What is Rexulti?
Rexulti (brexpiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder [1]. It works by affecting the levels of certain natural substances in the brain [1].
How does Rexulti compare to quetiapine?
Both Rexulti (brexpiprazole) and quetiapine (Seroquel) are atypical antipsychotics, but they differ in their specific mechanisms of action, approved indications, and side effect profiles [2].
What are the approved uses for Rexulti and quetiapine?
Rexulti is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and adolescents 13 years and older. It is also indicated as an adjunctive therapy for major depressive disorder in adults [1]. Quetiapine is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and adolescents 10 years and older, bipolar mania, and bipolar depression in adults [3].
How do Rexulti and quetiapine work differently?
Rexulti acts as a partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A and dopamine D2 receptors, and an antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A and noradrenergic alpha1B-2C receptors [1]. Quetiapine is a dopamine D1 and D2 receptor antagonist and a serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor antagonist [3]. These differing receptor binding profiles can lead to variations in efficacy and side effects [2].
What are the side effects of Rexulti and quetiapine?
Common side effects for Rexulti include weight gain, somnolence, headache, and akathisia [1]. Quetiapine's common side effects can include dry mouth, dizziness, weight gain, somnolence, and constipation [3]. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects, including metabolic changes (e.g., hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia), movement disorders (e.g., tardive dyskinesia), and, in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis, an increased risk of death [1][3].
When do patents expire for these drugs?
Information regarding specific patent expiry dates for Rexulti and quetiapine would require consulting a specialized database like DrugPatentWatch.com [4].
Can generic versions of Rexulti or quetiapine be made available?
Generic versions of quetiapine are already available as its patent protection has expired [3]. For Rexulti, the availability of generics depends on the expiry of its patents and any associated exclusivity periods [4].
What are the risks associated with taking atypical antipsychotics?
Both Rexulti and quetiapine, like other atypical antipsychotics, carry warnings regarding increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis [1][3]. They also have the potential to cause serious metabolic changes and movement disorders [1][3].
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Sources
1. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/rexulti
2. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (n.d.). Antipsychotic Medications. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Antipsychotic-Medications
3. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/quetiapine
4. https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/