Rexulti

"The company Otsuka claims that the drug Rexulti has a stronger activity at dopamine (D2) receptors as well as 5-HT2A serotonin receptors than the drug Abilify. They say that these attributes make Rexulti an improvement on Abilify, but only time will tell whether or not this is the actually the case."

"Adding Rexulti to ongoing antidepressant treatment led to a 62% greater reduction in symptoms of depression in a 6-week long study in adults."

"Rexulti may cause serious side effects, including:

Suicidal thoughts or actions

Abnormal bleeding

Swelling of the hands, legs, and feet

High blood sugar

Low sodium levels in the blood

Low white blood cell counts

Liver problems

Low platelet counts

Rexulti may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Rexulti is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Rexulti is not approved for use in children.

Important Safety Information

Suicidal Thoughts and Actions

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies. These studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with antidepressant use in patients over age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressant use in patients aged 65 and older.

Depression and other serious mental illnesses are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Rexulti is not approved for use in pediatric patients.

Abnormal Bleeding

Rexulti and other antidepressant medicines may increase your risk of bleeding or bruising, especially if you take the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin®, Jantoven®), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs, like ibuprofen or naproxen), or aspirin.

Swelling of the Hands, Legs, and Feet

Rexulti and other antidepressant medicines may increase your risk of swelling, especially of your hands, legs, and feet. Tell your doctor if you have swelling in any of these areas."

"This medication is used to manage certain mental/mood disorders (e.g. schizophrenia, depression). It helps patients to think more clearly, feel less anxious, and participate in everyday activities. Additionally, it may diminish hallucinations (e.g. hearing/seeing things that are not actually there)."

"Most of the side effects associated with REXULTI are common, such as weight gain and feeling restless. These were reported during clinical studies of adults with major depressive disorder."

"Otsuka Pharmaceuticals claims that Rexulti has a stronger effect on dopamine (D2) receptors and 5-HT2A serotonin receptors than Abilify. They say that this makes Rexulti an improvement on Abilify, but only time will tell if this is truly the case."