Aripiprazole, brexpiprazole, and cariprazine: Not all the same
Current Psychiatry. 2018 April;17(4):24-33,43
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Understanding the key differences among these agents can help inform treatment decisions.
AUDIO: Dr. Citrome discusses the differences among 3 dopamine receptor partial agonists.
Bottom Line
Although aripiprazole, brexpiprazole, and cariprazine are all dopamine receptor partial agonists with demonstrated efficacy in psychiatric disorders, they differ in terms of available formulations, indications, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, titration requirements, and tolerability. Careful consideration of these factors can increase the likelihood of successful treatment.
Related Resources
- Citrome L. A review of the pharmacology, efficacy and tolerability of recently approved and upcoming oral antipsychotics: an evidence-based medicine approach. CNS Drugs. 2013;27(11):879-911.
- Citrome L, Ketter TA. When does a difference make a difference? Interpretation of number needed to treat, number needed to harm, and likelihood to be helped or harmed. Int J Clin Pract. 2013;67(5):407-411.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Drugs@FDA: FDA Approved Drug Products. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf.
Drug Brand Names
Aripiprazole • Abilify
Aripiprazole lauroxil • Aristada
Aripiprazole monohydrate • Abilify Maintena
Brexpiprazole • Rexulti
Cariprazine • Vraylar