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What Is Rexulti?

Rexulti is a prescription atypical antipsychotic medication containing brexpiprazole. It is approved as an additional treatment alongside antidepressants for major depressive disorder in adults, for schizophrenia in adults and adolescents aged 13 years and older, and for agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. Rexulti is available as oral tablets taken once daily. It affects dopamine and serotonin signaling involved in mood, behavior, and other neurological functions. Rexulti is not approved as an as-needed treatment for Alzheimer's-related agitation. It carries boxed warnings for increased mortality in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in younger patients receiving antidepressant treatment.

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What Is Rexulti?

Rexulti is a prescription atypical antipsychotic medication containing brexpiprazole. It is approved as an additional treatment alongside antidepressants for major depressive disorder in adults, for schizophrenia in adults and adolescents aged 13 years and older, and for agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. Rexulti is available as oral tablets taken once daily. It affects dopamine and serotonin signaling involved in mood, behavior, and other neurological functions. Rexulti is not approved as an as-needed treatment for Alzheimer's-related agitation. It carries boxed warnings for increased mortality in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in younger patients receiving antidepressant treatment.

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How Does Rexulti Work?

Rexulti affects several neurotransmitter receptors in the central nervous system. Brexpiprazole acts as a partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A and dopamine D2 receptors and as an antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. These actions modify signaling pathways involved in mood, thought processes, and behavior. Its precise therapeutic mechanisms in major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's-related agitation are not fully established. Brexpiprazole also interacts with other receptors, which can contribute to adverse effects such as dizziness or changes in blood pressure. Rexulti helps manage symptoms but does not cure schizophrenia, depression, or Alzheimer's disease.

What Conditions Does Rexulti Treat?

Rexulti is approved as adjunctive treatment with an antidepressant for major depressive disorder in adults who require additional medication. It is also approved for schizophrenia in adults and pediatric patients aged 13 years and older. Another indication is agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, including clinically significant agitation or aggressive behaviors. Rexulti is not intended for immediate, as-needed treatment of agitation and is not approved for dementia-related psychosis without Alzheimer's-associated agitation. Before prescribing it, clinicians evaluate psychiatric symptoms, medical history, metabolic risks, cardiovascular conditions, and other medications. Pediatric approval does not extend to major depressive disorder.

How Should Rexulti Be Taken?

Rexulti is taken orally once daily, with or without food. For adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder in adults, treatment commonly begins at 0.5 mg or 1 mg daily, with a target of 2 mg and a maximum of 3 mg daily. Adults with schizophrenia commonly begin at 1 mg daily, increasing toward 2 mg to 4 mg daily. Adolescents with schizophrenia generally start at 0.5 mg daily. Treatment of Alzheimer's-related agitation commonly begins at 0.5 mg daily, with gradual increases toward a 2 mg target. Kidney or liver impairment and certain CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 medication interactions may require dose adjustments.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings of Rexulti?

Common adverse effects include weight gain, restlessness, akathisia, sleepiness, and dizziness. Rexulti carries boxed warnings for increased mortality in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors associated with antidepressant treatment in younger patients. Other serious risks include neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, elevated blood sugar, abnormal lipid levels, low blood pressure, and compulsive behaviors. Rexulti can also impair alertness and contribute to falls. Clinicians monitor weight, metabolic health, movement symptoms, and behavior during treatment. Severe muscle stiffness with fever, unusual involuntary movements, or suicidal thoughts require prompt medical attention.

Common Questions About Rexulti

Is Rexulti the same as brexpiprazole?

Yes. Rexulti is the brand name for brexpiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic used for specified psychiatric and behavioral conditions.

Can Rexulti be prescribed with antidepressants?

Yes. Rexulti is approved as an additional treatment alongside antidepressants for major depressive disorder in adults.

Can Rexulti treat agitation associated with Alzheimer's disease?

Yes. Rexulti is approved for agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. It is not intended for as-needed treatment of sudden agitation.

Can Rexulti cause weight gain?

Yes. Weight gain and metabolic changes can occur. Patients may need monitoring of body weight, blood glucose, and lipid levels.

References

Brexpiprazole. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548464/. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Brexpiprazole. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a615046.html. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

Brexpiprazole. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Brexpiprazole. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

DailyMed - REXULTI (brexpiprazole) tablet. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=2d301358-6291-4ec1-bd87-37b4ad9bd850. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.

REXULTI Medication Guide. DailyMed. https://www.dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/medguide.cfm?setid=2d301358-6291-4ec1-bd87-37b4ad9bd850. Date Accessed November 3, 2026.