Rexulti

Rexulti improves symptoms of schizophrenia but is principally advertised as an add-on therapy for lingering symptoms of depression not satisfactorily improved with ongoing antidepressants. Rexulti appears to be a successor to Abilify - another similar atypical antipsychotic drug. Questions exist regarding the wisdom of prescribing atypical antipsychotic drugs for treatment resistant depression. Weighing the potential benefits against the very real risks of significant harm leads some to doubt any advantage of Rexulti. The drug causes tardive dyskinesia - a movement disorder that typically persists long after discontinuing the drug. It also leads to weight gain, diabetes, increased cholesterol, falls and impulsive behaviors. Both fatal and non-fatal stroke may occur. The Canadian health authorities appear unimpressed with Rexulti and recommend against its use in typical depression. Similarly a Veterans Administration study demonstrated relatively equivalent results with adding another antidepressant or switching to a different antidepressant. The cash price for Rexulti exceeds $1100.00 a month compared to less than $25 for the generic versions of Abilify, Zyprexa, Resperdal or Seroquel.