thoughtscape NP Psychiatry · Patient education
Lurasidone
Latuda
A daily medicine with one especially important partner: a meal.
Draft for review · Clinical content has not been revalidated for this website.
Take your prescribed dose with food every time. A drink or small snack may not provide enough calories.
What it is used for
Treats schizophrenia in people age 13 and older, and bipolar I depression in people age 10 and older.
For adult bipolar depression, it may be used alone or with lithium or valproate. It is not approved to treat mania.
How it works
It changes dopamine and serotonin signaling involved in symptoms. The small diagram is a simplified picture of those actions.
The goal is steadier mood or clearer thinking and better daily function. A receptor action cannot promise a particular benefit for you.
What to expect over time
FIRST DAYS
Nausea, sleepiness, or restlessness may appear before benefit. Tell your team if they interfere.
NEXT FEW WEEKS
Benefit can build over several weeks. Track changes in mood, thoughts, sleep, and daily activities.
ONGOING CARE
Keep follow-up visits and health checks. Feeling better is a reason to review the plan, not stop on your own.
Taking your medication
Take once daily with at least 350 calories, at a consistent time. Food helps your body absorb the intended amount.
Choose a reliable meal. If eating enough is difficult, tell your team; they can help you make a workable plan.
If sleepy, an evening meal may help; if more alert or restless, ask about morning dosing. Do not change the dose yourself.
When to get help
Emergency help: trouble breathing, facial/throat swelling, seizure, collapse, or high fever with severe stiffness and confusion.
Mood changes: report suicidal thoughts, severe agitation, or unusually high energy right away. Seek emergency help if you cannot stay safe.
Prompt advice: new uncontrolled movements, fainting, fever/infection, marked thirst, or frequent urination.
Early side effects
Nausea, sleepiness, dizziness, stiffness, or tremor can occur. An uncomfortable urge to move or pace is called akathisia; report it rather than assuming it is anxiety. Wait to drive until you know the effects.
Other effects to discuss
Weight, blood sugar, cholesterol, and prolactin can rise even though some risks are lower on average. Report sexual changes, missed periods, milk discharge, or new involuntary movements.
What to keep track of
Expect weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and movement checks. Blood counts or other tests depend on your risks. Bring notes about benefits, side effects, and the meal you take it with.
Before you start
Mention allergies, heart problems, fainting, diabetes, high prolactin, low blood counts, seizures, kidney/liver disease, swallowing problems, Parkinson disease, pregnancy and nursing. Antipsychotics raise death and stroke risks in older people with dementia-related psychosis; Latuda is not approved for that condition.
Medicines & interactions
Some antibiotics, antifungals, and antiviral medicines
Some combinations must be avoided; others require a lower dose. Check even a short new prescription before starting it.
Seizure medicines and St. John's wort
Carbamazepine, phenytoin, and St. John's wort can lower levels and must not be combined with Latuda. Ask about every supplement.
Alcohol, sleep aids, and other sedatives
They can add sleepiness, slowed reactions, and poor balance. Avoid alcohol and check other sedating medicines.
Grapefruit and changes to your medicine list
Avoid grapefruit and its juice. Ask before starting or stopping any medicine; your Latuda dose may need review.
Everyday tips
Use a meal-time reminder. If you miss meals often, bring that up without waiting for the next refill.
Stand slowly; sit or lie down if dizzy. Avoid overheating and dehydration, following any fluid restrictions from your clinician.
Tell your team about restlessness, emotional flatness, or sleepiness. The goal is to feel and function better, not just tolerate treatment.
Ask someone you trust to help notice sudden changes in mood, sleep, or behavior. Call between visits when needed.
Your questions, answered
What if I miss a dose?
Take it with at least 350 calories when remembered unless the next dose is nearly due; then skip it. Never double. Ask before restarting after a longer gap.
Can I stop when I feel better?
Make a plan with your prescriber. Symptoms can return after stopping; there is no one stopping schedule that fits everyone.
What about pregnancy?
Contact your team if pregnant or planning pregnancy. Do not stop abruptly. Ask about newborn monitoring and the pregnancy registry.
Can I breastfeed?
Discuss treatment and feeding options with your team. Evidence is limited; ask what changes in feeding, alertness, or growth to watch for in your baby.
Storage & safety
Store at room temperature, away from children and pets. Do not share; ask a pharmacy about disposal. For an extra dose, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 for collapse, seizure, breathing trouble, or inability to wake.
About this information
For general information only; not a substitute for individualized medical advice. This sheet does not cover every risk or interaction. Ask your prescriber or pharmacist before changing how you take this medication.
Sources
Educational inclusion does not mean this medication or its indications are treated at this practice. Review the guide for your exact product with your prescriber or pharmacist.