Brexpiprazole (By mouth)
brex-PIP-ra-zole
Treats schizophrenia and depression.
Drug classes
Antipsychotic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Brexpiprazole is used to treat mental conditions, such as depression and schizophrenia. Brexpiprazole works in the brain to change how certain chemicals affect patients. It is an antipsychotic agent.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how brexpiprazole works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Clarithromycin, duloxetine, fluoxetine, itraconazole, ketoconazole, paroxetine, quinidine, rifampin, St John wort Blood pressure medicineWhen Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to brexpiprazole.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, heart failure, heart or blood vessel disease, high cholesterol, or a history of seizures, heart attack, or stroke. Tell your doctor if you have trouble swallowing.
For some children, teenagers, and young adults, this medicine may increase mental or emotional problems. This may lead to thoughts of suicide and violence. Talk with your doctor right away if you have any thoughts or behavior changes that concern you. Tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has a history of bipolar disorder or suicide attempts.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a neurologic disorder that can be life-threatening Tardive dyskinesia (muscle movements you cannot control) Changes in blood sugar levelsThis medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
You may get overheated more easily while you are using this medicine. Use caution when you exercise or if you are outside in hot weather. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Anxiety, irritability, nervousness, restlessness, trouble sleeping
Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
Fever, confusion, sweating, uneven heartbeat, muscle stiffness
Increased hunger or thirst, increased urination, unusual weakness
Jerky muscle movements you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Seizures
Worsening depression, unusual behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Tiredness
Unusual weight gain
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Rexulti
There may be other brand names for this medicine.