Mechanism of Action: lurasidone is an atypical antipsychotic that is a D2 and 5-HT2A (mixed serotonin and dopamine activity) to improve cognition. It is thought that the antagonism of serotonin receptors can improve negative symptoms of psychoses and reduce the extrapyramidal side effects that are often associated with typical antipsychotics. –DrugBank
Indications:
- Latuda is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and teenagers who are at least 13 years old.
- Latuda is also used to treat episodes of depression associated with bipolar disorder (bipolar depression) in adults and children who are at least 10 years old.
Interactions: many drugs can interact with lurasidone, especially depression or psychotic episodes; sleep problems (insomnia); high blood pressure or a heart rhythm disorder; swelling or inflammation; seizures; or Parkinson’s disease.
Food Interactions:
- Avoid alcohol. The effects of alcohol could be made worse while taking Lurasidone.
- Avoid grapefruit products. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may affect the amount of Lurasidone in your blood.
- Take with food. The manufacturer recommends co-administration with at least 350 calories.
Dosing Forms (-Good Rx)
- Schizophrenia: The typical starting dose is 40 mg by mouth daily with food. Your dose may be increased to up to 80 mg per day (for adolescents age 13 to 17 years) or 160 mg per day (for adults) based on your individual response.
- Bipolar depression: The typical starting dose is 20 mg by mouth daily with food. Your dose may be increased to up to 80 mg per day (for children age 10 to 17 years) or 120 mg per day (for adults) based on your individual response.
The most common side effects of LATUDA include:
- Adults with schizophrenia: sleepiness or drowsiness; restlessness or feeling like you need to move around (akathisia); difficulty moving, slow movements, or muscle stiffness; and nausea
- Adolescents (13 to 17 years) with schizophrenia: sleepiness or drowsiness; nausea; restlessness or feeling like you need to move around (akathisia); difficulty moving, slow movements, muscle stiffness, or tremor; runny nose/nasal inflammation; and vomiting
- Adults with bipolar depression: restlessness or feeling like you need to move around (akathisia); difficulty moving or slow movements; and sleepiness or drowsiness
- Children (10 to 17 years) with bipolar depression: nausea; weight gain; and problems sleeping (insomnia)
Pros
- Considered first-choice treatment for schizophrenia symptom management
- Can be taken alone or with other medications that manage your mood
- Only need to take it once a day
- Can be used in adults, teenagers, and children
Cons
- May take several weeks before you feel the full effects
- Can make you feel sleepy or sedated
- Can be expensive, because it is only available as a brand of medication
–Good Rx
Extra Notes:
- Lurasidone has to be taken with food (at least 350 calories) for full absorption, thus it’s possibly not a good option if there are (under and over) weight issues.
- Lurasidone can be activating and can cause sudden anger/agitation, akathisia, anxiety, and increased difficult thoughts…it could be self-limiting but caution with a hx of mania. Start low and go (titrate up) slow, consider the lowest dose if there’s also a hx of akathisia or restlessness. Another option is to add a medication to treat anxiety or restlessness such as propranolol or consider other treatments (see below).
Additional Information
Official Medication Website: Latuda (Lurasidone)
- FDA Warns Latuda Use Could Lead to Hyponatremia –Tru Law
- Overview of Atypical Antipsychotics for Bipolar Depression –MD Edge (graphic below)
