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Compare Seroquel vs. Rexulti

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

Key takeaways

Quetiapine (Seroquel) and brexpiprazole (Rexulti) are both atypical antipsychotics used to treat schizophrenia and depression, but they have some key differences. Quetiapine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms and is also used to treat bipolar disorder. In contrast, brexpiprazole can also be used for dementia-related agitation from Alzheimer's disease. Quetiapine often needs to be taken multiple times a day, whereas brexpiprazole is typically taken once daily. Both medications can cause weight gain and high blood sugar, but this is more commonly observed with quetiapine. Additionally, both can cause serious side effects like suicidal thoughts and neuroleptic malignant syndrome and are available as low-cost generics.

Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Brexpiprazole (Rexulti)
Quetiapine (Seroquel)
Brexpiprazole (Rexulti)
Summary of Seroquel vs. Rexulti
Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
Prescription only
Quetiapine (Seroquel) is an atypical antipsychotic that's used to improve mood, thoughts, and behaviors for people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The extended-release form of quetiapine (Seroquel) can also be used to treat depression when combined with another antidepressant. While quetiapine (Seroquel) works well, it has many risks and side effects, so it's not the best choice for everyone. Make sure your provider knows about all of your medical conditions and medications you're taking before starting quetiapine (Seroquel) to make sure it's as safe for you as possible.
Summary for Atypical Antipsychotic
Prescription only
Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) is an atypical antipsychotic medication approved to treat depression (add-on medication) and schizophrenia. Brand name Rexulti can also treat dementia-related agitation from Alzheimer's disease. Brexpiprazole (Rexulti) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Some of its more common side effects of brexpiprazole (Rexulti) include restlessness, moderate weight gain, and headaches. It's available as a generic medication.
Indications of Seroquel vs. Rexulti
Indications for

•Schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older

•Bipolar disorder in adults and children age 10 years and older

•Add-on to antidepressants for depression (extended-release only)

Indications for

•Schizophrenia

•Add-on treatment for depression

•Dementia-related agitation from Alzheimer's disease
Pros and Cons of Seroquel vs. Rexulti
Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
Pros

•Might notice an improvement in your symptoms in as early as a week of starting quetiapine (Seroquel)

•Taken by mouth

•Extended-release quetiapine (Seroquel) can help treat depression (adults only)

•Available as a lower-cost generic

•Available in both short-acting and long-acting forms

Cons

•Can cause weight gain and can raise your blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels

•Must be avoided in older adults who have dementia-related psychosis

•Can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in people who are age 24 or younger

•Need to take immediate-release tablets 2 to 3 times a day

Pros and Const for Atypical Antipsychotic
Pros

•Only need to take the medication once a day

•Less likely to cause weight gain, high cholesterol, or high blood sugar compared with other similar medications

•Less likely to cause movement side effects compared to some other antipsychotics

Cons

•Can be expensive because it's only available as a brand-name medication

•Not recommended for use in pregnancy

•Your healthcare provider might need to adjust your dose several times before you find one that works best for you
Common Side Effects of Seroquel vs. Rexulti
Common Side Effects for
Immediate-release tablets

•Headache (21%)

•Agitation (20%)

•Sleepiness (18%)

•Dizziness (11%)

•Dry mouth (9%)

•Constipation (8%)

•Pain (7%)

Extended-release tablets

•Sleepiness (25-52%)

•Dry mouth (12-37%)

•Dizziness (10-13%)

•Constipation (6-10%)

•Difficulty controlling muscle movements (7-8%)

•Weight gain (7%)

Common Side Effects for

•Fidgeting (9%)

•Weight gain (7%)

•Headache (7%)

•Sleepiness (5%)

•Tremor (4%)

•Common cold (4%)

•Larger appetite (3%)

•Fatigue (3%)

•Dizziness (3%)

•Restlessness (3%)

•Anxiety (3%)

•Heartburn (3%)

•Diarrhea (3%)

•Constipation (2%)
Warnings of Seroquel vs. Rexulti
Common Side Effects for

•Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis

•Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

•Weight gain and high levels of blood sugar and cholesterol

•Difficulty controlling body movements

•Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls

•Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)

•Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

•Seizures

•Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone)

•High prolactin levels

•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness

Common Side Effects for

•Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis

•Suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)

•Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)

•High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain

•Impulsive behavior

•Higher risk of infections

•Higher risk of falls

•Seizures
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Key takeaways

Summary of Seroquel vs. Rexulti

Indications of Seroquel vs. Rexulti

Pros and Cons of Seroquel vs. Rexulti

Common Side Effects of Seroquel vs. Rexulti

Warnings of Seroquel vs. Rexulti

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