How does Rexulti work?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Jan 18, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Rexulti (brexpiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic agent that works by altering chemicals in the brain that can lead to schizophrenia, depression or agitation associated dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. It's classified as a serotonin-dopamine activity modulator (SDAM) and works at serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain.

It is considered a second generation version of aripiprazole (Abilify), but has slightly different activity at the serotonin and dopamine receptors which may reduce certain side effects such as restlessness.

Rexulti is an atypical antipsychotic medication approved to treat:

Schizophrenia in patients 13 years and older
Symptoms of depression (major depressive disorder) when used with other antidepressant medicines, in adults
Agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease.

Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at increased risk of death. Rexulti is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. Limitation: Rexulti is not indicated as an as needed ("prn") treatment for agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease.

Rexulti is given orally, once daily with or without food.

Brexpiprazole, the active ingredient in Rexulti, is tentatively approved as a generic drug in the U.S., but may not yet be available at your pharmacy due to patent protection.

This is not all the information you need to know about Rexulti (brexpiprazole) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor's directions. Review the full product information and discuss this and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

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