Lurasidone

Latuda

Latuda (lurasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that is approved by the FDA, and it is prescribed for treating schizophrenia and depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder. It comes in tablet form with varying dosages, to be taken once daily with food. Latuda works by altering the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain, chemicals involved in mood regulation. While effective, it may cause side effects ranging from mild allergic reactions to severe issues like neuroleptic malignant syndrome. It has significant interactions with certain drugs, foods, and supplements, notably strong inhibitors and inducers of the enzyme CYP3A4, and should not be taken with grapefruit.

Latuda Overview

Latuda (lurasidone) is a brand-name medication also available as a generic drug under the name lurasidone. It belongs to the class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics, which are used to treat mental health conditions by adjusting the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Latuda is specifically approved for treating major depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder & schizophrenia. It is administered orally and is available in doses ranging from 20 to 120 mg.

Patients prescribed Latuda should take it once daily with at least 350 calories of food to ensure proper absorption. The starting dose usually depends on the treated condition—20 mg for bipolar depression and 40 mg for schizophrenia, potentially increasing based on therapeutic needs and patient tolerance. Latuda’s effectiveness in altering brain chemistry comes from its impact on serotonin and dopamine, which helps alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar depression. However, it can take one to two weeks for the effects to become noticeable, and patients are advised to continue usage as prescribed by their doctor.

Side effects can vary from mild, such as sleepiness and nausea, to severe, including increased prolactin levels and the risk of stroke in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Latuda can also interact with a wide range of substances, including strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole, which can increase its blood levels, and inducers like carbamazepine, which can decrease its efficacy. Careful monitoring and consultation with healthcare providers are essential to manage these interactions and side effects effectively.

Uses of Latuda

Latuda is given to teenagers, adults, and children to help with:

• Depressive episodes in bipolar 1 disorder
• Schizophrenia

Latuda Dosage

It comes in the form of tablets and has the following strengths:

• Latuda 20 mg tablets
• Latuda 40 mg tablets
• Latuda 60 mg tablets
• Latuda 80 mg tablets
• Latuda 120 mg tablets

Recommended Latuda Dosage for Different Patients

Dosage for Bipolar Depression

Latuda is approved to treat serious depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder, often called bipolar depression. For this condition, Latuda can be used:

• Alone as a single medication
• In combination with lithium or valproate

Dosage Details:

• Starting Dose: 20 mg once a day
• Usual Dose Range: 20 mg to 120 mg once a day
• Maximum Dose: 120 mg once a day

It is important to take Latuda with food, consuming at least 350 calories.

Your doctor might adjust your dosage based on factors like kidney or liver disease. Discuss with your doctor or healthcare giver to determine the right dosage for you.

Dosage for Schizophrenia

When treating schizophrenia with Latuda, the typical dosage guidelines are as follows:

• Starting Dose: 40 mg once a day
• Usual Dose Range for Adults: 40 mg to 160 mg once a day
• Maximum Dose: 160 mg once a day

You should take Latuda with food, ensuring you consume at least 350 calories.

Your doctor might adjust your dosage based on factors such as kidney or liver disease. Discuss your specific dosage needs with your doctor.

Pediatric Dosage for Bipolar Depression

• Age Group: Children 10 years and older
• Usage: Alone as a single medication
• Starting Dose: 20 mg once a day
• Usual Dose Range: 20 mg to 80 mg once a day
• Maximum Dose: 80 mg once a day
• Instructions: Take with food (at least 350 calories)

Pediatric Dosage for Schizophrenia

• Age Group: Children 13 years and older
• Starting Dose: 40 mg once a day
• Usual Dose Range: 40 mg to 80 mg once a day
• Maximum Dose: 80 mg once a day
• Instructions: Take with food (at least 350 calories)

Your child’s doctor might adjust the dosage based on factors such as kidney or liver disease. Discuss the appropriate dosage for your child with their doctor.

[Note: Remember, these above-mentioned recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your Latuda dosage accordingly.]

How to Take Latuda?

• To avoid missing a dose, consider setting a reminder on your cell phone or using a medication timer.
• If you feel sleepy as a side effect, it might be best to take Latuda in the evening before bedtime.
• You should take Latuda with food. Consuming at least 350 calories with your dose ensures your body absorbs the medication properly.
• Typically, you will take Latuda once a day. It’s important to take it at the same time each day.
• Do not crush, split, chew, or cut the Latuda tablets. Swallow them whole.
• Take Latuda exactly as instructed by your doctor or healthcare professional.
• Latuda is available as a tablet that you swallow.
• Latuda is intended for long-term use. If you and your doctor find that Latuda is safe & effective for you, you will likely take it on a long-term basis.

[Note: Your doctor or pharmacist will decide the right amount of Latuda for you based on your condition, following guidelines & studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]

How Does Latuda Work?

Latuda belongs to a drug class called atypical antipsychotics. A class of drugs refers to a group of drugs that work in a similar way. While the exact mechanism of how atypical antipsychotics work is not known completely, it is believed that these drugs increase the levels of certain chemicals in the body, specifically serotonin and dopamine.

Serotonin and dopamine are chemicals that play a key role in regulating mood and behavior. By increasing the levels of these chemicals, Latuda helps to ease the symptoms of schizophrenia and the depressive phase of bipolar I disorder. It is important to note that it may take 1-2 weeks for Latuda to start showing its effects. Patience and consistent use, as prescribed by your doctor, are crucial during this period.

Latuda Side Effects

Common side effects of Latuda may include:

• Mild allergic reaction
• Extrapyramidal symptoms (a disorder that causes symptoms like restlessness, muscle contractions, tremors, and muscle rigidity)
• Sleepiness
• Nausea
• Akathisia (a movement disorder with restlessness)
• Weight gain

Serious side effects of Latuda may include:

• Increased level of the hormone prolactin.
  • Symptoms in males may include:
    • Erectile dysfunction (trouble getting an erection)
    • Gynecomastia (growth of breasts)
  • Symptoms in females may include:
    • Amenorrhea (lack of menstruation)
    • Producing breast milk when you’re not breastfeeding
• Changes in your metabolism. Signs may include:
  • High blood sugar
  • High levels of cholesterol or triglycerides
  • Weight gain
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Signs may include:
  • Sweating more than usual
  • Confusion
  • Fever
  • Changes in breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate
  • Muscle stiffness
• Risk of stroke in adults (older) with psychosis related to dementia. Signs may include:
  • Weakness in your arm, leg, or face (usually on one side of your body)
  • Trouble seeing, speaking, or walking
  • Confusion
  • Headache
• Low white blood cell count. Signs may include:
  • Sores inside your mouth
  • Infection
  • Fever
• Seizures. Signs may include:
  • Falling
  • Uncontrolled muscle movements
  • Confusion
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Staring
• Trouble maintaining a cool body temperature. Signs may include:
  • Dizziness
  • Dehydration (low levels of fluid in your body)
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Sweaty, warm skin, or clammy
• Orthostatic hypotension. Signs may include:
  • Fatigue (lack of energy)
  • Leg buckling
  • Blurry vision
  • Headache
  • Syncope (fainting) or falling
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
• Allergic Reaction
• Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
• Risk of Death in Adults (Older) with Dementia-Related Psychosis
• Tardive Dyskinesia
• Trouble Swallowing

[Note: This list might not cover all possible side effects of Latuda. Always talk to your healthcare professional for medical advice about side effects.]

Latuda Warnings

FDA Warnings: This drug has boxed warnings, which are the most serious warnings from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). They alert doctors & patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

• Risk of Death in Adults (Older) with Dementia-Related Psychosis: This medication should not be used to treat psychosis in older people with dementia. Psychosis is a symptom of mental illness where you lose touch with reality, and dementia involves problems with thinking, communication, and memory. Antipsychotic drugs like Latuda can increase the risk of death when used in adults with dementia-related psychosis.

• Suicidal Thoughts & Behaviors: In some severe cases, drugs used to treat depression, like Latuda, can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts & actions in children & young adults. The risk is highest during the first four months of treatment. If you start taking medication to treat depression while on Latuda, your doctor should monitor you for a new or worsening suicidal thought or behavior.

Latuda Precautions

Before taking Latuda, discuss your health history with your doctor. Latuda may not be suitable for you if you have certain medical conditions or other health factors. These include:

• Alcohol: There are no known direct interactions between Latuda and alcohol. However, drinking alcohol while taking Latuda may exacerbate certain side effects. These side effects include reduced ability to think clearly, make decisions, or coordinate muscle movements and Increased sleepiness. If you drink alcohol, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor before taking Latuda. Your doctor can provide advice or guidance on whether it is safe to continue consuming alcohol during your treatment.
• Bipolar Disorder: If you have a previous history of bipolar disorder, Latuda can increase your risk for mania or hypomania (periods of high energy & excited behavior). Talk with your doctor about the risk of these conditions while taking Latuda.

• Allergic Reaction: If you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to Latuda tablets or any of its ingredients, you should not take Latuda. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about alternative medications that may be better options for you.
• Parkinson’s Disease or Lewy Body Dementia: A Person with Parkinson’s disease or Lewy body dementia has an enhanced risk of experiencing severe side effects from Latuda. Discuss with your doctor whether Latuda is safe for you if you have either of these conditions.
• Pregnancy: It’s not known if a Latuda tablet is safe to take during pregnancy. Latuda hasn’t been studied in pregnant women, but movement disorders & withdrawal symptoms have occurred in babies born to women who took Latuda during the last three months of pregnancy. These symptoms include agitation (feeling restless or bothered), changes in muscle tone (either decreased or increased), sleepiness, tremors, trouble breathing, and difficulties with eating or refusal to eat certain foods. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about the risks & benefits of taking Latuda.
• Birth Control: If you’re sexually active & you or your partner can become pregnant, consult with your doctor or pharmacist about your birth control needs while you’re using Latuda.
• Fertility: Based on animal studies, taking a Latuda tablets may lead to fertility problems (having trouble conceiving a child) for some women. However, animal studies or research don’t always predict what will happen in humans. If you & your partner are planning a pregnancy, talk with your healthcare giver or doctor before starting Latuda treatment.
• Breastfeeding: It is not known if Latuda can pass into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, consult with your healthcare expert about the risks & benefits of using Latuda.

Latuda Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity: Latuda should not be used by individuals with a known hypersensitivity to the drug.
• Drug Interactions: Latuda is contraindicated for use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers.

Latuda Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Latuda tablet, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose of Latuda, skip the missed dose and take the next one at the usual time. Do not “double up” on missed doses to avoid increased risk of side effects. To help ensure you don’t miss a dose, consider setting a reminder and alarm on your phone or using a medication timer.

[Note: If you have missed a dose of Latuda tablets and are unsure when to take the next dose, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]

Latuda Overdose

Using more than the doctor’s recommended dosage of Latuda can lead to serious side effects. It is highly advisable that you do not use more Latuda than your doctor recommends. Overdose symptoms may include:

• Medical shock
• Low blood pressure
• Twisting or shaking of the head and neck
• Decreased alertness
• Seizures
• Arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm)

If you think you’ve taken too much of this medication, call your doctor. If your symptoms or signs are severe, call 911, contact your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

[Note: If you have consumed more than the recommended dose of Latuda, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]

Latuda Storage

• Store Latuda at room temperature 77°F (25°C).
• Keep in a tightly sealed container away from light.
• Do not store in damp or wet places, such as bathrooms.
• If you no longer need Latuda and have leftover medication, dispose of it safely.
• Proper disposal of this medication helps prevent accidental ingestion by others, including children and pets.
• Safe disposal also protects the environment.

[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional or a medical expert about the proper disposal of any unused medicine & any questions you may have regarding its storage.]

Latuda Interactions

Latuda can interact with several other medications, certain supplements, and certain foods. Different interactions can cause various effects. For example, some interactions can interfere with how well Latuda works. Other interactions may increase the number of side effects or make them more severe.

Interactions with Other Medications

Below is a list of medications that may interact with Latuda. This list doesn’t include all possible drug interactions. Before taking Latuda, talk to your doctor and pharmacist. Inform them about all the prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you are taking. Also, mention any vitamins, herbs, & supplements you use. Sharing this information may help you avoid possible interactions with Latuda. If you have questions about drug interactions that can affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Interactions with Certain Medications That Affect How Your Body Breaks Down Latuda: You should not take this drug with some specific medications that may affect how your body breaks down (metabolizes) Latuda. These interactions can impact Latuda’s effectiveness and safety.

• Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors: Taking Latuda with drugs known as moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors can increase the amount of Latuda in your blood, which heightens your possibility for side effects. The following drugs are the primary examples of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors:
  • Cardizem (diltiazem)
  • Tiazac (diltiazem)
  • Verelan (verapamil)
  • Ery-Tab (erythromycin)
  • Reyataz (atazanavir)
  • Diflucan (fluconazole)
• Moderate CYP3A4 inducers: Taking Latuda with drugs known as moderate CYP3A4 inducers can also decrease the amount of this medication in the blood, potentially reducing the medication’s effectiveness. Examples of moderate CYP3A4 inducers include:
  • Intelence (etravirine)
  • Provigil (modafinil)
  • Tracleer (bosentan)
  • Sustiva (efavirenz)
  • Nafcillin (nafcillin)
• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: These inhibitors are drugs that block an enzyme in your body called CYP3A4, which is used to metabolize Latuda. Blocking CYP3A4 can increase the amount of this medication in the blood, raising the possibility of side effects. The following drugs are the primary examples of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors:
  • Norvir (ritonavir)
  • Vfend (voriconazole)
  • Clarithromycin (clarithromycin)
  • Ketoconazole (ketoconazole)
• Strong CYP3A4 inducers: These inducers are drugs that increase the activity of an enzyme called CYP3A4 in your body. This enzyme breaks down Latuda. When CYP3A4 is too active, it can lower the amount of this medication in the blood, making the drug less effective. Examples of strong CYP3A4 inducers include:
  • Dilantin (phenytoin)
  • Rifadin (rifampin)
  • Tegretol (carbamazepine)
  • Carbatrol (carbamazepine)

Interactions with Foods & Beverages

• Interactions with Caffeine: There are no known interactions between Latuda and caffeine. However, caffeine can interact with other antipsychotic medications, and Latuda falls within this category. Additionally, caffeine may exacerbate conditions such as mania and anxiety. Before starting Latuda, talk with your doctor about the potential risks of consuming caffeine during your treatment.
• Interactions with Grapefruit: You should avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Latuda. Grapefruit & its juice can increase the amount of this medication in the blood, which may raise the possibility of side effects. If you have questions about taking specific foods while on Latuda, discuss them with your doctor.

Interactions with Herbs & Supplements

Taking Latuda with St. John’s wort may make Latuda less effective. Before using any supplements or herbs while taking Latuda, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

[Note: This is not a complete list, & there could be other drugs that interact with Latuda. Make sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, & herbal products you’re taking.]

Latuda Alternatives

• Trazodone
• Wellbutrin SR
• Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)
• Eldepryl (selegiline)
• Cymbalta (duloxetine) SNRI
• Celexa (citalopram)
• Prozac (fluoxetine)
• Abilify (aripiprazole)
• Lexapro (escitalopram)
• Serzone (nefazodone)
• Amitriptyline HCl
• Paxil (paroxetine)
• Viibryd (vilazodone)
• Zoloft (sertraline)
• Nardil (phenelzine)
• Norpramin (desipramine)
• Pamelor (nortriptyline)
• Trintellix (vortioxetine)
• Tofranil (imipramine)
• Anafranil (clomipramine)
• Remeron (mirtazapine)
• Protriptyline HCl
• Surmontil (trimipramine)
• Parnate (tranylcypromine)

[Note: Your doctor will choose what is the best for you. Do not use any of these alternative medications without consulting your doctor or healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause severe side effects.] 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Latuda cause sexual dysfunction?

Yes, Latuda can cause sexual dysfunction. Males who take Latuda may experience erectile dysfunction, which is difficulty in getting or keeping an erection. This can be due to a condition called hyperprolactinemia, where there is a high level of the hormone prolactin in the body. Hyperprolactinemia is a potential side effect of Latuda. For females, there were no reports in clinical trials of this medication causing sexual dysfunction. However, it’s crucial to note that a raised amount of prolactin, which can be a side effect of Latuda, might lead to sexual dysfunction in females. High levels of prolactin are thought to decrease vaginal secretions and lubrication, which can cause sexual dysfunction.

Will I feel high while using Latuda?

No, taking Latuda tablets shouldn’t cause a high feeling. However, feeling high might be a symptom of bipolar mania, a period in bipolar disorder where you feel extremely energized and excited. If you are concerned about feeling high after taking Latuda, talk to your doctor. They can monitor you more closely for other symptoms of bipolar mania.

Is Latuda a Narcotic?

No, Latuda is not a narcotic. It belongs to a class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics, which are medications that work in a similar way to manage certain mental health conditions. Narcotics, on the other hand, are a type of strong pain reliever, also referred to as opioids. Atypical antipsychotics, such as Latuda, are used as mood stabilizers to help treat shifts in mood, such as those seen in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Why avoid getting too hot while using Latuda?

While taking Latuda, it’s important to avoid getting too hot because the medication may reduce your ability to regulate your body temperature. This reduced ability can increase your risk of developing hyperthermia, a condition where your body temperature becomes dangerously high. To prevent this, take steps to stay cool and avoid environments that might lead to overheating. If you have questions about how to safely manage your body temperature while using Latuda, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your doctor.

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