Skip to main content

Compare
Invega vs. Rexulti

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Invega (paliperidone) and Rexulti (brexpiprazole) are both atypical antipsychotics, but they have some key differences. Invega is available in both brand and generic forms and is used to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. It is taken once daily as an extended-release tablet. Rexulti, also taken once daily, is available only as a brand-name medication and is used to treat schizophrenia, as an add-on for depression, and dementia-related agitation from Alzheimer's disease. Invega can cause side effects like drowsiness and uncontrolled muscle movements, while Rexulti may cause restlessness and moderate weight gain. Additionally, Invega has long-acting injection forms, whereas Rexulti does not. Both medications can cause weight gain, but Rexulti is less likely to cause high cholesterol or high blood sugar compared to other antipsychotics.

Invega

(paliperidone)

Get free coupons

Rexulti

(brexpiprazole)

Get free coupons

Summary for Invega

Prescription only

Invega (paliperidone) is taken by mouth and used to improve mood, thoughts, and behaviors in people who have schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. It's available as both brand and generic versions in an extended-release pill, which means the medication is released slowly in your body. It only needs to be taken once a day. Some common side effects include drowsiness and uncontrolled muscle movements. There are long-acting injection forms of this medication available given by a trained healthcare provider.

Indications for Invega

  • Schizophrenia
  • Schizoaffective disorder

Pros and Cons for Invega

Pros

  • Available in many different strengths to make it easier to customize your dose
  • Can be used in adolescents
  • Only need to take the medication once a day

Cons

  • You might have to see your provider several times until you find a dose that works best for you
  • Can make you feel sleepy or sedated
  • Can cause weight gain

Common Side Effects for Invega

  • Abnormal muscle movements (up to 40%)
  • Drowsiness (up to 26%)
  • Headache (up to 14%)
  • Irregular heart beat (up to 14%)
  • Vomiting (up to 11%)
  • Anxiety (up to 9%)

Warnings for Invega

  • Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
  • High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
  • Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
  • Higher risk of falls
  • High prolactin levels
  • Higher risk of infections
  • Not for people with gut problems
  • Heart rhythm problem (QT prolongation)

Summary for Rexulti

Prescription only

Rexulti (brexpiprazole) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat depression and schizophrenia. It can also help manage dementia-related agitation from Alzheimer's disease. The medication works by balancing chemicals in your brain to regulate your mood. Rexulti (brexpiprazole) comes as a tablet you take by mouth, usually once a day. Common side effects include weight gain, sleepiness, and dizziness. Although generic versions have been approved, they aren't yet available in pharmacies.

Indications for Rexulti

Pros and Cons for Rexulti

Pros

  • Only need to take once a day
  • Less likely to cause weight gain compared to older antipsychotics
  • Available in many strengths

Cons

  • Can take a couple of months to fully work
  • Interacts with many medications
  • Not known if safe in pregnancy

Common Side Effects for Rexulti

Depression

  • Fidgeting (9%)
  • Weight gain (7%)
  • Headache (7%)
  • Sleepiness (5%)

Schizophrenia

  • Fidgeting (6%)

Dementia-related agitation

  • Headache (8%)

Warnings for Rexulti

  • Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
  • Uncontrolled body movements (tardive dyskinesia)
  • High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
  • Impulse control problems
  • Low white blood cell count
  • Falls and fainting
  • Seizures
  • Trouble controlling body temperature
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Problems with thinking and movement

Prices with our coupons for Invega vs. Rexulti

Price Card Drug Icon
Paliperidone ER30 tablets / 6mg
$42.10$419.50
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Rexulti30 tablets / 1mg
$1,428.31$1,856.28
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.