Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) Approved For Schizophrenia & Depression (Adjunct)

Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) is a drug that was approved July 10, 2015 for the treatment of schizophrenia and as an adjunctive option for major depressive disorder. In clinical trials it was referred to as the chemical “OPC-34712” and is being marketed as a superior successor to Abilify (Aripiprazole) due to the fact that Abilify’s patent expired in 2014. Rexulti was developed as a result of a partnership between pharmaceutical companies Otsuka and Lundbeck.

In 2011, Otsuka and Lundbeck announced that they were joining forces to develop and commercialize up to 5 new products in the psychiatry field. The first of their contributions was the newly approved Rexulti (OPC-34712). Otsuka developed OPC-34712 and Lundbeck paid them $200 million as a preliminary payment.

Total payments to Otsuka from Lundbeck for acquisition of OPC-34712 are estimated to reach $1.8 billion. It is believed that the newly introduced Rexulti will be highly profitable for both companies. In addition, it is marketed as providing superior efficacy to other antipsychotics with less side effects; whether these preliminary marketing claims are legitimate remains unknown.

Source: http://investor.lundbeck.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=622993

How Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) Works (Mechanism of Action)

Rexulti is classified as a serotonin-dopamine activity modulator (SDAM). It functions primarily as a D2 dopamine receptor partial agonist. Despite its primary effects as a D2 receptor partial agonist, it has an affinity for serotonin and norepinephrine receptors. Research has noted that it has a high binding affinity for serotonergic receptors 5-HT1A (as a partial agonist) and 5-HT2A (as an antagonist).

D2 receptor partial agonist
5-HT1A partial agonist
5-HT2A antagonist

It also acts as an antagonist at the Alpha-1B and Alpha-2C adrenergic receptors. Mechanistic studies suggested that Rexulti also acted upon other Alpha-1A and Alpha-1D noradrenergic receptors, as well as D3 dopaminergic receptors, and H1 histamine receptors. Other serotonergic receptors affected by Rexulti included 5-HT2B and 5-HT7.

Rexulti also had a low affinity for M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. In rodent research, this drug elicited most potent action on D2 receptors, 5-HT2A receptors, and 5-HT1A receptors. Administration of Rexulti to rats resulted in decreased extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens, with simultaneous increases of dopamine metabolites in the prefrontal cortex.

Compared to its predecessor Abilify, this drug has less potent effects on D2 receptors and greater effect on serotonergic 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors. It appears as though the antipsychotic Rexulti elicits a unique mechanism of action as a serotonin-dopamine activity modulator (SDAM), possibly resulting in fewer side effects than many existing antipsychotics.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24947465
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24947464
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23363735

Potential Advantages of Rexulti (Brexpiprazole)

There are many potential advantages to be attained with using Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) over previous antipsychotics. Perhaps the most obvious advantage is the fact that it elicits less effect on D2 receptors compared to other antipsychotics, resulting in less unfavorable side effects stemming from dopaminergic alterations.

Adjunct: Rexulti has been granted FDA approval for the treatment of major depressive disorder as an adjunct. In other words, when Rexulti is prescribed along with a first-line antidepressant (e.g. an SSRI), it results in increased efficacy. While using an antipsychotic as an antidepressant augmentation strategy should be considered a last-resort, Rexulti may have less side effects than other antipsychotics (when used as an adjunct).
Efficacy: It has been speculated that Rexulti was engineered to provide enhanced efficacy for the treatment of schizophrenia. It has proven to be a highly-effective drug in clinical trials, and thus has been approved by the FDA. Due to the fact that Rexulti was recently approved (2015), it remains unclear as to whether it offers superior efficacy for the treatment of schizophrenia (or depression when used as an adjunct) compared to current-market options.
Mechanism of action: Rexulti is the first drug to hit the market under the classification of a “SDAM” (serotonin-dopamine activity modulator). It elicits significant effects on serotonergic receptors (5-HT1A and 5-HT2A) as well as the D2 dopaminergic receptors (a prominent target for most antipsychotic agents). Its unique mechanism of action as a “SDAM” may provide benefit to those with refractory cases of schizophrenia and/or those who have poor responses to existing treatments.
Multi-Purpose: Rexulti has been granted FDA approval for the treatment of schizophrenia, but it was also approved as an adjunct for major depressive disorder. It was investigated for the treatment of ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) as well, but failed to meet clinical endpoints. It appears to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and reduce certain symptoms of Alzheimer’s – making it a multi-faceted pharmaceutical agent.
Pro-cognitive effect: While it has been noted in rodent studies that Rexulti lowers dopamine in the nucleus accumbens region, it is thought to increase dopaminergic metabolites in the prefrontal cortex. Preliminary evidence suggests that Rexulti may ameliorate cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia and enhance cognitive function among those with schizophrenia-induced deficits. This may be an improvement over previous medications that tend to impair cognitive function over time.
Side effect profile: Due to the fact that this drug is a less potent D2 partial agonist than Abilify, it is thought to be less likely to trigger a variety of side effects associated with antipsychotics including: akathisia, insomnia, and restlessness. In addition, the likelihood of cognitive deficits during treatment are thought be decreased due to the fact that it has minimal effects on H1 and M1 receptors. There is a low risk of extrapyramidal side effects associated with Rexulti compared to other antipsychotics. (Read more: “Rexulti Side Effects“).
Social recognition: It appears that administration of Rexulti may improve deficits in social recognition associated with schizophrenia and possibly major depression. Studies conducted in mice discovered that Rexulti had significant positive effects on social recognition, whereas other antipsychotics (Risperdal and Zyprexa) had no such effects.
Tolerability: It is thought that Rexulti is likely to offer superior tolerability compared to older medications. While not everyone will respond well to Rexulti, the fact that certain side effects such as akathisia, insomnia, and restlessness are less likely may respond in greater tolerability for a majority. Any improvement in antipsychotic tolerability is welcomed due to the fact that it may increase treatment adherence rates.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25856810
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24955861
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25600995

Clinical Trials of Rexulti (Brexpiprazole): Schizophrenia & Major Depression

Rexulti was enrolled in several clinical trials gauging its safety, efficacy, and tolerability for the treatment of various conditions including: schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (as an adjunct), and ADHD. Clinical trial results suggest that Rexulti was highly effective for the treatment of schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (when used as an adjunct). Clinical trials for its usage to treat ADHD were discontinued, likely due to lack of efficacy.

2015: Rexulti was tested in a 6-week multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind study to determine efficacy, safety, and tolerability. This study was considered Phase 3 of clinical trials, and involved administration of Rexulti (1 mg, 2 mg, or 4 mg) or a placebo. Baseline measures of symptomatic severity were collected with the PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) and secondary assessments were taken with the CGI-S (Clinical Global Impressions Severity).

Results demonstrated that administration of Rexulti (4 mg) significantly improved PANNS scores compared to the placebo. Lower doses of Rexulti (1 mg and 2 mg) were also significantly superior to a placebo, but not as significant as the 4 mg dosage. Some side effects were reported, but the drug was considered well-tolerated and safe for the treatment of adult schizophrenia.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25682550

2015: Another double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, and multicenter design was constructed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Rexulti for the treatment of schizophrenia. Adults with schizophrenia were assigned (at random) to receive Rexulti (0.25 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg) or a placebo over the course of 6 weeks. Baseline measures were recorded with the PANSS (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale) and CGI-S (Clinical Global Impressions Severity).

Results indicated that Rexulti (2 mg and 4 mg) were significantly superior to a placebo for the treatment of schizophrenia. This was evidenced by significant reductions in PANSS scores and severity of CGI. Researchers concluded that Rexulti was well-tolerated and effective for adults with schizophrenia at dosages of 2 mg and 4 mg per day.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25882325

2015: Researchers reviewed data from registration trials to determine the clinical efficacy of Rexulti for the treatment of schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (as an adjunct). It was noted that Rexulti had been assessed in two Phase 3 trials for schizophrenia, as well as two Phase 3 trials for major depression (as an adjunct). Researchers documented that individuals with acute schizophrenia responded 45.5% of the time to Rexulti and only 31% to a placebo.

It was also noted that symptomatic relapse was significantly less likely among those taking Rexulti (13.5%) compared to individuals administered a placebo (38.5%). Evidence from clinical trials suggests that Rexulti is effective at dosages between 2 mg and 4 mg for the treatment of schizophrenia, and at 2 mg (as an adjunct) for major depressive disorder. Further research is necessary to elucidate its efficacy compared to other medications.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26250067

Note: The trials investigating Rexulti’s efficacy for the treatment of schizophrenia involved a total of 1,310 participants (divided into two 6-week trials). The trials investigating Rexulti’s efficacy for the treatment of major depression involved a total of 1,046 participants (divided into two 6-week trials).

Why wasn’t Rexulti approved for the treatment of ADHD?

Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) was originally investigated in adults for the treatment of ADHD when administered as an adjunct to a psychostimulant medication. Initial preclinical trials suggested efficacy for improving cognitive function, and it had been noted as effective in Phase I trials. However, results were thought to be unsatisfactory in Phase II clinical trials, resulting in discontinued investigation as a therapeutic agent for ADHD.

While it may successfully ameliorate cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia, its ability to modulate dopamine may not be as applicable to those with ADHD. It may prove useful for improving attention among those with schizophrenia and/or major depression – but its efficacy should not be considered clinically significant. It is clearly not as effective as other, proven ADHD medications.

Source: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01074294

How Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) is similar to other antipsychotics

Despite the fact that there is often preliminary excitement and hype associated with the approval of a new pharmaceutical agent, no drug should be considered a utopian option. Despite preliminary evidence that Rexulti may have less side effects than other antipsychotics, it is still a new drug that hasn’t been tested over a long-term in a real-world population.

Black box warning: Like other psychiatric drugs, Rexulti has a “black box warning,” meaning it is associated with an increased risk of death when used for off-label conditions. This black box warning means that like other antipsychotics, it may provoke suicidal thinking and/or urges in certain individuals. Therefore usage of Rexulti needs to be monitored by a medical professional as it may alter thinking, behavior, and/or have adverse health effects.
Dangers: Any antipsychotic and/or medications that have a complex effect on neurochemistry may pose dangers. Rexulti is a new medication, meaning it hasn’t been around long enough for experts to fully decipher any potential adverse effects it may have on a person’s health. Although it is new, it is still an antipsychotic and should be considered a dangerous psychiatric drug.
Side effects: Despite the fact that it may have fewer side effects than older antipsychotics, Rexulti is not devoid of side effects. Those taking Rexulti were found to experience moderate weight gain (after 6 weeks), headaches, insomnia, akathisia, and agitation. (Read more: “Rexulti & Weight Gain“). Rexulti is being touted as producing less akathisia, restlessness, and insomnia than other agents, but it is important to be skeptical of this marketing due to the fact that clinical trials reported all of these side effects. (Additional information: “Rexulti Side Effects“).
Unknown long-term effects: The long-term effects associated with Rexulti usage are unknown. Due to its less significant influence on D2 receptors as a partial agonist compared to Abilify, it may have some long-term advantages. That said, many antipsychotics cause brain volume loss when administered over a long-term. Rexulti’s safety profile when administered over the span of several years is unclear.
Withdrawal symptoms: Like all antipsychotics, Rexulti will likely have severe withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms will be subject to individual variation, but will be downplayed by the manufacturers of the drug in order to boost sales. It can be assumed that the discontinuation effects of Rexulti are likely as severe as many other antipsychotic agents. (Read more: “Rexulti withdrawal symptoms“).

How does Rexulti compare to Abilify?

Both Rexulti and Abilify attenuate symptoms of schizophrenia via action as D2 dopamine receptor partial agonists. Individuals with schizophrenia are thought to have dysfunctional neurotransmission of dopamine. Many antipsychotic drugs act as D2 receptor antagonists, meaning they bind to a receptor, and inhibit stimulation associated with excess dopamine.

In other words, individuals with high dopamine benefit from D2 receptor antagonists due to the fact that they reduce dopamine to a normal range in areas of the brain that are misfiring. This antagonist activity helps reduce many of the positive symptoms of schizophrenia such as hallucinations and delusions. However, excess antagonism of these dopaminergic receptors may exacerbate certain negative symptoms of schizophrenia such as avolition due to excessively low dopamine.

Rexulti and Abilify are common in that they modulate dopaminergic activity as partial D2 receptor agonists. This is thought to normalize neurotransmission of dopamine in the brains of those with schizophrenia, without leading to excess negative symptoms and side effects that may be associated with full antagonism. In addition, both drugs elicit significant effects on 5-HT1A serotonergic receptors as partial agonists and 5-HT2A serotonergic receptors as antagonists.

Their mechanisms of action are extremely common, hence many consider Rexulti to be a new (possibly improved) format of Abilify as a result of Abilify’s patent expiry. However, the key differences between these drugs is that Rexulti elicits greater action on the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors than Abilify, whereas Abilify elicits greater action on the D2 receptor than Rexulti. Abilify affects neurotransmission of dopamine to a greater extent than Rexulti, while Rexulti modulates serotonin more significantly.

Rexulti may have a slightly favorable side effect profile compared to Abilify as well. Research has suggested that Rexulti improves and/or preserves cognitive function significantly more than Abilify. It is thought that Rexulti’s balanced mechanism on 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A and D2 receptors (serotonin-dopamine activity modulation) is responsible for yielding a pro-cognitive response.

Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25225185

Would you try Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) for schizophrenia or major depression?

Feel free to leave a comment below mentioning whether you would try Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) for the treatment of schizophrenia. Do you think that Rexulti will demonstrate equal or greater efficacy compared to its predecessor Abilify (Aripiprazole)? Preliminary data suggests that the side effect profile may be a slight improvement over older medications.

In addition, it has a unique mechanism of action as a serotonin-dopamine activity modulator, acting as a D2 receptor partial agonist. Its unique mechanism of action may be able to provide relief to individuals with schizophrenia and/or refractory depression that never attained significant therapeutic benefit from older drugs. While Rexulti should not be expected to be a utopian antipsychotic, it may be an improvement over past options and serve as a much-needed new treatment option for those with schizophrenia.

Reader discussion (35)

Previously published reader comments are preserved below. New comments are not currently being accepted.

DannyOctober 15, 2015
I just started taking it yesterday. I will let you know. I will update this post in a few weeks.
saraJune 13, 2016
How's the rexulti working?
SouthernerJuly 23, 2016
Started 2 weeks ago (in lieu of Lithium). Had systematically reduced Lithium prior to starting. Having been on mental health drugs before there were many choices (30 + years) I'm conscious of expecting anything. Wow. For me - after a week (with no other outside modifiers) I feel remarkably different. Just went from .5 to 1 mg. Will probably be one who stays at the 1 mg. Low doses of multiple RX in a cocktail work best for me.
SteveOctober 16, 2015
Started taking it on 10/12. Also began Nuvigil 125mg the same day. Have more energy, mental clarity. So far, feeling better.
TerriNovember 5, 2015
How are you doing on Rexulti up to this point?
TerriNovember 5, 2015
I started rexulti yesterday at the 0.5 mg for MDD. Switching from Abilify due to weight gain and high cholesterol and blood sugars. So far just have a slight headache. Hoping this medication works. Worried about some side effects and the fact it's so new.
CarolJanuary 25, 2016
I got anxiety from it. Did not get that from Abilify.
JoanNovember 10, 2015
Rexulti is as horrible as abilify. I'm not schizophrenic but have depressive mood disorder. The abilify did help the depression but developed uncontrollable movement in both legs and feet..was on low dosage but still had withdrawals coming off. I just was on rexulti 1 month...muscle pain and spasms severe, movement in feet and legs continues, my stomach constantly hurt. I stopped it last week. Have never felt worse most severe pain ever over entire body...and I have severe fibromyalgia, broken by low back 4 times...it's broken at L1 right now, and vertebrae problems top to bottom. I will NEVER go on ABILIFY or REXULTI again. I think both meds must've helped dopamine levels and depression but everything else negative. I think I'm withdrawing from the dopamine. Dr said would take at least a week to get out of my system. I've been laying still for 3 days trying to relax muscle spasms and get rid of a little pain at least...it's been hell. They increased my cymbalta by 30 mg when I stopped rexulti last week. Hope this helps someone.
TerriNovember 25, 2015
I am stopping rexulti as of today due to severe restless leg syndrome. Tried reducing dose but didn't get better so am stopping it altogether. Helped a lot with depression, but couldn't cope with restless legs side effect. Hope this helps.
KathyJanuary 8, 2018
Was put on Rexulti without knowing the cost, and now am trying to get off of it. Was on 1 mg. daily for about 3-4 months. Am experiencing restlessness, can't stop fidgeting, anxiety, depression, and irritability. I am upset that I was not told more about this drug before being put on it. Can't trust your doctor. You have to be your own advocate, even when sick.
CarolJanuary 25, 2016
I'm having severe head spins from missing one dose! Trying to come off this. Do not stop abruptly like me! Ugh. So sick right now.
MomFebruary 6, 2017
I couldn't get a refill in time for 0.5mg Rexulti. I was off for 4 days. My withdrawal symptoms are severe. Vertigo type feeling - falling and spinning and throwing up from the motion sickness. Also restless legs. I didn't have side effects before and was on it for 1 year. I've been taking it again for 4 days and I'm still stumbling and lightheaded. I wish I didn't need Rx.
ScooboJanuary 2, 2016
On Cymbalta 60 mg for years. Rexulti for 5 days. It's improving my attitude and depression. Some insomnia but overall OK so far. Some headaches and stomach pain, but not too bad and going away. Started on 0.5, now up to 1 mg. I hope it helps me. I have work and school so it helps to have a good attitude.
Sarah BraunMay 16, 2016
Are you taking Rexulti in addition to Cymbalta? Or did you replace Cymbalta with Rexulti? How is the Rexulti doing for you?
JoeJanuary 5, 2016
I've been on 3mg Rexulti for the past few months. No side effects at all except maybe a little weight gain, but that could be from feeling better (i.e. less depressed) than before. I am also taking it with Xanax as needed and Adderall as a "motivator". I have to take Rexulti in the mid to late afternoon or else it makes me prematurely sleepy. P.S. Don't take Rexulti with diphenhydramine (usually a"PM" product) as it potentiates Rexulti big time. Learned the hard way.
JohnnyJanuary 21, 2016
Abilify worked great for me, but I gained a lot of weight in the 3 weeks I was on it. My Dr said that Rex ultimately would not cause weight gain, but the side effects list weight gain. Which is it? I gained 30 lbs in 3-4 weeks and can't get it off. I can't afford to gain any more.
GenaeFebruary 21, 2016
I was paralyzed for three days in August because of my potassium was bottomed out, my daily regimen is a dose of vitamin D 2000 and sublingual B12 2500. I was a pant size 14 due to the nature of being on Risperdal (kin to Rexulti) the big weight gain took me up from a size 2. Since maintaining the B&D I am down to a size 7 in which are so loose I don't have to unbutton to put on or take off. Talk with your GP about your sodium levels it may be valid in your case as it was in mine to boost metabolism. And it's OTC, vitamins rarely give a side effect, I've lost 10 lbs in 2 months since it kicked in but it took patience and not thinking about it in the meantime.
Sarah GrayJanuary 24, 2016
I had have had headaches, weight gain and this medicine killed my sex drive. I am reducing my dosage and asking my P-doc to take me off this drug. Hoping to go back on Lamictal.
CarolJanuary 25, 2016
I love love love Abilify but hate the constant hunger feeling. I tried Rexulti for two weeks. I decided to come off. Just stopped without tapering. BIG MISTAKE! Ugh. Just missed one dose & SEVERE head spins. Almost to the point of throwing up. I just took a half of one & will taper.
reneeJanuary 29, 2016
Most awful side effects I've ever experienced... one of which is blurred vision. Do your research before taking this. I've stopped taking it, but feel awful mentally and physically. Pharmacist said it takes 19 days to get out of your system. I'm only halfway. I could go on and on listing all the side effects I have had.
SherylFebruary 17, 2016
I have been on rexulti 1mg. Since Nov 2015 and have gained 10-12 lbs. This is NOT tolerable for me. I will talk to my doctor as to the safe way to cut down so I don't suffer withdrawal symptoms!
SueLynneFebruary 19, 2016
I've had severe withdrawals from Rexulti. I had high hopes that maybe this would help. My doctor seems positive that eventually we will get the right combination of medicine to help me. So far I seem to not be able to get a hold of managing my depression. I have Major Depressive Disorder and Psychosomatic Pain Disorder. Been like this for several years. It takes a toll.
GenaeFebruary 21, 2016
Unrealistic nightmares, had to sleep with a light on to grasp reality upon waking. I don't understand why my doctor put me on it as I can't take serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. I was on 0.25 mg. My experience with this medicine led me to stop it abruptly after two months. I too have fibromyalgia and have never hurt so bad in my entire life. I don't take medication for management of FMS. I feel as if I have been beaten within an inch of my life a week later. I see the doctor on leap day and we are having a come to Jesus meeting. My suggestion is to take the extra time to look up a drug while in the office on your phone before agreeing to take it. Know all of your risks. Look up the word so passionately thrown into this article: Antagonist!
GenaeFebruary 21, 2016
SDAM effects are not far from SSRI In my case, I'm also not schizophrenic nor do I have MDD just simply Bipolar 2 class manic rapid cycling. Big differences.
Inger ReynoldsMarch 6, 2016
Have taken Rexulti 0.5 mg, started 2 months ago. Fell and severely broke my arm and fell again and injured the shoulder cuff (bruised) but all the tendons were unbearable pain. Noticed my legs got swollen, red and extremely sensitive. MD gave antibiotic, checked for cloth and X-ray. Then I realized I had started on Reluxi and stopped it. Have since taken it now and then, legs still the same but I believe it is the Rexulti that gave this side effect. I am not taking any more of them. Thanks for info I found on this site.
JoeMarch 12, 2016
Was on Rexulti for 3 weeks and I hated it. Made me nervous, couldn't sleep and now that I'm off it I get weak in the arms and trunk when I laugh. It scares me cause it feels like I'm being paralyzed.
OpalMarch 16, 2016
I've been on Rexulti successfully for about a month. Just went up to 2mg the past week and I'm feeling good, but sleepy. To everyone else on here, it's so sad to hear these scary things happening to you due to this drug! I tapered up to my dosage slowly over two months so I suggest that anyone new try that. Also taper when coming off of it to avoid scary stuff, definitely! I have Bipolar II disorder and extreme anxiety. Like I said, I think it's helping so far.
DianeMarch 22, 2016
On rexulti for a couple of weeks after taking Abilify. I have unbelievable restless legs!!! I don't know what to do for this. The rexulti works for me except for the restless legs. Any suggestions?
WesJune 22, 2016
Xanax my friend! Make friends with it. I had the restless legs thing too and it was horrible. Took 2mg Xanax, no more restless legs. Hope this helps you.
DeeJuly 10, 2016
I have been on Rexulti 5 days. I feel better than I have in years. Clarity, energy... I have been treated for MDD for 20 years. Feel better than I have for the past 2 years. A good analogy for how I feel? It's like having a pair of glasses for a year and never cleaning them. Then someone cleans them and you put them back on-wow, didn't realize how dirty they were! I didn't realize how bad I had gotten. Side effects are minor for me - indigestion at bed time (TUMS and laying on my left side helped that) and having a hard time going to sleep. My biggest is is COST! Even with the coupon and my insurance, it will cost me $700 for 30 days. I can't afford that at all! Anyone have any tips on getting the cost down? Otherwise, I will have to be depressed again... I don't want that. Also, I thought this was a short term medicine, but see many on it longer...any wisdom?
SouthernerJuly 23, 2016
Always check mfg websites. If you have a drug card, works for at least 12 fills. https://www.rexulti.com/us/mdd/savings/ Hit download if you don't want to put in your info. Have referred a lot of people with limited finances to this site. Not difficult to qualify for many programs. http://www.rxresource.org/prescription-assistance/default.html
BelindaNovember 29, 2016
I have been on Rexulti for 2 weeks now and it is really working for me! I have been on everything! You name it... I have been on it. This is working for me at the moment. My Dr. gave me a coupon for a free 30 day supply, and then it will only cost me $15.00 a month. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance. There is a way that you can get help with the cost, you just need to look around. I love this med because I can see the light at the end of the tunnel finally!!! I hope that you find a way to stay on it... :)
Lana JonesNovember 7, 2016
Just started Rexulti three days ago. I'm so hoping this is the one to get me out of the grips of this terrible disease. I've tried everything else for my MDD including Abilify and Latuda the latter one being the worst. I also take Effexor, Adderall (which I'm weaning off from) and Clonazepam, trazodone, and Gabapentin at night. I don't remember what is like to feel well. I used to be fun, social, motivated and now all I do is stay in my house dreading having to do anything. Sometimes I feel these meds have done more damage than good. IMHO.
AndreaMarch 24, 2017
My husband is on 225 Effexor. Dr just gave him Rexulti 0.5mg for a week and then upped the dose to 1 mg. He has severe cursing and fighting dreams on Effexor and he's not a curser or a fighter... but Effexor is the only thing that helps his overall awake mood and functioning. Anyone see help with only 0.5 mg of Rexulti? I really don't want him to increase this drug to 1 mg so quickly without seeing what a slight dose is going to do!
DianaJanuary 7, 2018
I’ve been taking 3mg of Rexulti for about 6 months. It for sure helped my mood. I have MDD, BPD & Major Anxiety/Social Anxiety. My side effects were minor other than the weight gain. I’ve gained 40 pounds!!!! I just stoped taking Rexulti cold turkey about a week ago and other than a slight headache and a little nausea I’m doing fine. I would have liked to stay on it but I can’t handle the weight gain. I also take 20mg Lexapro, 200mg Wellbutrin, 60mg Adderall, 150mg Lamictal, and Xanax as needed. I feel like I’m a walking pharmacy. Anyways, I’m doing fine without the Rexulti and would not recommend this med to anyone not wanting to gain weight. I went from 120lbs to 160lbs with no change in diet. It messed up my metabolism and I’m praying my body will fight it’s way back. Good luck to everyone and thank you for sharing. xo Diana