When a doctor prescribes a medication for a mental health condition for you or someone you know, it's normal to feel a little curious, and maybe even nervous. "What will happen with this?", "Is this safe?", "What should I be concerned about?" are all questions that come to mind. So today, let's talk about a medication called Brexpiprazole, which you may have been prescribed. After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of this medication.
What exactly is Brexpiprazole?
Simply put, brexpiprazole is a medication used to treat schizophrenia , a mental illness. It is also sometimes used in combination with other medications for depression.
Now look, there are chemicals in our brains that are like little messengers that carry messages. We call these neurotransmitters. Dopamine and Serotonin are two of the main ones. These are very important for regulating our emotions, behavior, and thoughts. In some mental health conditions, these chemicals are out of balance, and the communication is disrupted. At that time, brexpiprazole acts like a traffic policeman, controlling this communication properly again, and restoring the balance of brain chemicals.
This medication belongs to a class of medications called antipsychotics. But don't let the name scare you. Medications in this class are used to treat a variety of mental health problems.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
For your safety, it is very important to talk openly with your doctor before starting this medication. If you have any of the conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Your situation | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Diabetes or a family history of it | This medicine can increase blood sugar levels. |
| A history of heart disease, high cholesterol, or stroke | The drug can affect blood pressure and heart rate. |
| Low blood pressure | Getting up from standing or sitting increases the risk of dizziness. |
| Liver or kidney disease | The dosage may need to be adjusted as it may affect the process of removing the medication from the body. |
| Seizures or convulsions | This medicine may sometimes increase the risk of seizures. |
| Low blood counts | This situation is likely to get worse. |
| Difficulty swallowing | Medication can sometimes worsen this condition. |
| If you have had suicidal thoughts or attempts | You should be especially careful about these thoughts when you first start taking the medication. |
| Uncontrollable impulses (gambling, overspending) | This medication may increase such impulsive behavior in some people. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | It is imperative to discuss the possible effects on the baby with the doctor. |
| Allergies to other medications, foods, or dyes | This is important to prevent an allergy to the medicine. |
How should I use the medicine?
This is very simple. Take the prescribed dose with a glass of water, as prescribed by the doctor. Make it a habit to take it at the same time every day. That way you won't forget. You can take it before or after meals. But if you feel an upset stomach, it's better to take it with food.
The most important thing is to not stop taking the medication unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping suddenly can make your symptoms worse and cause other serious side effects. Therefore, if you do stop taking the medication, do so as directed by your doctor, gradually reducing the dosage.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, not just those prescribed by your doctor, but also painkillers, vitamins, and herbal products you buy from the pharmacy. Some medications can interact with these and cause side effects.
| Medicines that should never be taken together | |
|---|---|
| Aripiprazole | Metoclopramide |
| Other drugs and substances that can cause problems |
|---|
|
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
Be aware of changes in mood.
This is very important. Especially when you first start taking the medication or after changing the dosage, watch for signs of depression or suicidal thoughts. Also, your family members should be aware of this. If you notice any changes in your mood, such as sudden anger, restlessness, agitation, or trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor right away.
Dizziness and drowsiness
This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you. If you are an elderly person, stand up straight when getting up from a sitting position or out of bed. Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medicine, as alcohol can make you feel drowsy.
Impulsive Behaviors
Some people may experience unusual urges to gamble, spend money excessively, binge eat, or engage in sexual behavior while taking this medicine. This is nothing to be ashamed of, and it can be a side effect of the medicine. If you notice any of these changes, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
Problems controlling body temperature
This medicine can change the way your body responds to heat and cold. This means that you may overheat in hot weather and lose heat in cold weather. Therefore, limit your exposure to the sun and exercise during hot weather. Drink plenty of water. Dress warmly during cold weather.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, this can have side effects. But not everyone gets them. The important thing is to know what is serious and what is normal.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome | High fever, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion. |
| Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Unusual thirst or urination, extreme fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) | Uncontrollable movements, muscle stiffness or tremors, restlessness, shuffling of the feet when walking. |
| Other | Seizures, difficulty swallowing, suicidal thoughts, uncontrollable impulses. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Drowsiness |
| Constipation | Weight gain |
Take-Home Message
- Always take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, in the prescribed dosage, and at the prescribed time.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or herbs you are taking.
- During the initial period of treatment, be aware of any changes in your mental state (especially suicidal thoughts). If you experience any of these, tell your doctor immediately.
- Avoid driving and other activities that require alertness as drowsiness may occur. Avoid alcohol completely.
- This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else.
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