Brexpiprazole-an Antipsychotic Medication

Brexpiprazole is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. It is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia. It is also used together with other medications to treat major depressive disorder in adults. Brexpiprazole may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide. But, brexpiprazole is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia.

Brexpiprazole may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related conditions and is not approved for this use. Do not stop taking brexpiprazole without the doctor's advice. Usage of brexpiprazole should be deliberative if any of the conditions present: diabetes or high blood sugar; liver disease; kidney disease; high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood); heart problems, high or low blood pressure; heart attack or stroke; a seizure; or low white blood cell (WBC) counts. Taking brexpiprazole in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Also, it may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking this medicine. The family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in patient mood or symptoms. Brexpiprazole is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Side effect, such as uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement); trouble swallowing; feelings of warmth, intolerance to heat; a seizure (convulsions); a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out; high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; low white blood cell counts--fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing; severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors; or signs of a blood clot--sudden numbness or weakness, problems with vision or speech, swelling or redness in an arm or leg may be induced. Increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking this medicine may occur. Common side effects may include: weight gain; or feeling restless or being unable to sit still. Get emergency medical help if any signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Any new or worsening symptoms, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself should be brought to the forefront. High doses or long-term use of brexpiprazole can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer brexpiprazole use, the more likely to develop this disorder, especially if you are a diabetic or an older adult. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. 

Reactions could be impaired after intaking of brexpiprazole. So driving or hazardous activity as well as getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position should be avoided. Brexpiprazole can make it harder for the body to control its own temperature. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while the taking this medicine. Other drugs may affect brexpiprazole, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Use of the medicine should be exactly as directed. It is easily to be dehydrated while taking brexpiprazole. Plenty of fluids were necessary, especially in hot weather and during exercise. Stopping of brexpiprazole suddenly may make your condition worse. Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time. By the way, brexpiprazole may cause high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), blood sugar levels should be focused with a regular basis. 

References

[1]. Yoshimi, N.; Futamura, T.; Hashimoto, K. Improvement of dizocilpine-induced social recognition deficits in mice by brexpiprazole, a novel serotonin-dopamine activity modulator. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2015, 25(3): 356-364.
[2]. Maeda, K.; Sugino, H.; Akazawa H.; et al. Brexpiprazole I: in vitro and in vivo characterization of a novel serotonin-dopamine activity modulator. journal of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics, 2014, 350(3): 589-604. 
[3]. Ishima, T.; Futamura, T.; Ohgi, Y.; et al. Potentiation of neurite outgrowth by brexpiprazole, a novel serotonin–dopamine activity modulator: A role for serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2015, 25(4): 505-511. 

You may like