Rexulti, also known as brexpiprazole, is a medication used in the treatment of major depressive disorder and schizophrenia. Like so many other medications, there are a variety of side effects that one may experience while taking Rexulti, ranging from mild to serious. The following guide offers an in-depth look at the side effects of Rexulti, including those related to managing these side effects and knowing when to seek medical advice in order to continue treatment while remaining well.

How Does Rexulti Work?

Rexulti falls under the category of second-generation antipsychotic medication; it works by normalizing dopamine and serotonin within the brain. These neurotransmitters, pivotal for mood and mental clarity, function optimally with Rexulti to handle various symptoms of depression and schizophrenia. Of course, as with any other medication, one must also be prepared for a number of possible side effects that may occur during treatment.

Common Side Effects of Rexulti: What to Expect

As with the commencement of any treatment, when taking Rexulti, side effects may be present, especially within the first weeks, as the body gets used to the medication. Symptoms are usually mild but may be uncomfortable nonetheless. A closer look:

Mild Side Effects of Rexulti

Following are the most commonly reported effects, which usually diminish over time:

• Headache:

A headache is the most common complaint from patients while the body gets adjusted to this. Keeping oneself well-hydrated and not overexerting may help ease the discomfort. If headaches persist, it is best to consult your healthcare provider for further advice.

• Drowsiness and Fatigue:

Fatigue is one of the frequent complaints among users of Rexulti, more so in the initial stages. Changing the time of consumption or having a full night’s sleep can minimize this effect. If drowsiness is an issue during the day, then activities that demand alertness, like driving, must be avoided.

• Nausea:

Nausea is another common mild side effect. Food can ease this discomfort when taking Rexulti. Additionally, eating smaller lighter meals throughout the day may help reduce nausea.

• Weight Gain:

Many at times, Rexulti has been associated with increased appetites and consequent weight gain. This may be mild at the start but needs to be looked into with the right kind of diet and sufficient amounts of exercise. In some cases, visiting a healthcare provider can help individuals understand their eating patterns, which can make a significant difference.

Common Side Effects: What to Look Out For

Sometimes these side effects are more pronounced or linger longer, needing more care and perhaps adjustment in dosage. Such moderate effects might be more long-standing and may as well affect your daily activities:

• Increased Appetite and Weight Gain:

As indicated, weight gain is a common side effect related to Rexulti and is always characterized by increased appetite. The side effect can be included by ensuring that nutrient intake is adequate and that regular exercise is engaged in accordingly. It would also be beneficial to seek various lifestyle strategies, such as eating more mindfully. This side effect can be managed through regular visits to a healthcare professional.

• Dizziness/Orthostatic Hypotension:

The patient usually experiences dizziness, particularly when abruptly rising from a lying position. This symptom is medically termed orthostatic hypotension, which can be minimized by leaving the bed slowly and by adequate fluid intake. If this symptom lasts longer than usual or worsens over time, discuss this with your physician; he may need to adjust the dosage for you or advise a change in lifestyle.

• Sleeplessness/Restlessness:

With the use of Rexulti, sleeplessness/restlessness is not a strange occurrence, especially within the first weeks of treatment. It’s also helpful to learn relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation before bedtime to help improve the quality of sleep. If these symptoms persist, it could be necessary to talk with a health professional for purposes of adjusting medication schedules or discussing further treatment options.

Serious Side Effects: Immediate Medical Attention Required

Less common but serious side effects indeed require immediate medical attention. Early recognition of symptoms is important to understand and recognize the following for effective management:

• Tardive Dyskinesia:

The involuntary movement may include repetitive facial tics or body jerks. Tardive dyskinesia could become permanent; if these unusual movements are felt, inform your doctor immediately. Early intervention may prevent irreparable damage.

• Akathisia:

This is an internal restlessness or an inability to remain still. This may cause physical discomfort or emotional distress. Serious enough, the condition may result in the doctors adjusting the dosage or prescribing beta-blockers and benzodiazepines. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please seek professional advice as soon as possible.

• Mood Changes or Suicidal Thoughts:

While Rexulti for depression is effective, mood swings or worsening depression are experienced by some patients. it can sometimes lead to thougjhs of self-harm or suicide. Immediately seek help when any signs of serious emotional distress appear. It shows the side effect, indicating the essence of ongoing monitoring and candor with your healthcare provider.

Managing Side Effects of Rexulti

Working with your health professional is the most important way to manage Rexulti side effects. Here’s how:

• Follow-Up Appointments:

The follow-up appointment will offer your healthcare professional the best chance to monitor your response to the medication and recognize early warning signs of adverse effects.

• Dosage Adjustment:

If the side effects are a bother, your doctor may reduce the dosage or switch to another option. Sometimes, another medication works better for you.

• Open Communication:

Discuss changes in symptoms or concerns you have about side effects. This would help the doctor tailor your treatment plan according to your needs.

• Considering Generic Alternatives:

Although generic alternatives for Rexulti are not really out on the market, your doctor might also suggest one with similar benefits and less side effects. This might turn out to be more economical or comfortable for keeping your condition in control.

With Better You Rx, you could get an advantage with partnering pharmacies that may further lead and guide your treatment process more professionally through a wide range of drugs and resources necessary for that purpose. This again might be a point of interest in case one wants to investigate some trusted alternatives or how to manage the cost of medication.

Conclusion

Rexulti is very effective in treating some of the worst states of mental conditions, like depression and schizophrenia. However, it also has some associated side effects with its intake. It remains very good for patients to stay in an informed position and remain proactive so that any form of side effects can easily be tackled from mild to serious. Regular consultation with the health provider, and making necessary changes may help minimize discomfort besides assuring benefits of medication to their maximum extent.

Further, if you happen to be concerned about any of the associated side effects of Rexulti or wish to consider alternatives available, it would be advisable to contact your healthcare professional. Better You Rx offers access to reliable medication options and more for supporting your ability to take your treatment as directed without sacrificing safety or effectiveness. Inform yourself. Know what expert support is available to you. And get quality care. You will go forward in managing your mental health with more confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For what is Rexulti used?

Rexulti is used in major depressive disorder and schizophrenia to restore the balance of chemicals in the brain to maintain good mental health.

Does Rexulti have a generic?

Currently, it does not have an easily accessible generic for Rexulti. However, discuss any concerns you may have about cost or side effects with your doctor.

How long does Rexulti take to start working?

Full therapeutic effects of Rexulti may take 4-6 weeks, though some patients can start to feel some improvement within a couple of weeks.

Can Rexulti cause weight gain?

Yes, some patients can experience increased appetite and weight gain. Keeping it under control is the key to it using a healthy diet and adequate exercise.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Rexulti?

If you forget to take a dose, use it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose and continue on your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

Depression is a complex condition and more often than not crippling, the consequences of which millions worldwide have to face. For those fighting against the most intense form of depression known as major depressive disorder (MDD) that are unable to experience any form of recovery through the use of traditional treatments, a medication known as Rexulti contains an active ingredient called brexpiprazole. Thus, this medication has been approved by the U.S. Health Authorities to be taken in conjunction with other forms of antidepressants, Rexulti works in correspondence with these medications to help control TRD. This guide explores how Rexulti works, its pros and adverse side effects, and how it stacks up against other treatments. We will also highlight ways in which Better You Rx can provide access to this prescription medication affordably while ensuring quality care.

What is Rexulti and What is it Used For?

Rexulti is classified as an atypical antipsychotic and was initially approved in 2015 to treat schizophrenia. Since its approval, it has also been useful in treating MDD, especially in patients whose depression does not improve with other available antidepressants.

Such a medication is generally used in conjunction with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor in adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder who are treatment resistant. Because it acts on various neurotransmitter systems in the brain, it maintains a balance of mood, improves function in cognition, and reduces emotional extremes without sedation or emotional blunting. How Does Rexulti Work in the Brain?

Rexulti works by modulating both dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain, which play critical roles in maintaining mood and cognition. Unlike most classical antidepressants, which only target the serotonin neurotransmitter level, Rexulti affects pathways for both dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters.

As a partial agonist of the dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, Rexulti stabilizes mood, hence improving emotional responses, although it is an antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. This unique mechanism of action helps reduce symptoms of depression, such as the following:

1. Persistent sadness
2. Lack of motivation
3. Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
4. Difficulty concentrating

Rexulti for Treatment-Resistant Depression

In the cases of many, especially those suffering from major depressive disorder, the use of standard treatments like SSRIs or SNRIs is not very beneficial. Treatment-resistant depression occurs when symptoms do not improve once medications are taken. In such a scenario, Rexulti could act as a much-needed respite by augmenting the efficacy of already prescribed antidepressants.

When used alongside a primary antidepressant, Rexulti improves mood and emotional bluntness, among other symptoms. Research has weighed in favor of the addition of Rexulti with other standard antidepressants to achieve faster symptom improvement and better functional outcomes.

Rexulti vs. Other Antidepressants and Antipsychotics

Against the background of other antidepressant treatments, including SSRIs and SNRIs, Rexulti has some distinct advantages. Traditional antidepressants usually act on serotonin, while Rexulti affects serotonin and dopamine, offering a wider symptom coverage.

Rexulti versus Abilify: Though both Rexulti and Abilify (aripiprazole) are used as adjunctive treatments for depression, Rexulti might offer faster symptom relief and a more balanced emotion regulation approach.

Common Side Effects of Rexulti

Like all other medications, Rexulti also has some potential side effects associated with its use. On the whole, it is considered to be well-tolerated as compared to the older varieties of antipsychotic medications. Some of the more common side effects include:

• Weight gain: There may be increased appetite with mild to moderate weight gain.
• Fatigue or drowsiness: A feeling of tiredness or sedation can be experienced, especially during the initial days of treatment.
• Restlessness or agitation: Akathisia may be a problem for some. Dizziness: A feeling of light-headedness. Increased appetite: Like weight gain, increased appetite can also occur. In rare cases, more serious side effects can include: Tardive dyskinesia: There is the development of involuntary muscle movements. High blood sugar: Symptoms of diabetes. Increased cholesterol: Monitoring may need to be performed on a regular basis. Low blood pressure: This may lead to dizziness, particularly when standing.

Due to this, it is very important to pay attention to side effects and communicate effectively with your doctor to ensure that the medication works and is well-tolerated.

How Long Does Rexulti Take To Work?

One of the most common questions about Rexulti is how long it takes to start working. While many patients begin to notice significant improvements after 2-4 weeks, it may take as long as 6-8 weeks to fully realize the benefits of this medication. Still, others may realize earlier relief with the addition of Rexulti to their current antidepressant.

However, you will still be in close contact with your health care provider to monitor your improvement and to ensure the treatment is unfolding as anticipated. If you are concerned about withdrawal symptoms from Rexulti, your health care provider will guide you through a proper tapering procedure if discontinuation is necessary.

Is Rexulti Addictive?

No, Rexulti is not addictive. It does not have the potential for abuse and dependence seen with controlled substances. However, you should take the drug as prescribed by the doctor and never suddenly stop the medication on your own. This is because sudden cessation of Rexulti can lead to the development of withdrawal symptoms or recurrence of depressive symptoms. At all times, you should be under the guidance of your healthcare professional when tapering off this medication safely.

Rexulti and Comorbidities

By using Rexulti, especially for those patients who have a co-occurring condition such as anxiety, mood swings, or irritability, a difference might be noticed. It effectively acts on both emotional and cognitive symptoms, and for this reason, the medication has become a great treatment option for patients who suffer from multiple mental health challenges all at once.

For example, Rexulti for mood swings helps balance extremes of emotions while its interaction with dopamine improves motivation and focus.

Where to Buy Affordable Rexulti

At Better You Rx, we understand how much it means for effective medications to become accessible. That is why at Better You Rx, we have Rexulti available at competitive prices, making sure those who need the medication could access it without breaking their wallet. We connect you with trusted suppliers on our platform so that you don’t have to jump through hoops to get the treatment you need. Take control of your health on your own terms-whether for you or your loved one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take before Rexulti starts working to improve one’s depression? Improvement of depression on this medication usually kicks in within 2-4 weeks, although the full effect may take up to 6-8 weeks.

Can Rexulti cause weight gain? Yes, one of the potential side effects of this medication is weight gain. If this is of concern, your healthcare provider can help you outline a plan to maintain or minimize weight gain.

Is Rexulti addictive or habit-forming? No, Rexulti is not addictive. However, regarding tapering off the medication, if necessary, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions. 

Is Rexulti safe to use during pregnancy? Rexulti may affect the developing fetus, and you should consult your healthcare provider about the appropriateness of using Rexulti during pregnancy.

Conclusion: Is Rexulti Right for You?

Rexulti has been a godsend for people who suffer from major depression and for whom other antidepressants have not been effective. It is highly effective for managing resistant depression because it can tackle the imbalances of both dopamine and serotonin. Like with any other medication, it is important to work closely with your healthcare professional to find the right treatment approach.

If you’re seeking Rexulti for depression, Better You Rx can help make this treatment process easier for you so that you will have the best care and pricing. Start your path to wellness today; consult with your doctor to see if Rexulti may be the right choice for you.