reported with Rexulti include neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, high blood sugar, orthostatic hypotension, seizures, neck spasms, stroke, and body temperature regulation problems.
Monitoring and Allergic Reactions
While taking Rexulti, your doctor will closely monitor your weight. They may also have you monitor and record your weight at home to watch for increases. Rexulti may cause an allergic reaction, with symptoms including skin rash, itching, flushing, swelling under the skin, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat.
Discontinuation and Medical Supervision
Stopping Rexulti suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms or relapse; therefore, discontinuation should be medically supervised.
Important Note
This drug information is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication.
Crisis Support
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, seek support from the 988 Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, Befrienders Worldwide, or local emergency services.
Boxed Warnings
Rexulti has boxed warnings, which are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drug also has a boxed warning about the risk of death in certain older adults.
Sources: [1] Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) [prescribing information]. Titusville, NJ: Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.; 2021. [2] Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) [package insert]. Titusville, NJ: Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.; 2021. [3] Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) [medication guide]. Titusville, NJ: Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.; 2021. [4] Data on file, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.
- The science behind Rexulti reveals that it has varying side effects for different mental health conditions, such as weight gain, sleepiness, akathisia, and cold-like symptoms, among others, which can occur with a higher incidence in patients compared to those on a placebo.
- In addition to physical side effects, Rexulti's impact on mental health and wellness can include symptoms like mood swings, worsening psychiatric symptoms during adjustment periods, and the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior, particularly in children and young adults.
