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Overview: Lurasidone is an oral tablet that is used to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Common side effects include sleepiness, restlessness, movement problems, or nausea. Lurasidone can affect your alertness or coordination. It can also affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature. Try to avoid getting overheated, stay hydrated, and wear light and breathable clothing while you are taking lurasidone.
 

Uses

What is lurasidone used for?

Lurasidone is commonly used for the following mental health conditions.

Lurasidone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does lurasidone work (mechanism of action)?

Lurasidone belongs to a group of medicines called second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics. It is thought to work by balancing brain chemicals called serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are known to affect thoughts and mood.

How is lurasidone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Latuda

Dosage forms and strengths

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

How should I store lurasidone?

Lurasidone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store it in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of lurasidone?

The most common side effects of lurasidone are listed below. These side effects may vary based on the condition being treated and your age. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Drowsiness or sleepiness
  • Restlessness (akathisia)
  • Movement problems
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Weight gain
  • A runny or stuffy nose

There may be other side effects of lurasidone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of lurasidone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of lurasidone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Lurasidone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking lurasidone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • A racing heart
  • A fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Suicidal Thoughts or Actions or Mood Changes. Lurasidone or other medicines used to treat depression may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in a small number of children, teenagers, or young adults. The risk is higher in the first few months of taking the medicine or when the dose is changed. Depression or other serious mental health conditions are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions. If you or your child is about to harm themselves, call 911 or call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  • New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other unusual changes in your mood or behavior
  • Symptoms of mania or a manic episode, such as very increased energy; racing, fast-paced thoughts; or talking more or faster than usual

Metabolism Changes. Lurasidone can cause high blood sugar levels or diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and weight gain. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your bloodwork and weight. Call your health care provider if you gain weight or have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Uncontrolled Movements. Lurasidone can cause some people to have movements that they cannot control. This condition, called tardive dyskinesia (TD), can cause jerky movements of the face, tongue, or body. TD can be permanent. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of TD.

  • Tongue sticking out
  • Lip smacking or puckering
  • Grimacing
  • Rapid eye blinking
  • Jerking or twisting motion of the arms, legs, or trunk

Low Blood Pressure Upon Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension) and Falls. Lurasidone may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up from a seated or lying position. Some people faint or even fall when this happens. To help prevent this, be careful not to get up too quickly. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down right away until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak

Seizures. Some people who have used lurasidone have reported having seizures. There are many types of seizures, and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop taking lurasidone and call your health care provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Decreased Alertness or Coordination. Lurasidone can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how lurasidone affects you.

Trouble Swallowing. Lurasidone can cause trouble swallowing (dysphagia), which can increase your risk of choking while eating or drinking. Eat small amounts of food, and chew your food well. Get emergency help if you are choking or have food stuck in your esophagus that is not passing.

Body Temperature Regulation. Lurasidone can affect your ability to regulate your body temperature. This could make you become very hot, especially in hot weather or after exercising a lot. You should drink water and avoid overheating and dehydration. Call your health care provider right away if you are severely ill and have the following symptoms of dehydration.

  • Excessive or no sweating
  • Dry mouth
  • Feeling very hot
  • Feeling thirsty 
  • Not able to pee

Blood Disorders. Lurasidone can cause blood disorders, such as low white blood cell levels (leukopenia,  neutropenia, or agranulocytosis). Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your bloodwork. Stop taking lurasidone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Antipsychotic medicines, like lurasidone, may cause a rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. NMS can lead to death. Stop taking lurasidone and contact your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • High fever
  • Muscle stiffness or rigidity, where it is hard to move
  • Confusion 
  • Changes in your breathing or heart rate
  • Increased sweating

High Prolactin Level (Hyperprolactinemia). Lurasidone may cause an increased level of the hormone prolactin in your blood. High levels of prolactin could lead to fertility or bone problems. Contact your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Irregular or no periods
  • Production of breast milk when not pregnant or nursing
  • Inability to get or keep an erection
  • Enlarged breast size (gynecomastia)
  • Decreased muscle and body hair

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use lurasidone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take lurasidone.

  • Lurasidone
  • Latuda
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific lurasidone products they stock.

Drug Interactions.  Lurasidone should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking lurasidone, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.  See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about lurasidone before using it?

Do not take lurasidone unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share lurasidone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep lurasidone out of the reach of children.

Because lurasidone can make it hard for you to regulate your body temperature, try to avoid becoming too hot or dehydrated. Drink plenty of water, limit your exposure to the heat and sun, do not overexercise, and wear light and breathable clothing.

People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from lurasidone. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using lurasidone?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them find out if lurasidone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

Psychosis Related to Dementia. There is a higher risk of death, stroke, or ministroke in older adults who take lurasidone or another antipsychotic and have memory loss or psychosis related to dementia. Lurasidone is not approved to treat dementia-related psychosis.

Pregnancy. Lurasidone taken later in pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of certain problems in your newborn. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking lurasidone. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take lurasidone while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking lurasidone, you can register with the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics by calling 866-961-2388 or at womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry. This registry collects safety information about the use of psychiatric medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if lurasidone passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take lurasidone while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does lurasidone interact with foods or drinks?

Take lurasidone with at least 350 calories of food. This helps the medicine be best absorbed by your body.

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking lurasidone. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can increase the amount of medicine in your blood and may increase your risk of side effects.

Drinking alcohol while taking lurasidone could increase your risk of sleepiness, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing.

Does lurasidone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking lurasidone.

  • Fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), ketoconazole, posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend), which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • Carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others) or phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used for depression
  • Ritonavir, atazanavir, efavirenz, or etravirine, which is a medicine commonly used to treat HIV
  • Clarithromycin or erythromycin, which is a medicine used for bacterial infections
  • Diltiazem (Cardizem CD and others) or verapamil (Verelan, Verelan PM), which is a medicine used for high blood pressure or other conditions
  • Modafinil, which is a medicine used for certain sleep disorders
  • An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of lurasidone. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with lurasidone. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much lurasidone?

If you or someone else has used too much lurasidone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of lurasidone?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.