Suggest An Effective Alternative To Rexulti

Posted on Fri, 30 Sep 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 30 Sep 2016 Answered on

Thu, 27 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : hi Dr. Steppe (New York), and I hope rhat this finds you doing well. I wrote to you three weeks ago and explained my problems with CFS and told you that I was on Rexulti and Deplin. I then asked for a CBT book recommendation and I ordered it. My problem is that the Rexulti, not the deplin, is not working after 6 weeks. I'm being patient but I need something else. Do you still recommend Duloxetine as an alternative? Or should the Rexulti be increased? What do you suggest? XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

I would actually recommend aripiprazole or lurasidone as alternatives to Rexulti. Both these drugs are very similar structurally to Rexulti and have a similar good side effect profile. It would be appropriate to switch at this time, as 6 weeks is considered an adequate trial.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (4 days later)

hi Dr. Sheppe, apparently my last question was not transmitted 4 or 5 days ago or you would have answered by now. My psychiatrist wants to put me on wellbutrin and to stay on rexulti and deplin. He thinks it may be a MEDICAL problem and not psychiatric. I thought that's what it is anyway! I'm so confused and am tired of suffering. What do you think or do you need more information? XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Your doctor's strategy is a very reasonable one. Wellbutrin is used to augment antidepressants (that is, makes them more effective), so this is a good choice here to maximize the benefit of your current medications.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee