Key takeaways:
Exxua (gepirone) is an FDA-approved antidepressant. The typical starting Exxua dosage for adults is 18.2 mg once a day with food.
The recommended maximum Exxua dosage is 72.6 mg once a day. But if you’re 65 or older or have liver or kidney problems, your maximum dosage may be 36.3 mg once a day.
Certain medications interact with Exxua. If you take an interacting medication, your prescriber may lower your Exxua dosage by half to limit complications.
There are ways to save on Exxua. If you’re eligible, a manufacturer savings card can help you get Exxua for as little as $10 per prescription.
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Exxua (gepirone) is FDA approved to treat major depressive disorder (depression) in adults. It comes as an extended-release (ER) tablet. Exxua belongs to a newer class of antidepressants called 5HT1a receptor agonists.
If you’re starting Exxua, your prescriber will likely recommend a low dose and may gradually raise it. But your age, other medications, and kidney and liver health can also affect how much you take. Below, you’ll find information about typical Exxua dosages and when you might need dose adjustments.
Good to know: Exxua is approved for use only in adults ages 18 and older. So this article won’t discuss children’s doses of the medication. If your child’s prescriber recommends they take Exxua, follow their instructions carefully. Prescribing Exxua to children is an off-label use of the medication, and there are no standard dosages for this age group.
What’s the typical Exxua dosage for adults?
The typical adult Exxua dosage for depression is to take 1 tablet by mouth once a day with food. Your body may not absorb your full dose if you take it on an empty stomach. It doesn’t matter what time of day you take Exxua. But be sure to take your dose about the same time each day.
Exxua comes as an ER tablet. This means it releases medication slowly over several hours. Exxua tablets come in the following doses:
18.2 mg
36.3 mg
54.5 mg
72.6 mg
The typical starting Exxua dosage for depression is 18.2 mg once a day with food. Depending on your response, your prescriber may raise your dosage up to a maximum of 72.6 mg once a day. Here’s a common Exxua dosage schedule when people first start taking it:
Days 1 to 3: Take 18.2 mg by mouth once a day with food.
Days 4 to 6: Take 36.3 mg by mouth once a day with food.
Days 8 to 14: Take 54.5 mg by mouth once a day with food.
Days 15 and on: Take 72.6 mg by mouth once a day with food.
Swallow Exxua tablets whole. Don’t split, chew, or crush them. This can cause the medication to release too quickly from the tablet. If you have trouble swallowing pills, tell your prescriber. You may need to explore other antidepressant options.
Are there any dosage adjustments for health conditions?
There are a few situations where you may need to take a lower Exxua dosage.
Exxua dosage for people ages 65 and older
After taking Exxua, older adults have higher levels of medication in their bodies than younger adults. So they may be more prone to side effects, such as dizziness. To help limit side effects, older adults have a lower recommended Exxua maximum dosage. People ages 65 and older shouldn’t take more than 36.3 mg once daily.
Exxua dosage for people with kidney problems
People with kidney problems may need a lower Exxua dosage. The maximum dosage is 36.3 mg once daily. Your prescriber may ask you to go for kidney blood work from time to time while you’re taking Exxua. This helps them make sure you’re taking the right dose.
The kidneys help remove Exxua from your body. So if they’re not working as expected, the medication can build up in your body. This raises the risk of Exxua side effects. Sticking to a lower dose helps lower this risk.
Exxua dosage for people with liver problems
People with liver problems may also need a lower maximum Exxua dosage. But your dose depends on how severe your problem is:
Mild liver problems: Follow the standard Exxua dosages discussed above.
Moderate liver problems: Take no more than 36.3 mg once daily.
Severe liver problems: Don’t take Exxua.
The liver helps break down Exxua. If it’s not working properly, Exxua can build up in your body. This can lead to more side effects.
Exxua dosage for people taking certain interacting medications
Exxua interacts with several medications. Certain interactions raise the risk of Exxua side effects. For some interactions, lowering your Exxua dosage by half can help limit complications. For others, you may need to avoid Exxua.
Examples of medications and substances that may require you to lower your Exxua dosage by half include:
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Erythromycin (Ery-Tab)
Fluconazole (Diflucan)
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice
Verapamil (Verelan)
Examples of medications and substances that may require you to avoid Exxua include:
Clarithromycin
Itraconazole (Sporanox)
Oral ketoconazole
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as selegiline (Zelapar, Emsam)
Linezolid (Zyvox)
Ritonavir (Norvir) and medications that contain it, such as Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir / ritonavir)
Share a medication list with your prescriber and pharmacist when you first start Exxua. You should also share it with them if you start or change other medications you take. Be sure to include over-the-counter medications and supplements on your list. This can help you avoid or manage Exxua interactions.
What happens if you miss a dose of Exxua?
If you miss an Exxua dose, take it when you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then take your next Exxua dose at its usual time. Don’t take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. This can lead to more Exxua side effects.
There are tips that can help you remember your Exxua doses. Try taking it with the same meal every day. A medication reminder app or pill organizer may also help you remember your doses.
What should you do if you take too much Exxua?
Taking an extra dose of Exxua by accident is unlikely to cause serious harm. But you may have more side effects than usual. Common Exxua side effects include:
Dizziness
Nausea or vomiting
Headaches
Drowsiness
Trouble sleeping
Diarrhea or constipation
Taking excessive amounts of Exxua can lead to serious complications. Studies have found that overdoses can cause temporary problems with how your heart beats. Seizures may also be possible.
If you’ve taken too much Exxua, call your prescriber. You can also contact Poison Control online or by calling 1-800-222-1222. If you’re experiencing life-threatening symptoms, call 911 or go to the ER.
How to save on Exxua
There are ways to save on Exxua, which is available as a brand-name medication. If you have commercial insurance, you may be eligible to pay as little as $10 per prescription for Exxua using a copay savings card from the manufacturer.
The bottom line
Exxua (gepirone) is an antidepressant that is taken once a day with food. The starting adult Exxua dosage is 18.2 mg once a day. Your prescriber may slowly raise your dosage up to a maximum of 72.6 mg per day, depending on your response.
Older adults and people with liver or kidney problems may need to stick to a lower maximum Exxua dosage of 36.3 mg per day. And if you’re taking certain interacting medications, your prescriber may lower your Exxua dosage by half. If you have questions, discuss how to take Exxua with your prescriber or pharmacist.
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References
Aytu BioPharma. (2025). Aytu product savings offer.
Aytu Therapeutics. (2026). Exxua- gepirone tablet, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.
National Capital Poison Center. (n.d.). Poison Control.
