Rexulti (brexpiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic medication prescribed for conditions such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (as an add-on treatment), and agitation linked to dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. Discontinuing Rexulti, like many medications affecting brain chemistry, can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Understanding these potential symptoms and their duration is important for individuals considering changes to their medication regimen.
The Nature of Rexulti Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms occur when the body, having adapted to Rexulti’s presence, experiences a temporary imbalance upon its removal. Rexulti affects dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine receptors in the brain. The body adjusts its natural systems in response to the drug’s consistent presence. When Rexulti is stopped, especially abruptly, these systems can become temporarily overactive or underactive as they try to re-establish their original balance. This sudden shift in brain chemistry contributes to the experience of withdrawal symptoms.
Rexulti has a relatively long half-life of approximately 91 hours, meaning it takes about 91 hours for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. This extended half-life influences how quickly symptoms might appear and how long the drug’s effects linger in the system.
Expected Timeline of Rexulti Withdrawal
The duration of Rexulti withdrawal varies among individuals, influenced by factors such as dosage, treatment length, and unique physiology. Symptoms typically begin within a few days of stopping or reducing the dosage, which aligns with Rexulti’s long half-life. It takes about five half-lives for a medication to be mostly cleared from the body, which for Rexulti translates to roughly 18 to 19 days. Withdrawal symptoms may peak within the first few weeks after discontinuation. While some individuals experience shorter withdrawal periods lasting a few weeks, others may encounter protracted symptoms that persist for several months.
Recognizing Withdrawal Symptoms
Individuals discontinuing Rexulti might experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms. Physical manifestations can include agitation, anxiety, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and a runny nose. Difficulty sleeping, muscle spasms, tremors, or other uncontrollable movements are also reported. Mood-related changes are common during withdrawal, involving increased anxiety, agitation, mood swings, and feelings of instability. Relapse of underlying depressive symptoms is possible, along with fatigue, lethargy, or brain fog.
Safe Management and Support
Discontinuing Rexulti should always occur under the guidance of a healthcare professional. A gradual tapering schedule is the safest and most recommended approach to minimize the severity and duration of withdrawal symptoms. This process involves slowly reducing the dose over weeks or even months, allowing the body to adapt to lower levels of the medication.
During the tapering process, individuals can implement self-care strategies to help manage symptoms. Maintaining adequate hydration, consuming a healthy and balanced diet, and ensuring sufficient sleep can support overall well-being. Stress reduction techniques may also be beneficial. It is important to seek immediate medical attention if severe or concerning symptoms arise, such as extreme agitation, suicidal thoughts, or uncontrollable movements like tardive dyskinesia.