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Rexulti Alternatives | Holistic Options

This entry was posted in Antipsychotic and tagged on by .
Medically Reviewed Fact Checked

Last Updated on August 29, 2023 by Carol Gillette

Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by Dr Samuel Lee MD

Have you considered Rexulti alternatives? The atypical antipsychotic drug Rexulti may have been prescribed after other drugs did not work very well for your symptoms, or because the adverse reactions of other drugs became problematic.

Trying one drug after another is not uncommon when looking for specific clinical improvements. However, what is quite uncommon is being offered alternative approaches that don’t focus on “the right drug,” or the “correct label,” but aim to provide “the best results” including diminished symptoms, and overall improvements in mental wellness.



rexulti holistic alternatives

Do Your Symptoms Require Rexulti?
Whether Rexulti was prescribed for schizophrenia-type symptoms, as an add-on medication for depression, PTSD, or other conditions, alternative therapies used at Alternative to Meds Center have made a positive impact on thousands of clients. Our published long-term success clearly demonstrates that a wide range of non-drug-based approaches can help a person achieve greater success while avoiding adverse reactions that can occur with prescription medications. Not everyone can reduce their medication safely to zero, but we have found that many clients can safely reduce dosage to a minimum, and enjoy a satisfying quality of life with the use of Rexulti alternatives. We are here to help. Please read on for more details.
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What is Rexulti and Why is it Prescribed?

Rexulti is a relatively new antipsychotic medication. In May of 2023, the FDA fast-tracked its approval to prescribe Rexulti for agitation in elderly Alzheimer patients. Alzheimer’s disease is the most commonly reported cause of dementia in the elderly.29 

Rexulti is the first antipsychotic medication to be granted such use. The FDA extended the black box warning for ALL antipsychotics back in 2008. The black box warning was applied since the danger of antipsychotic-related death was significantly raised in this population, according to decades of medical research.30 The black box warning is still on the Rexulti label. However, the black box warning does not prevent a physician from prescribing an antipsychotic to elderly dementia patients, it simply states the risk it poses for the patient.

Originally, the FDA granted approval for Rexulti only to treat schizophrenia for persons aged 13 +, and as an add-on medication for MDD in the adult population when antidepressants were not effective.2

what is rexulti used forThe way Rexulti works is not completely understood but has been shown to act in novel ways compared to other antipsychotic medications. Rexulti has been demonstrated in animal studies to primarily affect serotonin receptors, and in contrast to other antipsychotics, does not primarily act on dopamine receptors. This is a different approach as schizophrenia-type symptoms have largely been thought primarily related to excess dopamine expression, which antipsychotics are designed to suppress. Rexulti’s mechanism of action, though not thoroughly mapped out, targets other types of neurons, to dampen unwanted symptoms of psychosis, agitation, and depression.1-6

Off-label antipsychotics are commonly prescribed for a wide variety of other reasons, such as PTSD, agitation in autism or in the elderly, anxiety, OCD, Bipolar conditions, and many others. Drug-induced psychosis is commonly misinterpreted as a schizophrenia-type disorder, becoming more common as marijuana use is on the increase, especially in the young. Similarly, injury to mental health because of blood sugar irregularities, electric voltage injury, toxic exposures, chronic poor nutrition, dysfunctional hormones, and poor microbiome health, are all frequently overlooked causes of malfunction in the CNS.7-9,26-28

A massive review of the practice of off-label prescribing antipsychotics was published in 2012 which failed to show satisfactory efficacy for any off-label prescribing of antipsychotics.10

The Natural Alternatives to Rexulti

For the past nearly 20 years, Alternative to Meds Center has designed a wide range of alternative therapies and strategies for reducing reliance on medication and concurrently, eliminating symptoms. The focus of natural alternatives to Rexulti is on the rehabilitation of neurochemistry through the use of natural and herbal treatments that assist the body to regain a healthier and better functioning state.

The following list gives examples of the protocols and treatments we use at the center to achieve these goals, followed by a more detailed description of each.

antipsychotic holistic alternativesRexulti alternatives can include:

Lab Testing Helps to Map Out the Best Alternatives to Rexulti

Lab testing is a vital tool in mapping out the best pathway forward. Extensive blood analysis provides the clearest snapshot of the current condition of the client. Examples of the tests we use are:

  • find root causes of drug dependenceComplete metabolic functioning including liver and kidney
  • Trace minerals
  • Metabolic markers such as thyroid, blood sugar, iron, pregnancy, and others.
  • Amino acids
  • Complete blood count with differential
  • Cortisol
  • Sex hormones, comprehensive
  • Any additional tests that may be requested by the medical directors.

Using testing helps us to assess basics such as immune function, organ function, blood sugar, hormone balance, neurotransmitter status, blood sugar, electrolyte balance, organ function, adrenal function, neurotransmitter status, immune function, nutrient and mineral status, and the many cofactors in between. Without this revelatory information, treatment could be hampered by guesswork and could overlook some extremely important points of focus in healing.

While nutrient deficits are commonly considered a factor in physical conditions, they are also prevalently associated with presentations of mental disorders and symptoms.12-14,16-19.24-26.28

Holistic Detox

The term holistic detox entails a specific set of protocols at Alternative to Meds Center. It does not mean “drying out” or a quick method of stopping a substance, and never a cold turkey approach. The first steps are related to the stabilization of sleep, appetite, and energy, reaching a point where incremental reduction of medication can then be introduced. The process is very conservative and gradual.

The overwhelming majority of clients’ lab testing will indicate the presence of specific neurotoxins. Neurotoxins are responsible for much suffering both physically and psychologically. These toxic accumulations need removal using various methods which are proven safe and effective. More details on this process can be found below. When a client reaches a good stable result in the stabilization phase, then it is possible to begin very slowly reducing the dosage of medications as well.16,24,25

Neurotoxin Removal — Fundamental as an Alternative to Rexulti

Substances of interest include mercury, cadmium, lead, consumption of chemicals in food, water, air pollution, household or industrial cleaning products, as well as toxic exposures from work or other environments. These accumulated toxins are fat-soluble and build up in the body over time. They can be persistent and hard to get out of the fatty tissues where they are stored. This is why the center uses a combination of protocols including safe chelation methods, and biotransformative administrations to convert fat-soluble toxins to water-soluble, making them possible to remove. Exercise, sauna, colon hydrotherapy, and other cleansing methods are all important to the process. These methods reduce the burden on the liver and kidneys as these organs are bypassed in the elimination of toxic materials.

Neurotransmitter Rehabilitation

Research indicates that the use of prescription drugs and other factors can dysregulate the network of neurotransmitters, affecting receptors and their ability to function properly. The use of diet and specific supplementation, informed by lab testing, is the best and most direct way to improve functionality in these areas.

Improving gut health is also vital, as it is the “second brain” and regulates a large percentage of neurochemical interactions needed for vital and natural mental well-being.

Adjunct Physical Therapies

A wide range of physical therapies is available throughout the program, including therapeutic massage, yoga, QiGong, acupuncture, sacral cranial massage, and more.11,15,20-23

Psychological Therapies

Personal counseling as in cognitive behavioral counseling, grief and trauma counseling, life coaching, Equine assisted therapy, art therapy, and mindfulness practice, are some examples of psychological assistance that are proven alternatives to Rexulti that can assist the process of transitioning to lesser reliance on prescription medication.

Correction of the Diet and Supplementation

The diet is probably one of the most under-utilized forms of natural mental health therapy. Nutrition is largely overlooked in medical training. We train physicians specifically in the use of orthomolecular principles to correct the diet and the proper use of supplementation as a highly effective alternative to prescription medication like Rexulti.12-14,17-19

Clients enjoy gourmet-style meals, snacks, and smoothies developed by our orthomolecular-minded chefs, which are immensely popular with our residents.

With the judicious use of supplementation, clients can benefit from improved sleep, stabilized mood, increased energy, and many other benefits as they progress along their journey to better mental health.

Find Out More about Rexulti Alternatives at Alternative to Meds Center

recovery from drug dependenceIf you are looking for a safe and effective program that will provide a better pathway to long-term success, please contact us for more information. You may want to find out about costs, length of the program, insurance coverage, and other questions you or your loved one may have. Our program is housed in a comfortable pristine facility that feels like home. Medical staff and caregivers have been hand-selected for their compassion and understanding of orthomolecular principles and holistic treatment, including nutritional psychiatry. All of our caregivers are highly trained, licensed, and passionate about helping others reach their goals.

The program has been carefully developed over the past nearly 20 years and has helped thousands of clients to successfully reach improved natural mental health without solely relying on prescription medication. Alternatives to Rexulti and the principles behind them are outlined very carefully in our educational modules and these help clients cultivate a highly workable perspective on their own natural mental health while progressing through their programs, which therefore can be maintained after they leave the program. Call us today!

1 (800) 301-3753 for Rexulti Alternatives Help

1. Eaves S, Rey JA. Brexpiprazole (Rexulti): A New Monotherapy for Schizophrenia and Adjunctive Therapy for Major Depressive Disorder. P T. 2016 Jul;41(7):418-22. PMID: 27408517; PMCID: PMC4927015. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

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10. Maher AR, Theodore G. Summary of the comparative effectiveness review on off-label use of atypical antipsychotics. J Manag Care Pharm. 2012 Jun;18(5 Suppl B):S1-20. doi: 10.18553/jmcp.2012.18.s5-b.1. PMID: 22784311. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

11. Stevović LI, Repišti S, Radojičić T, Sartorius N, Tomori S, Kulenović AD, Popova A, Kuzman MR, Vlachos II, Statovci S, Bandati A, Novotni A, Bajraktarov S, Panfil AL, Maric N, Delić M, Jovanović N. Non-pharmacological interventions for schizophrenia-analysis of treatment guidelines and implementation in 12 Southeast European countries. Schizophrenia (Heidelb). 2022 Mar 1;8(1):10. doi: 10.1038/s41537-022-00226-y. PMID: 35232972; PMCID: PMC8888596. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

12. Palmer CM, Gilbert-Jaramillo J, Westman EC. The ketogenic diet and remission of psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia: Two case studies. Schizophr Res. 2019 Jun;208:439-440. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.03.019. Epub 2019 Apr 6. PMID: 30962118. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

13. Aucoin M, LaChance L, Cooley K, Kidd S. Diet and Psychosis: A Scoping Review. Neuropsychobiology. 2020;79(1):20-42. doi: 10.1159/000493399. Epub 2018 Oct 25. PMID: 30359969. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

14. Brookie KL, Best GI, Conner TS. Intake of Raw Fruits and Vegetables Is Associated With Better Mental Health Than Intake of Processed Fruits and Vegetables. Front Psychol. 2018 Apr 10;9:487. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00487. PMID: 29692750; PMCID: PMC5902672. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

15. Health Quality Ontario. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis: A Health Technology Assessment. Ont Health Technol Assess Ser. 2018 Oct 24;18(5):1-141. PMID: 30443277; PMCID: PMC6235075. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

16. Flatow J, Buckley P, Miller BJ. Meta-analysis of oxidative stress in schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry. 2013 Sep 15;74(6):400-9. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.03.018. Epub 2013 May 15. PMID: 23683390; PMCID: PMC4018767. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

17. Bonnefont-Rousselot D, Collin F. Melatonin: action as antioxidant and potential applications in human disease and aging. Toxicology. 2010 Nov 28;278(1):55-67. doi: 10.1016/j.tox.2010.04.008. Epub 2010 Apr 24. PMID: 20417677. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

18. Meng X, Li Y, Li S, Zhou Y, Gan RY, Xu DP, Li HB. Dietary Sources and Bioactivities of Melatonin. Nutrients. 2017 Apr 7;9(4):367. doi: 10.3390/nu9040367. PMID: 28387721; PMCID: PMC5409706. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

19. Sae-Teaw M, Johns J, Johns NP, Subongkot S. Serum melatonin levels and antioxidant capacities after consumption of pineapple, orange, or banana by healthy male volunteers. J Pineal Res. 2013 Aug;55(1):58-64. doi: 10.1111/jpi.12025. Epub 2012 Nov 9. PMID: 23137025. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

20. Mueser KT, Deavers F, Penn DL, Cassisi JE. Psychosocial treatments for schizophrenia. Annu Rev Clin Psychol. 2013;9:465-97. doi: 10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-050212-185620. Epub 2013 Jan 16. PMID: 23330939. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

21. Farah WH, Alsawas M, Mainou M, Alahdab F, Farah MH, Ahmed AT, Mohamed EA, Almasri J, Gionfriddo MR, Castaneda-Guarderas A, Mohammed K, Wang Z, Asi N, Sawchuk CN, Williams MD, Prokop LJ, Murad MH, LeBlanc A. Non-pharmacological treatment of depression: a systematic review and evidence map. Evid Based Med. 2016 Dec;21(6):214-221. doi: 10.1136/ebmed-2016-110522. Epub 2016 Nov 11. PMID: 27836921. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

22. Carek PJ, Laibstain SE, Carek SM. Exercise for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Int J Psychiatry Med. 2011;41(1):15-28. doi: 10.2190/PM.41.1.c. PMID: 21495519. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

23. Büssing A, Michalsen A, Khalsa SB, Telles S, Sherman KJ. Effects of yoga on mental and physical health: a short summary of reviews. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:165410. doi: 10.1155/2012/165410. Epub 2012 Sep 13. PMID: 23008738; PMCID: PMC3447533. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

24. Brown JS Jr. Psychiatric issues in toxic exposures. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 2007 Dec;30(4):837-54. doi: 10.1016/j.psc.2007.07.004. PMID: 17938048. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

25. Genuis SJ. Toxic causes of mental illness are overlooked. Neurotoxicology. 2008 Nov;29(6):1147-9. doi: 10.1016/j.neuro.2008.06.005. Epub 2008 Jun 24. PMID: 18621076. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

26. Low Dog T. The role of nutrition in mental health. Altern Ther Health Med. 2010 Mar-Apr;16(2):42-6. PMID: 20232617. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

26. Singh SK, Agrawal JK, Srivastava AS, Bhardwaj VK, Bose BS. Acute psychotic disorder and hypoglycemia. Indian J Psychiatry. 1994 Apr;36(2):93-4. PMID: 21743678; PMCID: PMC2972468. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

27. Wesner ML, Hickie J. Long-term sequelae of electrical injury. Can Fam Physician. 2013 Sep;59(9):935-9. PMID: 24029506; PMCID: PMC3771718. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

28. Clapp M, Aurora N, Herrera L, Bhatia M, Wilen E, Wakefield S. Gut microbiota’s effect on mental health: The gut-brain axis. Clin Pract. 2017 Sep 15;7(4):987. doi: 10.4081/cp.2017.987. PMID: 29071061; PMCID: PMC5641835. [cited 2023 Jan 6]

29. Harris E, FDA Greenlights First Drug for Agitation Related to Alzheimer Disease published June 13, 2023 JAMA. 2023;329(22):1907. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.9153 [cited 2023 Aug 22]

30. Jan Yun FDA Extends Black Box Warning to All Antipsychotics published 18 July, 2008 in APA Clinical Research & News [cited 2023 Aug 22]

Originally Published January 9, 2023 by Diane Ridaeus


This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.

Dr. Samuel Lee

Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente.  He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

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Rexulti Alternatives | Holistic Options
Medical Disclaimer:
Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.

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