Key Highlights
- Rexulti (brexpiprazole) is an atypical (newer) antipsychotic medication. It is often used to provide additional support for the management of major depressive disorder in adults.
- Rexulti is usually taken once a day, with or without food.
- The medication helps balance certain chemicals in the brain. These include dopamine and serotonin, which are thought to help control mood.
- It is important to know that everyone may respond differently to Rexulti. It may also take several weeks to feel all its effects.
- In studies, some patients reported noticeable changes in their depression symptoms within the first two weeks. Still, for many, it might take 6-8 weeks to see the full benefits of Rexulti.
Introduction
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental health problem in the United States, impacting millions of individuals. Numerous treatments are available, including prescription medications.
Antidepressants are often the first type of medicine given. However, some people do not feel fully better with antidepressants alone. In these cases, an additional medication like Rexulti (brexpiprazole) can be added to help. This article will explain what to expect in the first week of treatment and beyond if your healthcare provider has recommended starting Rexulti.
Understanding Rexulti and Its Purpose
Rexulti is often added to existing antidepressant therapy to help people who are managing major depressive disorder. It is meant to provide additional support rather than replace antidepressants.
This medicine helps with depressive symptoms that remain even after using antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) previously. Rexulti works by further supporting the balance of certain chemicals in the brain that are important for mood and feelings.
What is Rexulti?
Rexulti is the brand name for a medicine called brexpiprazole. It is an atypical antipsychotic, which means it may be less likely to cause certain side effects when compared with older antipsychotic medications.
Rexulti is often used for the management of schizophrenia and can also be helpful for agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. Like other medications in the same class (e.g., aripiprazole or Abilify), Rexulti has also become commonly prescribed to provide additional support for individuals managing depression who are already taking an antidepressant.
Rexulti comes in the form of an oral tablet and should be taken once a day.
The role of Rexulti in treating depression
If someone with Major Depressive Disorder is not feeling better from their current antidepressant after at least two months, Rexulti can sometimes be considered for extra support.
It’s important to note that, like other medications that support mood, the effects of Rexulti take some time. It usually needs to be taken for several weeks before you notice changes in mood and symptoms. Rexulti's goal is to lessen the severity of depressive symptoms. This could help with a better mood, sleep, appetite, energy, and overall quality of life.
It’s also critical to remember that Rexulti does not replace your antidepressant. It works together with it to help deal with more symptoms and aims to give more complete relief from depression.
The Science Behind Rexulti
Rexulti works by affecting how our brain chemistry functions. This medicine focuses on neurotransmitters, which are important chemical messages that help nerve cells communicate.
By changing how neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin act, Rexulti helps bring balance back to the brain. This balance is thought to help reduce signs of depression.
How does Rexulti work in the brain?
Rexulti works differently from other antidepressant medications like SSRIs or SNRIs.
Rexulti can act as a serotonin and dopamine receptor modulator, promoting activity in some areas and suppressing activity in others. These chemicals help control our mood, feelings, sleep, and hunger. When they are out of balance, it can lead to mental health problems like schizophrenia or depression.
By acting as a modulator, Rexulti helps manage these brain chemicals without turning them off completely or making them too active. This method of promoting balance is thought to help people with depression. However, Rexulti is not an instant solution. Changes in brain chemistry take time. It may take a few weeks to see significant mood changes and symptoms.
The First Week on Rexulti
The first week of taking Rexulti is a time for your body to adjust. You should watch closely how your body reacts to the medicine during this period.
Some people may notice small changes right away, but it's key to understand that you usually won’t see major improvements in mood and symptoms immediately. During the first week, the focus is often on ensuring the medication will be well-tolerated. If you have any concerns about side effects, it’s important to talk about these with your healthcare provider.
What to expect in the first 24 hours
Some side effects may be more likely when you first start the medication and may start to subside as your body adjusts.
Common early side effects of Rexulti can include:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Upset stomach
Although these symptoms can sometimes improve on their own, it’s still important to talk with your healthcare provider about how you’re feeling. This can help ensure you have the best plan to help manage symptoms as you adjust or help you decide whether the medication is a good choice for you.
Daily progress and symptom monitoring
Significant mood changes may be unlikely over the first week of therapy. During this time, it’s helpful to continue monitoring how you feel after starting the medication. Let your healthcare provider know if any side effects are lingering or worsening. Using a simple daily journal can help you keep track of changes.
Tracking your symptoms can be a helpful form of self-care for some individuals. The benefits can go beyond simply tracking potential side effects, as this can also be used to establish valuable context and build confidence over time. For instance, you may remember feeling a certain way and be reminded of your ability to overcome it.
Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Like any medicine, Rexulti can cause side effects in some people. Rexulti is often well-tolerated overall, but individual experiences can vary. Some side effects can be managed with simple adjustments, while others may require more significant changes. Establishing and maintaining open communication with your healthcare providers is important to ensure you have support as you adjust to new treatments.
Common side effects
Some side effects may be more likely to occur early in therapy, while others may take longer to appear. Some can also worsen over time, so it’s important to be aware of the potential effects and report any concerns. The potential side effects associated with Rexulti include:
- Restlessness or uncontrollable urges to move
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Involuntary movements
- Increased body weight
- New or worsening anxiety
- Upset stomach
Initial dizziness, drowsiness, and side effects like upset stomach may improve as your body adjusts to the medication. If these persist or worsen, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider (particularly if you feel you may fall).
Other side effects, including involuntary movements (extrapyramidal symptoms), urges to move, or changes in body weight, can take longer to develop. It’s helpful to continue communicating with your healthcare providers about any potential concerns over time.
Involuntary movements can sometimes develop or be detected months or years after starting therapy. These can include things like tremors, jerky movements in arms or legs, or repetitive facial ‘tics.’
Observing Changes: When You May Notice Improvement
Many people wonder when they might see changes in their mood and symptoms. However, it’s helpful to remember that the experience with Rexulti is different for each person. Some individuals may see improvements in mood within a week or two, while it may take significantly longer for others.
Identifying subtle improvements in symptoms
As you start your first week of Rexulti treatment, it's normal to look forward to signs of improvement. Big changes in mood might take some time, but it’s important to notice even the small positive changes. These little wins can lead to bigger steps forward in your mental health.
For some, an early positive change can often involve sleep. If you’ve had difficulty sleeping and are taking Rexulti in the evening, you may notice slight improvements in your sleep. For instance, you may wake up less during the night or feel a bit more rested in the morning. However, watching for daytime drowsiness is important, as the medication can continue to cause drowsiness into the next day for some people.
Adjusting Dosage and Ongoing Treatment
Early doses are likely to be lower, and it can often take several months to establish a target dose. Most clinicians recommend waiting at least a month before assessing how well the medication works and deciding whether to change the dose. Identifying significant changes in mood (and day-to-day or week-to-week patterns) takes time. Consistent communication during this time is highly beneficial, as it can help you and your provider find the dose that provides the most benefit while minimizing side effects.
Beyond the First Week: Long-term Expectations
As you progress past the first week of Rexulti treatment, it's normal to think about what your journey may look like in the future. The first week is about getting used to the medication. The weeks and months after that are for establishing and maintaining stability.
Long-term use of Rexulti focuses on regular management and clear communication with your healthcare provider regarding long-term treatment options. Frequent check-ups allow your doctor to keep track of your progress, change treatment plans as needed, and tackle any new issues early on. Rexulti can be used long-term, but it’s important to check in from time to time to ensure continuing the medication remains the best option for you.
Conclusion
Rexulti is a helpful treatment option that provides additional support for individuals with depression who have already tried other antidepressants. Like many medications for mood management, it takes time for it to become fully effective. While some individuals may see significant improvement within a couple of weeks, others may need dosage adjustments and may experience broader benefits only after several weeks or months.
Lastly when considering treatment options like Rexulti your genetics can also play a vital role in determining which medications will be best suited for you. A simple test can help reduce the trial and error process associated with finding the right medication. Find out more by visiting www.clarityxdna.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can I expect to see results from Rexulti?
The time it takes to see results from Rexulti can differ for each person. Some may notice changes within the first few weeks. However, many people find that the full benefits appear after using it regularly for 6 to 8 weeks.
Can Rexulti be used in conjunction with other medications?
It is important to talk about all medicines with your healthcare provider. This includes over-the-counter drugs, herbal products, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Doing this can help to check for any possible drug interactions before you start taking Rexulti.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Rexulti?
If you forget to take a dose of Rexulti, do it as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, just skip the one you missed and stick to your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any worries or need more help.
Are there any long-term side effects of taking Rexulti?
Rexulti is usually safe to use for a long time. However, like any medicine, it may have some long-term side effects, including symptoms of high blood sugar levels and uncontrolled muscle movements. Your healthcare provider will keep an eye on your progress, but it’s also important for you to voice any concerns you may have over time.
How do I know if Rexulti is the right medication for me?
Deciding if Rexulti is the best medicine for you requires a detailed check-up by your healthcare provider. They will look at your medical history, your current symptoms, and how it may interact with any other medicines. This helps them make a treatment plan just for you.
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https://www.rexultihcp.com/mdd/savings-card-coverage?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=brexpiprazole_coverage&utm_content=gs_generic_cost_coverage_broad&utm_campaign=gs_generic_cost&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=Cj0KCQiA0--6BhCBARIsADYqyL94j6Wzm9tohVTRQTSheaWCrS3eUyfZ_CYcD19H0AxoH8Ia2xsp9eMaAtPzEALw_wcB&gad_source=1
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