Brexpiprazole: 7 things you should know

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Nov 16, 2023.

1. How it works

• Brexpiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic that may be used to treat schizophrenia or in combination with other medicines to treat the symptoms of major depressive disorder.
• Experts aren't exactly sure how brexpiprazole works for schizophrenia or depression but believe it has partial agonist activity at some dopamine receptors (possibly D2 and D3) and serotonin type 1 (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT1A]) receptors and antagonist activity at serotonin type 2 (5-HT2A) receptors and possibly 5-HT2B, and 5-HT7 receptors and α1A-, α1B-, α1D-, and α2C-adrenergic receptors. By activating certain receptors and blocking others, brexpiprazole is thought to restore the chemical imbalance that causes mood changes.
• Brexpiprazole's activity appears to be different than some other atypical antipsychotics, such as aripiprazole. Brexpiprazole may also affect histamine (H1) receptors, which are associated with sedation, and weakly affect muscarinic (M1) receptors, which may be associated with dry mouth and constipation.
• Brexpiprazole belongs to the class of medicines known as serotonin-dopamine activity modulators (SDAMs). It may also be called an atypical antipsychotic.

2. Upsides

• May be used in combination with other medications to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and either alone or in combination with other medications to treat schizophrenia.
• Brexpiprazole is an oral tablet that is taken once a day.
• May be taken with or without food.
• Available in 6 different strengths: 0.25 milligrams (mg), 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, and 4 mg.
• Brexpiprazole is considered a second-generation version of aripiprazole (Abilify). The effectiveness of brexpiprazole and Abilify are similar, but brexpiprazole has slightly different activity at serotonin and dopamine receptors which may reduce some extrapyramidal side effects such as restlessness.
• Brexpiprazole is not a controlled substance.
• Animals given brexpiprazole did not self-administer the drug which suggests that it is unlikely to be addictive. There has also been no evidence of withdrawal symptoms when brexpiprazole has been discontinued.

3. Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

• Weight gain is one of the most commonly reported side effects of brexpiprazole in patients treated for either depression or schizophrenia. This may be due to an increased appetite, less physical activity because of side effects like drowsiness or fatigue, or changes in metabolism. A baseline weight should be taken on brexpiprazole initiation then a person's weight monitored regularly thereafter.
• Other reported side effects include akathisia (an inability to sit still), headache, extrapyramidal symptoms (movement-related disorders), sleepiness, blocked nose, tremors, anxiety, tiredness, and constipation.
• Brexpiprazole may also increase your risk of having a seizure or disrupt your body's ability to lower your core temperature. Brexpiprazole should be used with caution in people who may experience conditions that contribute to an elevation in core body temperature (such as strenuous exercise, extreme heat, dehydration, or other anticholinergic medications).
• Brexpiprazole may lead to other metabolic side effects that are linked with antipsychotic treatments, such as high blood sugar, type 2 diabetes, and increased lipids levels like cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Antipsychotic medicines like brexpiprazole can raise the risk of death in elderly patients who have lost touch with reality (psychosis) due to confusion and memory loss (dementia). Brexpiprazole is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. Seniors may require a slower initial dosage titration and a lower maintenance dose.
• May increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. If being used to treat depression, monitor for worsening depression, agitation, or mood changes, especially in young adults aged less than 24 years.
• May cause a drop in blood pressure on standing, particularly during the initial dose-titration period; dosage may need reducing. May not be suitable for people with known cardiovascular disease (history of a heart attack, angina, heart failure, or arrhythmia), stroke, seizure disorders, and people at risk of dehydration.
• Blood levels may need monitoring as brexpiprazole can cause the number of white blood cells to decrease, resulting in leukopenia or neutropenia. Agranulocytosis (including fatal cases) has also been reported with other antipsychotics.
• May increase blood sugar levels. People with a history of diabetes or at risk of diabetes should be monitored closely. May also cause undesirable changes in blood cholesterol and lipid levels.
• Potentially irreversible tardive dyskinesia can develop, even with low dosages used short term. Symptoms include facial grimacing, repetitive chewing, and tongue thrusting.
• May require a dosage adjustment or may not be suitable for people with liver or kidney disease, CYP2D6 poor metabolizers (dosage may need to be reduced by 50%), or with some other conditions. In people with liver or kidney disease, the maximum recommended dosage is 2 mg once daily for those with depression and 3 mg once daily for those with schizophrenia. Dosage adjustments are needed in people taking concomitant CYP3A4 inhibitors, CYP2D6 inhibitors, or strong CYP3A4 inducers, and the dosage of brexpiprazole will need to be adjusted again if these medications are discontinued.
• Rarely, may cause Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome; symptoms include high body temperature, muscle rigidity, and mental disturbances; discontinue immediately and seek urgent medical advice.
• May interact with several drugs, including benzodiazepines, carbamazepine, fluoxetine, and itraconazole.
• It is unknown what effect brexpiprazole has on a developing fetus, so it should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks.
• Brexpiprazole is only available under the brand name Rexulti. No generic version exists.

Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. View complete list of side effects

4. Bottom Line

• Brexpiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic that may be used to treat adults with schizophrenia or depression. Most people experience some improvement in their symptoms within 1 to 2 weeks of starting brexpiprazole, but it may take up to six weeks for the full effects to be seen. Weight gain is one of the most common side effects of brexpiprazole and it may also affect your body's ability to regulate temperature.

5. Tips

• The usual starting dose of brexpiprazole is 0.5mg or 1mg once daily. Dosage increases usually occur at weekly intervals until you reach a target dose of 2mg once daily. The maximum recommended daily dose is 3mg. Your doctor may prescribe more or less brexpiprazole depending on how well you tolerate or respond to it.
• You may take brexpiprazole either with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day (ie, with or before breakfast, or with or after dinner). If you miss a dose of brexpiprazole, take it as soon as you remember. However. if you are close to your next dose, just skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your regular time. Do not take 2 doses of brexpiprazole at the same time.
• Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all of the medications you use, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some of these can interact with brexpiprazole. Your doctor or pharmacist will review your medicines for drug interactions while you are taking brexpiprazole.
• Brexpiprazole may cause weight gain. You and your healthcare provider should check your weight regularly.
• May cause sedation or impair judgment skills and affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcohol.
• Brexpiprazole may impair your judgment and thinking, or affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Do not perform hazardous tasks if brexpiprazole affects you in this way.
• Some people taking brexpiprazole develop unusual urges such as gambling, binge eating, or eating that they cannot control (compulsive), compulsive shopping, and sexual urges. Talk to your healthcare provider if you or your family members notice that you are having unusual urges or behaviors.
• Brexpiprazole may disrupt your body's ability to reduce core body temperature. Strenuous exercise, exposure to extreme heat, dehydration, or some medications, such as anticholinergic medications may increase this risk. Avoid overheating and dehydration.
• Brexpiprazole may lower a person's mood and increase suicidal thoughts. Tell your doctor if you have ever had problems with mood or depression. You and your family members should be on alert for signs of worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mood changes. If such changes should occur with your treatment, contact your doctor immediately.
• Seek urgent medical advice if you develop unusual body movements, confusion, high fever, lightheadedness, fainting, seizures, problems controlling your body temperature, or difficulty swallowing.
• Brexpiprazole may make you feel dizzy when going from a sitting or lying down position to standing. This may increase your risk of falls. Stand up slowly and remove any fall hazards from your home (such as loose rugs).
• Talk with your doctor if you develop any worrying side effects such as uncontrollable facial grimacing, restlessness, severe dizziness, or severe abdominal discomfort.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Brexpiprazole is not recommended during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks and there is a pregnancy exposure registry for women exposed to brexpiprazole during pregnancy (the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics at 1-866-961-2388. Neonates whose mothers were exposed to antipsychotics, such as brexpiprazole, during the third trimester of pregnancy were more likely to experience movement-related or withdrawal symptoms. There is not enough data to determine if brexpiprazole is safe during breastfeeding.
• The dose of brexpiprazole needs to be slowly increased over a few weeks to determine the best dose for you.
• Do not stop treatment with brexpiprazole unless specifically directed by your doctor.
• Be sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about all of the medications you use, including prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Your doctor or pharmacist will review your medicines for drug interactions while you are taking brexpiprazole. Do not start taking anything new (medications or supplements) without first checking with your doctor or pharmacist for interactions.

6. Response and effectiveness

• Some improvements in the symptoms of depression or schizophrenia may be seen within 1 or 2 weeks of starting brexpiprazole, but it may take up to 6 weeks for the full effects to be seen.
• In a 6-week-long study in adults, adding brexpiprazole to ongoing antidepressant treatment led to a 62% greater reduction in symptoms of depression.
• In two depression studies that investigated the effects of brexpiprazole plus an antidepressant (ADT), the response was measured using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) (a common tool that looks at symptoms of depression such as sad feelings, attention, sleep patterns, and appetite). MADRS total scores dropped by: -1.3 points (with the 1 mg/day + ADT), -2 points (using the 3 mg/day + ADT), and -3.2 points (using the 2 mg/day + ADT). Compared to placebo, only the 2 mg/day dose was found to have a statistically significant effect on the MADRS score. For most patients with depression, the target dose of brexpiprazole is 2 mg once daily.
• Brexpiprazole has also been shown to be effective for adults with schizophrenia when compared to a placebo in two 6-week-long studies. Researchers determine the effectiveness of brexpiprazole using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total symptom severity score, a common scoring tool used in the study of schizophrenia. Overall, at the end of 6 weeks, the PANSS symptom score from baseline for patients taking brexpiprazole had declined significantly for both doses (2mg/day and 4mg/day). In one study, there was a significant decline in PANSS score of 20.7 points (2 mg/day) with brexpiprazole compared to a reduction of 8.7 points with placebo, 19.7 points (4 mg/day) with brexpiprazole compared to a reduction of 7.6 points with placebo. Statistical significance was not achieved for the primary endpoint with either the 1-mg/day dose or the 2-mg/day dose compared with placebo in one study. The recommended target dose for brexpiprazole is 2 mg to 4 mg once daily in patients with schizophrenia.
• Brexpiprazole has a long half-life (91 hours) and can stay in your system for a long time. It usually takes 5 half-lives for a drug to be mostly eliminated from your body, so this equates to roughly 455 hours or 18 to 19 days for brexpiprazole. Drugs with long half-lives like brexpiprazole have an advantage as they can often be dosed once a day and blood levels remain more steady. But if you experience any side effects with brexpiprazole, and your doctor determines you should stop treatment, it may take longer for the side effect to subside. Do not stop treatment unless specifically directed by your doctor.

7. Interactions

Medicines that interact with brexpiprazole may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with brexpiprazole. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed.

Common medications that may interact with brexpiprazole include:

• abiraterone
• anti-anxiety medications, including other benzodiazepines, such as diazepam and oxazepam
• antibiotics, such as cotrimoxazole
• anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine, fosphenytoin, or phenytoin
• antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, fluoxetine, imipramine, nortriptyline
• antifungals, such as itraconazole or ketoconazole
• antihistamines that cause sedation, such as diphenhydramine
• antipsychotics, such as clozapine
• aprepitant
• bupropion
• celecoxib
• cimetidine
• ciprofloxacin
• diuretics, such as bendroflumethiazide
• duloxetine
• HIV medications such as amprenavir, cobicistat, indinavir, or ritonavir
• HCV (hepatitis C medications) such as boceprevir
• ginkgo
• lithium
• metoclopramide
• opioid analgesics such as alfentanil, oxycodone and morphine
• muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine
• quinidine
• serotonin modulators, such as nefazodone and trazodone
• sleeping pills, such as zolpidem
• some anti-cancer treatments such as ceritinib or crizotinib
• some heart medications, such as acebutolol, doxazosin, or prazosin
• any medication that inhibits CYP2D6 (such as paroxetine, fluoxetine, or quinidine) or CYP3A4 (such as itraconazole, clarithromycin, or ketoconazole). Reduce the dosage of brexpiprazole
• any medication that induces CYP3A4 (such as rifampin or St. John's wort). Increase the dosage of brexpiprazole.

Alcohol may worsen the side effects of brexpiprazole such as drowsiness and dizziness.

Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with brexpiprazole. You should refer to the prescribing information for brexpiprazole for a complete list of interactions.

References

• Brexpiprazole Updated 02/2023. Amneal Pharmaceuticals NY LLC. https://www.drugs.com/pro/brexpiprazole.html

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use brexpiprazole only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Copyright 1996-2024 Drugs.com. Revision date: November 16, 2023.

Medical Disclaimer