The field of mental health treatment continuously evolves with the development of innovative medications that target various psychiatric disorders. Among these medications is brexpiprazole, known commercially as Rexulti. In this blog, we will shed some light on Rexulti by exploring its uses, mechanism of action, and the individuals who can benefit the most from its therapeutic effects.
What Is Brexpiprazole?
Brexpriprazole is an antipsychotic medication that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. It belongs to a class of medications known as serotonin-dopamine activity modulators, or SDAMs. This unique mechanism helps to set brexpripazole (Rexulti) apart from other antipsychotic medications by offering a novel approach to mental health treatment.
How Does It Work?
Rexulti works by modulating the activity of two important brain chemicals called serotonin and dopamine. It acts as a partial agonist for these neurotransmitters, meaning that it can both activate and inhibit them to achieve a balance. By doing so, Rexulti helps regulate brain signaling pathways and restores normal functioning of these chemicals, which are essential for mood, thoughts, and behavior.
Who Can Benefit from Brexpiprazole?
Patients with many different mental health diagnoses can benefit from the use of Brexpiprazole (Rexulti), as the medication has been approved to treat the symptoms of many different diagnoses. Some of those diagnoses are as follows:
- Schizophrenia: Brexpiprazole is primarily used to treat schizophrenia, a chronic mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Clinical studies have shown that brexpiprazole can effectively reduce both positive symptoms (such as hallucinations and delusions) and negative symptoms (including social withdrawal and lack of emotions) associated with schizophrenia. It offers hope for individuals seeking relief from the diverse symptoms of this condition.
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Brexpiprazole is also approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder, a mood disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and changes in appetite and sleep patterns. It can be used as an add-on treatment to standard antidepressant medications, providing an extra boost to alleviate depressive symptoms. Brexpiprazole helps restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which can improve mood and overall well-being in individuals with MDD.
- Specific Patient Populations: Brexpiprazole has been studied and found to be effective and well-tolerated in adults between the ages of 18 and 75. It can be an appropriate option for individuals who have not achieved satisfactory symptom control with other medications or who have experienced intolerable side effects. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if brexpiprazole is the right treatment choice, taking into account individual circumstances and medical history.
The Takeaway
Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) is a promising medication in the realm of mental health treatment. By modulating the activity of serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, this atypical antipsychotic can effectively alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. Its unique mechanism of action sets it apart from other medications, providing a new avenue for tailored treatment. However, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss potential risks and benefits and determine if brexpiprazole is the right fit for individual needs.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
Forest Laboratories, LLC. (2022). Rexulti [prescribing information]. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/205422s024lbl.pdf
Li, X., Lu, H., Li, Y., Wang, L., Wang, S., Hu, S., & Li, S. (2017). Brexpiprazole as adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder with anxious distress: Results from a post-hoc analysis of two randomized controlled trials. Journal of Affective Disorders, 223, 83-89.
Thase, M. E., Youakim, J. M., Skuban, A., Hobart, M., Augustyns, I., & Li, D. (2015). Efficacy and safety of adjunctive brexpiprazole 2 mg in major depressive disorder: A phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled study in patients with inadequate response to antidepressants. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 76(9), 1224-1231.
