Articles
Alzheimer's: Medicines help manage symptoms and slow decline
Role of current Alzheimer's drugs
Memantine for later stages
When to discontinue Alzheimer's drugs
Content
FDA-approved medicines for treating symptoms
Goals for treating symptoms
Cholinesterase inhibitors
Memantine
Medicine for agitation
Antiamyloid treatment
Understanding risks
Imaging and other tests
Memantine for later stages
When to discontinue Alzheimer's drugs
Content
FDA-approved medicines for treating symptoms
Goals for treating symptoms
Cholinesterase inhibitors
Memantine
Medicine for agitation
Antiamyloid treatment
Understanding risks
Imaging and other tests
Medicine for agitation
Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) is a kind of medicine called an atypical antipsychotic. The FDA approved brexpiprazole for treating agitation linked to dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. The medicine is taken as a pill once a day.
The label for brexpiprazole carries a severe warning. Older adults with dementia-related psychosis, such as delusions and hallucinations, who are treated with antipsychotic medicines such as brexpiprazole are at increased risk of death.
A person with Alzheimer's and family caregivers should talk with the person's healthcare professional about the risks and benefits of using brexpiprazole to treat agitation.
