Drug Class: Antipsychotics

Table of Contents

Overview

Latuda (lurasidone) is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia in adults. It may help promote clear thinking, reduce nervousness, decrease hallucinations, as well as improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level.

Latuda is also used to treat episodes of depression in people with bipolar disorder (manic depression).

This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.

It works by helping change certain chemicals in the brain, which professionals refer to as “neurotransmitters.” It is not yet well-understood why changing these neurochemicals results in symptom relief for the conditions this drug is commonly prescribed for.

How to Take It

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine should be taken with food. Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Side Effects

Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include:

  • nausea
  • muscle rigidity
  • weight gain
  • slow movements
  • drowsiness
  • agitation
  • dizziness
  • decreased sexual ability
  • restlessness

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

  • drooling
  • fainting
  • seizures
  • extreme thirst or hunger
  • convulsions
  • trouble swallowing
  • confusion
  • signs of infection (fever or persistent cough)
  • muscle discomfort
  • frequent urination
  • tongue thrusting or mouth puckering

Warnings & Precautions

  • Get medical help right away if you have dark urine or changes in urine output, fever, muscle stiffness or pain, severe tiredness or confusion, sweating, or a fast or irregular heartbeat.
  • DO NOT get too cold, or become overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids. You may become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are using this medication.
  • You may experience a serious drop in blood pressure while taking Latuda. It is recommended that you get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position to reduce dizziness.
  • This medicine is NOT APPROVED by the FDA to treat dementia in older adults and it is NOT APPROVED for children under the age of 18.
  • Due to possible interactions, tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medicines you use now.
  • Take this medication exactly as prescribed, even if you thinking more clearly and are feeling better.
  • For an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. For non-emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Drug Interactions

Before taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes supplements and herbal products.

Dosage & Missed Dose

Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully when taking this medicine. Latuda is available in tablet form and should be taken with food. It is usually taken 1x/day in a dose ranging from 20 – 120 mgs / day.

If you skip a dose, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses or take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (preferably not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

Pregnancy/Nursing

Taking antipsychotic drugs during the last trimester of pregnancy could cause problems in newborns. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking Latuda.It is recommended that you DO NOT breastfeed while taking this medicine.

More Information

For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider, or you can visit this website, https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a611016.html for additional information from the manufacturer of this drug.