Rexulti: Top Reddit questions answered
Navigating the world of psychiatric medication can feel like a marathon where the finish line keeps moving. If you’ve been prescribed Rexulti, you may have questions about when to expect results, how it works compared to antidepressants, and how it might change your emotional landscape.
Here is a look at some of the most common questions regarding Rexulti.
Note: Rexulti has boxed warnings. For details, see the “Boxed warnings for Rexulti” section.
Everyone’s response to drugs is different, but for Rexulti, results typically have a gradual onset.
Rexulti works to gradually regulate dopamine and serotonin levels. You may not feel changes soon after starting Rexulti, but the drug is still working in your body. If you have concerns about whether Rexulti is working for you, talk with your doctor.
Often, yes. In fact, for many people, that is exactly how Rexulti is designed to be used.
Rexulti is often prescribed as an adjunctive treatment for depression. This means it isn’t necessarily replacing an antidepressant, it’s used in combination with an antidepressant and acting as a “booster.”
Feeling no emotions while taking Rexulti was not a side effect reported in the drug’s studies.
However, Rexulti is used to help treat certain mental health conditions, such as depression and schizophrenia. Before starting Rexulti, you may have experienced big emotions or high anxiety and Rexulti may be working to help calm those emotions which may feel like you are experiencing no emotions at first.
If you have concerns about not feeling any emotions while taking Rexulti, talk with your doctor.
This drug has boxed warnings. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Risk of death in certain older adults: Rexulti can increase the risk of death in adults ages 65 years and older with dementia-related psychosis. (With psychosis, you lose touch with reality and may see or hear things that are not really there.) The only exception is older adults with this condition who have agitation related to dementia from Alzheimer’s disease.
Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and younger adults: Rexulti can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adults ages 24 years and younger. This is more likely to occur when you first start Rexulti and whenever the dosage is adjusted.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Rexulti typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks to reach its full therapeutic effect, where you can start noticing symptom improvement. It is often used in combination with an antidepressant to overcome treatment plateaus. If you experience a “flat” feeling or no emotion while taking Rexulti, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.