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Brexpiprazole - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

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Information about Brexpiprazole

Generic Name : Brexpiprazole
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Brexpiprazole are provided here.

Understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


Trade Names/Brand Names of Brexpiprazole

India :


Rexulti

Why is Brexpiprazole Prescribed? (Indications)

Brexpiprazole belongs to a group of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. The drug is prescribed for the treatment of a type of mental disorder called schizophrenia. It is also used along with antidepressant drugs for treating major depressive disorder.

The drug mainly acts by changing the effect of certain chemicals in the brain.

When should Brexpiprazole not be taken? (Contraindications)

Brexpiprazole drug is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to the drug. It should not be used in patients with dementia-related psychosis since it can increase the risk of death in elderly patients with this condition. It should be avoided or used with caution in patients with a history of diabetes, heart attack or stroke, along with medications for other health conditions that could interfere with its effect or cause side effects, and during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

What is the dosage of Brexpiprazole?

The recommended dose of the drug is 2mg/day with 0.5mg or 1mg as the starting dose for the treatment of major depressive disorder, while a dose of 2mg to 4mg/day can be used for the treatment of schizophrenia with a starting dose of 1mg/day. The maximum dosage is reduced in patients with moderate-to-severe liver or kidney dysfunction.

How should Brexpiprazole be taken?

Brexpiprazole comes in the form of a tablet to be taken once daily with food or on an empty stomach.

What are the warnings and precautions for Brexpiprazole?

•Monitor young patients for suicidal thought and behaviors while taking the medication. Other side effects related to antipsychotic drug treatment like tardive dyskinesia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, reduced white blood cell count, high blood glucose levels and dizziness could also occur, which will require stopping of the treatment.

What are the side effects of Brexpiprazole?

General:Tiredness, headache, high blood glucose or triglyceride levels.
Gastrointestinal System: Diarrhea, indigestion, weight gain, constipation.
Cardiovascular system: Increased incidence of stroke in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis, dizziness.
Central Nervous System: Akathisia (movement disorder), tremor, sedation, anxiety, restlessness.

What are the other precautions for Brexpiprazole?

• Brexpiprazole should be cautiously used in patients with history of seizures or aspiration pneumonia.

• Do not get up too quickly from the lying position as the drug may cause dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.

• Do not discontinue the drug immediately even if you feel well, as it might sometimes produce withdrawal symptoms.

What are the Drug Interactions of Brexpiprazole?

Brexpiprazole drug should be avoided with:

Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors:
Itraconazole, ketoconazole and clarithromycin drugs when taken along with brexpiprazole may reduce the metabolism of the drug and increase the exposure to brexpiprazole.

Strong CYP2D6 Inhibitors:
Paroxetine, fluoxetine, and quinidine are drugs that may increase the exposure of brexpiprazole drug compared to taking the drug alone.

Strong CYP3A4 Inducers:
Rifampin when taken along with brexpiprazole was found to reduce the blood level of brexipiprazole, as a result of which the patient requires a higher dose.

What are the storage conditions for Brexpiprazole?

Store the medicine in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Protect from excess heat and light. Keep out of reach of children.
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