Brexpiprazole (Dosage)

Brexpiprazole is a second generation or atypical antipsychotic medicine whose mechanism of action is to change the actions of chemicals in the brain.

Brexpiprazole is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and is also prescribed along with other medicines to treat major depressive disorders (MDD) in adults. Brexpiprazole is approved by the FDA and is expected to be approved by EMA (European Medicines Agency) in 2018.

The mechanism of action of brexpiprazole in the treatment of MDD or schizophrenia is unknown. However, the efficacy of brexpiprazole may be mediated through the combination of the partial agonist activity at 5-HT1A receptors of serotonin and D2 of dopamine, and the antagonistic activity at 5-HT2A receptors of serotonin. Also, brexpiprazole has high affinity (subnanomolar) for these receptors, in addition to the alpha1B / 2C receptors of noradrenaline.

Some young people have thoughts of suicide when they start taking an antidepressant for the first time. Stay alert to changes in the mood or symptoms. Brexpiprazole is not approved for use by anyone under 18 years old of age.

SIDE EFFECTS

Headache, constipation, heartburn, tiredness, uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, dizziness, feeling of instability or difficulty maintaining balance. Other side effects that may also occur but are less present are: rash, hives, itching, swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, lips, tongue, throat, hands, feet, ankles, or difficulty breathing, swallowing, sore throat, cough, chills, and other signs of infection, fever, sweating, confusion, irregular or rapid heartbeat and severe muscle stiffness, unusuals and uncontrolled movements and of the face or body, falls.

BRAND NAME

• Rexulti ®