Side Effects of brexpiprazole: A Synthesis of Findings from 30 Studies

  1. Home
  2. Side Effects of brexpiprazole
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Side Effects of brexpiprazole: A Synthesis of Findings from 30 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.

This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Side Effects of brexpiprazole: A Synthesis of Findings from 30 Studies", please consult your doctor.

For NLM copyright information, please see Link to NLM Copyright Page
PubMed data is obtained via Hugging Face Datasets: Link to DatasetPlease check the disclaimer.
This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Brexpiprazole has been shown to be effective in treating schizophrenia. 11 , 27 Brexpiprazole has fewer extrapyramidal side effects, metabolic side effects, and weight gain, and no QTc prolongation compared to other antipsychotics. 27 Brexpiprazole can be said to be a well-balanced option in terms of efficacy and safety for the treatment of schizophrenia. 27

Reasons for Side Effects

Brexpiprazole is a partial agonist at the dopamine D2 receptor and also acts on serotonin 5HT1A, 5HT2A, and noradrenergic α1B, α2C receptors. 30 It is thought that these actions on these receptors cause various side effects.

Common Side Effects

Akathisia

Akathisia was seen in 5.8% of patients taking brexpiprazole. 11 Akathisia is a condition in which you feel restless and find it difficult to sit still. 11

Insomnia

Insomnia was seen in 8.0% of patients taking brexpiprazole. 11 Insomnia is a condition where you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. 11

Weight Gain

Weight gain was seen in 7.7% of patients taking brexpiprazole. 11 The average weight gain in patients taking brexpiprazole was 1.1 kg. 11 Brexpiprazole is characterized by less weight gain compared to other antipsychotics. 27 However, weight gain is still an important side effect, even compared to other antipsychotics. 15 Brexpiprazole may cause glycolipid metabolic disorders by inhibiting GLP1/GLP1R signaling. 19

Headache

Headache was seen in 6.0% of patients taking brexpiprazole. 11 Headache can be caused by a variety of factors, but some patients may experience headaches as a side effect of brexpiprazole. 11

Agitation

Agitation was seen in 5.2% of patients taking brexpiprazole. 11 Agitation is a condition in which you feel restless and irritable, and may become angry easily. 11

Sedation

Sedation was seen in 2.3% of patients taking brexpiprazole. 11 Brexpiprazole is characterized by less sedation compared to other antipsychotics. 27 Brexpiprazole may inhibit acetylcholinesterase. 28 This inhibitory effect may cause drowsiness and other side effects. 28

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Akathisia

Akathisia can sometimes be improved by reducing the dosage of brexpiprazole. 11 Anxiolytics or anticholinergics can also be effective. 11

Insomnia

Insomnia can sometimes be improved by changing the time of administration of brexpiprazole. 11 For example, taking it after waking up rather than before bed. 11 Sleep aids can also be effective. 11

Weight Gain

Weight gain can be controlled by improving your diet and exercise. 11 Brexpiprazole may inhibit weight gain by co-administration with liraglutide, a GLP1 receptor agonist. 19 However, there is no established treatment for weight gain. 15

Headache

Headaches can sometimes be relieved by taking pain relievers. 11 However, if your headaches are severe, consult your doctor. 11

Agitation

Agitation can sometimes be improved by reducing the dosage of brexpiprazole. 11 Anxiolytics can also be effective. 11

Sedation

Sedation can sometimes be improved by changing the time of administration of brexpiprazole. 11 For example, taking it after waking up rather than before bed. 11

Comparison between Studies

Common Points of Studies

Multiple studies have shown that brexpiprazole is effective in treating schizophrenia. 11 , 27 In addition, brexpiprazole has fewer extrapyramidal side effects, metabolic side effects, and weight gain, and no QTc prolongation compared to other antipsychotics. 27 These studies suggest the safety of brexpiprazole.

Differences between Studies

The types and severity of side effects caused by brexpiprazole vary depending on the study. 11 For example, some studies have found that side effects such as akathisia and insomnia are common. 11 However, other studies have found these side effects to be less common. 27 These differences may be due to differences in the study populations or methods.

Notes on Application to Real Life

Brexpiprazole is an effective medication for treating schizophrenia, but there is a possibility of side effects. 11 , 27 When taking brexpiprazole, it is important to consult your doctor and understand the risks and benefits of the drug before taking it. 11 , 27

Limitations of Current Research

Long-term side effects of brexpiprazole have not yet been sufficiently studied. 11 In addition, while brexpiprazole is characterized by less weight gain compared to other antipsychotics, 27 long-term effects are still unclear. 15

Future Research Directions

Research on the long-term side effects of brexpiprazole is needed. 11 Research is also needed to elucidate the mechanism by which brexpiprazole has less weight gain compared to other antipsychotics. 27 Further research is also needed on methods to reduce the side effects of brexpiprazole. 15

Conclusion

Brexpiprazole is an effective medication for treating schizophrenia, but there is a possibility of side effects. 11 , 27 When taking brexpiprazole, it is important to consult your doctor and understand the risks and benefits of the drug before taking it. 11 , 27

Keywords
Benefit Keywords
Depression relief
1
Antipsychotic treatment
2
Depression symptom improvement
3
Depression symptom improvement
5
Antipsychotic treatment
6
Antipsychotic treatment
7
Resistant depression
8
Improved outcomes
Partial agonism
9
Schizophrenia treatment
11
SMI treatment
12
Antipsychotic treatment
13
Brexpiprazole efficacy
14
Schizophrenia treatment
16
Schizophrenia symptom reduction
Social performance improvement
17
Opioid dependence treatment
18
Psychotic symptom relief
20
Treat agitation
Treat major depressive disorder
Treat schizophrenia
21
Schizophrenia treatment
22
Good safety profile
Improved cognitive domains
Lower metabolic liability
Targeted negative symptomatology
24
Improved MDD
Improved schizophrenia
25
Effective for schizophrenia
Few side effects
27
Rapid antidepressant response
29
Major depressive disorder treatment
Schizophrenia treatment
30
Risk Keywords
Side effects
1
Activation
Sedation
2
Extrapyramidal symptoms
Metabolic dysfunction
Tardive dyskinesia
Weight gain
3
Cardiovascular events
Metabolic events
4
Akathisia
Headache
Somnolence
5
Side effects
Therapeutic failure
6
Metabolic imbalances
Sexual dysfunction
7
Akathisia
Restlessness
Weight gain
8
Side effects
9
Activation
Sedation
10
Metabolic abnormalities
Weight gain
12
Antipsychotic-induced metabolic dysregulation
Metabolic disturbance
13
Brexpiprazole side effects
14
Antipsychotic weight gain
15
Weight gain
17
Increased blood glucose
Increased serum lipid
Weight gain
19
7-DHC increase
Cholesterol biosynthesis inhibition
Developmental neurotoxicity
Teratogenicity
20
Worsening psychosis
22
Antipsychotic side effects
23
Akathisia
Somnolence
Weight gain
25
Akathisia
Extrapyramidal symptoms
Increased prolactin
Metabolic side effects
26
Moderate weight gain
27
AChE inhibition
EPS
28
Cessation of medication
Self-harm
29
Akathisia
Gastrointestinal side effects
Weight gain
30
Literature analysis of 30 papers
Positive Content
20
Neutral Content
4
Negative Content
6
Article Type
3
3
1
11
29
1.

A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Fixed-Dose Brexpiprazole 2 mg/d as Adjunctive Treatment of Adults With Major Depressive Disorder.

Author: HobartMary, SkubanAleksandar, ZhangPeter, AugustineCarole, BrewerClaudette, HeftingNanco, SanchezRaymond, McQuadeRobert D

Depression relief
Side effects

Adjunctive brexpiprazole (2 mg/d) improved Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score from baseline to week 6 compared to placebo in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and inadequate response to antidepressants.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

3.

Pharmacotherapies for Treatment-Resistant Depression: How Antipsychotics Fit in the Rapidly Evolving Therapeutic Landscape.

Author: JhaManish K, MathewSanjay J

Depression symptom improvement
Extrapyramidal symptoms
Metabolic dysfunction
Tardive dyskinesia
Weight gain

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD), affecting about one-third of adults with major depressive disorder, is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenses. While atypical antipsychotics are approved for treating depression, they often provide limited remission and have concerning side effects, especially with long-term use.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

5.

Efficacy and safety of flexibly dosed brexpiprazole for the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder: a randomized, active-referenced, placebo-controlled study.

Author: HobartMary, SkubanAleksandar, ZhangPeter, JosiassenMette Krog, HeftingNanco, AugustineCarole, BrewerClaudette, SanchezRaymond, McQuadeRobert D

Depression symptom improvement
Akathisia
Headache
Somnolence

Adjunctive brexpiprazole was found to be more effective than adjunctive placebo in improving symptoms of depression in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who had not responded adequately to prior antidepressant treatment.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

6.

Effects of 26 Recombinant CYP3A4 Variants on Brexpiprazole Metabolism.

Author: ChenBingbing, ZhangXiao-Dan, WenJian, ZhangBowen, ChenDaoxing, WangShuanghu, CaiJian-Pin, HuGuo-Xin

Antipsychotic treatment
Side effects
Therapeutic failure

Brexpiprazole, a new atypical antipsychotic, is metabolized by CYP3A4, an enzyme with genetic variations that can lead to unpredictable drug responses. This study investigated the effects of 26 CYP3A4 variants on brexpiprazole metabolism, revealing significant variations in enzymatic activity. This information is crucial for predicting individual responses to brexpiprazole and optimizing treatment strategies.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

7.

Pharmacological strategies for sexual recovery in men undergoing antipsychotic treatment.

Author: JanniniTommaso B, SansoneAndrea, RossiRodolfo, Di LorenzoGiorgio, ToscanoMassimiliano, SiracusanoAlberto, JanniniEmmanuele A

Antipsychotic treatment
Metabolic imbalances
Sexual dysfunction

This article discusses the challenges of managing sexual dysfunction (SD) as a side effect of antipsychotic medications. Clinicians need to be aware of these risks and manage them carefully to preserve patients' sexual health.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

9.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Schizophrenia- Addressing Unmet Needs With Partial Agonists at the D2 Receptor: A Review.

Author: MalletJasmina, GorwoodPhilip, Le StratYann, DubertretCaroline

Improved outcomes
Partial agonism
Side effects

Second-generation antipsychotics are used to treat schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. This review discusses the use of D2 receptor partial agonists, such as aripiprazole, cariprazine, and brexpiprazole, as potential alternatives to traditional antipsychotics.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

10.

Activating and Sedating Properties of Medications Used for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and Their Effect on Patient Functioning.

Author: CitromeLeslie L, McIntyreRoger S, ManningJ Sloan, McIntoshDiane

Activation
Sedation

Second-generation antipsychotics can exhibit significant sedation and activation effects, impacting patient functioning, quality of life, and treatment adherence. This article examines the likelihood of each agent to cause these effects and discusses whether leveraging these effects for acute symptom management is advisable.

Case ReportsIn the medical field, a report that describes in detail a unique case, an unusual medical condition, or the effect of a treatment. Provides new insights and possibilities for treatment through individual patient cases.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

11.

Overview of short- and long-term tolerability and safety of brexpiprazole in patients with schizophrenia.

Author: KaneJohn M, SkubanAleksandar, HobartMary, OuyangJohn, WeillerEmmanuelle, WeissCatherine, CorrellChristoph U

Schizophrenia treatment

Brexpiprazole, a serotonin-dopamine activity modulator, was well-tolerated in patients with schizophrenia, with a favorable safety profile and low rates of important adverse events such as akathisia, sedation, weight gain, or QTc prolongation.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

12.

Safety, tolerability, and risks associated with first- and second-generation antipsychotics: a state-of-the-art clinical review.

Author: SolmiMarco, MurruAndrea, PacchiarottiIsabella, UndurragaJuan, VeroneseNicola, FornaroMichele, StubbsBrendon, MonacoFrancesco, VietaEduard, SeemanMary V, CorrellChristoph U, CarvalhoAndré F

SMI treatment
Metabolic abnormalities
Weight gain

This clinical review compared the safety and tolerability profiles of selected first-generation (FGAs) and second-generation (SGAs) antipsychotics. SGAs were found to have an improved safety profile with a lower incidence of extrapyramidal side effects and less impairment of cognitive function. However, SGAs are associated with weight gain and metabolic abnormalities.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

13.

Comparative effects of 18 antipsychotics on metabolic function in patients with schizophrenia, predictors of metabolic dysregulation, and association with psychopathology: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Author: PillingerToby, McCutcheonRobert A, VanoLuke, MizunoYuya, ArumuhamAtheeshaan, HindleyGuy, BeckKatherine, NatesanSridhar, EfthimiouOrestis, CiprianiAndrea, HowesOliver D

Antipsychotic treatment
Antipsychotic-induced metabolic dysregulation
Metabolic disturbance

This study aims to compare and rank antipsychotics based on their metabolic side-effects, identify predictors of antipsychotic-induced metabolic dysregulation, and investigate the relationship between metabolic and psychopathology changes with treatment.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

17.

Brexpiprazole in patients with schizophrenia: overview of short- and long-term phase 3 controlled studies.

Author: MarderStephen R, HakalaMika Juhani, JosiassenMette Krog, ZhangPeter, OuyangJohn, WeillerEmmanuelle, WeissCatherine, HobartMary

Schizophrenia symptom reduction
Social performance improvement
Weight gain

Brexpiprazole, an antipsychotic medication, demonstrated efficacy in reducing schizophrenia symptoms in short-term and long-term studies. It showed significant improvements in PANSS scores and a favorable safety profile with a low prevalence of side effects.

Clinical Trial, Phase IIIA Phase III trial is a trial that further rigorously verifies the efficacy and safety of a new drug or treatment, whose efficacy and safety have been confirmed in a Phase II trial, in a large number of patients, and evaluates whether it is superior to existing treatments.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

20.

Dichlorophenyl piperazines, including a recently-approved atypical antipsychotic, are potent inhibitors of DHCR7, the last enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis.

Author: Genaro-MattosThiago C, TallmanKeri A, AllenLuke B, AndersonAllison, MirnicsKaroly, KoradeZeljka, PorterNed A

Psychotic symptom relief
7-DHC increase
Cholesterol biosynthesis inhibition
Developmental neurotoxicity
Teratogenicity

This study evaluates the effect of brexpiprazole and cariprazine on cholesterol biosynthesis.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., ExtramuralResearch funding provided by the NIH to external research institutions and researchers.

Language : English

23.

Newer antipsychotics: Brexpiprazole, cariprazine, and lumateperone: A pledge or another unkept promise?

Author: BarmanRajdip, MajumderPradipta, DoifodeTejaswini, KablingerAnita

Antipsychotic side effects

Newer antipsychotic medications, such as brexpiprazole, cariprazine, and lumateperone, are being studied for their efficacy and tolerability in treating neuropsychiatric conditions. These medications show promise in short-term studies, but long-term data are limited. Further research is needed to compare their effectiveness to older antipsychotics.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

24.

Up-to-date expert opinion on the safety of recently developed antipsychotics.

Author: OrsoliniLaura, De BerardisDomenico, VolpeUmberto

Good safety profile
Improved cognitive domains
Lower metabolic liability
Targeted negative symptomatology

This review provides an overview of the safety profile of recently developed or marketed antipsychotic medications, including third-generation antipsychotics (TGA). The review highlights the improved safety profile of newer antipsychotics compared to second-generation antipsychotics, particularly in terms of metabolic liability. The review also discusses the specific targeting of negative symptomatology and cognitive domains by TGA.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

25.

Efficacy and safety of brexpiprazole in acute management of psychiatric disorders: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Author: Antoun ReyadAyman, GirgisEriny, MishrikyRaafat

Improved MDD
Improved schizophrenia
Akathisia
Somnolence
Weight gain

Brexpiprazole is a new atypical antipsychotic that was found to be effective in treating schizophrenia and major depressive disorder. Brexpiprazole was associated with akathisia, weight increase, and somnolence.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

26.

Brexpiprazole: a new leaf on the partial dopamine agonist branch.

Author: HopeJudy, CastleDavid, KeksNicholas A

Akathisia
Extrapyramidal symptoms
Increased prolactin
Metabolic side effects

Brexpiprazole and aripiprazole are both partial agonists at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. They are both effective in the treatment of schizophrenia, but brexpiprazole has a lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms and metabolic side effects.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

28.

Inhibition of Recombinant Human Acetylcholinesterase Activity by Antipsychotics.

Author: ObaraKeisuke, FujiiAyano, ArieChiaki, HaradaNatsuki, YamakiFumiko, MatsuoKazuhiro, YoshioTakashi, TanakaYoshio

AChE inhibition
EPS

This study investigated the inhibitory effects of 26 clinically available antipsychotics on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. The findings could help predict the role of antipsychotic-induced AChE inhibition in the onset of extrapyramidal symptoms.

NewsMedia reports that provide information on the latest events and information. Newspapers, television, and the Internet are the main media.

Language : English

29.

A New Paradigm for Achieving a Rapid Antidepressant Response.

Author: MalhiGin S, MorrisGrace, BellErica, HamiltonAmber

Rapid antidepressant response
Cessation of medication
Self-harm

This article proposes a new paradigm for understanding how antidepressants work. This paradigm suggests that different antidepressants work at different times after starting treatment. This understanding could help guide the development of new antidepressants and lead to faster relief from symptoms.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

30.

Spotlight on brexpiprazole and its potential in the treatment of schizophrenia and as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of major depression.

Author: BruijnzeelDawn, TandonRajiv

Major depressive disorder treatment
Schizophrenia treatment
Akathisia
Gastrointestinal side effects
Weight gain

This review discusses the pharmacology, clinical trial data, and efficacy and side effects of brexpiprazole, a recently introduced antipsychotic agent approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and as an adjunct for treatment of major depressive disorder.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.