Latuda

The active ingredient in Latuda is lurasidone Hydrochloride. Latuda (lurasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic. It is not quite clear how the drug works. However, it is believed to operate by balancing the levels of particular chemicals (dopamine and serotonin) in your brain to assist control your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Latuda. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Latuda:

• Latuda should be taken with food (a minimum of 350 calories).
• You may require frequent blood testing.
• It may be several weeks before your symptoms improve. Continue to use the medication as advised. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or worsen while taking Latuda.
• You should not stop taking this medication abruptly. Stopping unexpectedly may bring additional issues.
• It is easy to become dangerously hot and dehydrated while on Latuda. Drink plenty of fluids, particularly in hot weather and while exercising. You may also be more sensitive to severe temperatures (hot or cold).

The most common side effects of Latuda include:

• Sleepiness or drowsiness.
• Blurred vision.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Stomach pain.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Decreased appetite.
• High blood pressure or high blood sugar levels.
• Increased heartbeat.
• Skin rash or itching.
• Increased risk of infection.
• Inability to sit still and restlessness (akathisia)
• Weight gain or increase in body weight.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Latuda. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Stroke - numbness or weakness on one side of the body, loss of balance, headache, vision impairment, and difficulty speaking.
• Serious infections - fever, headache, chills, body aches, cough, and weakness.
• Suicidal ideas or behavior.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) - fever, increased body temperature, sweating, muscle stiffness, bewilderment, loss of awareness of one's surroundings, and a fast or irregular heartbeat.
• Seizures.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• High prolactin levels (hyperprolactinemia) - milky discharge from the nipple, enlarged breasts, and absent or irregular menstrual periods.

These are not all of Latuda's possible side effects. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Latuda, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol because it can exacerbate Latuda's adverse effects.
• Temperature sensitivity: Latuda may enhance sensitivity to high temperatures. Avoid overheating and dehydration by drinking enough fluids, especially in hot weather or while exercising.
• Impaired alertness: Latuda can impair thoughts and reactions. Exercise caution when driving or other tasks that need attentiveness. To avoid dizziness or falls, stand up gently after sitting or lying down.
• All antipsychotics can cause sedation, dizziness, or orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing up from sitting or lying down).
• Severe reactions: Stop taking Latuda and seek emergency medical assistance if you have very stiff muscles, a high fever, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeats, fainting, tremors, or twitching/uncontrollable movements. These are symptoms of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS).
• Allergic reactions: Do not take Latuda if you are allergic to lurasidone.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of liver, kidney, or heart disease; high or low blood pressure; heart rhythm problems; a history of heart attack or stroke; high cholesterol or triglycerides; low white blood cell counts; seizures; diabetes; Parkinson's disease; swallowing difficulties; abnormal hormone function; breast cancer; or suicidal ideation.
• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Latuda, resulting in undesirable side effects. Avoid using grapefruit products while taking Latuda.
• This medicine can occasionally induce facial/muscle twitching and uncontrollable movements (tardive dyskinesia). In rare situations, this condition could be permanent.

Boxed Warning

• Latuda is not approved for the treatment of psychotic symptoms associated with dementia, and it may increase the risk of death in older persons with dementia-related psychosis.
• Suicidal Thoughts: Some young people may experience suicidal ideation when using Latuda. Keep an eye out for mood swings or symptoms that intensify, and notify your doctor if you are concerned about this worsening.

Contraindications are certain health problems or situations in which a person should avoid taking a drug for safety reasons. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, please notify your healthcare professional because Latuda (lurasidone) is not safe for you to use.

Taking drugs that interact with Latuda (lurasidone), such as ritonavir (Norvir), phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), rifampin (Rifadin), and St. John's wort are contraindications.

Latuda (lurasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic prescribed to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It takes about six weeks to experience the full benefit of Latuda, while another study suggests that it can be effective within two weeks.

When Latuda is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Taking Latuda with other medications that decrease your breathing can result in serious side effects or death. Consult your doctor before taking an opioid, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxant, or medication for anxiety or seizures.
• Any medication for, high blood pressure or a heart rhythm problem, swelling or inflammation, seizures, Parkinson’s disease, depression or psychotic episodes, sleep disorders (insomnia).
• Antifungal medications such as ketoconazole and voriconazole.
• An antibiotic like clarithromycin or rifampin.
• Ritonavir.
• Saint John's wort.
• Seizure medications such as carbamazepine and phenytoin.
• Antidepressants and other antipsychotic medications.
• Other medications that are CYP3A4 inducers or CYP3A4 inhibitors. Examples include cobicistat, diltiazem, telithromycin, and other azole antifungals such as itraconazole.

Dosage Forms: Your healthcare provider will determine your dose based on your condition, kidney or liver function, and any medications that may interfere with Latuda. Your dose may be changed over time based on its effectiveness and any negative effects.

For schizophrenia in adults (18+): Begin with 40 mg once daily. Maximum daily dose: 160 mg.

Teens (13–17): Begin with 40 mg once daily. Maximum daily dose: 80 mg.

For depression (Bipolar Disorder) in adults (18+): Begin with 20 mg once daily. Maximum daily dose: 120 mg.

Children/Teens (10-17): Begin with 20 mg once a day. Maximum daily dose: 80 mg.

If you miss a dose, take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medication entirely.

Store in a dry place at room temperature and keep out of the reach of children.

Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma is the pharmaceutical company that produces Latuda.

There are several lower-cost generics available with the active ingredient of lurasidone.

If you suddenly stop taking Latuda, your condition may worsen or you may develop an unpleasant side effect. To avoid this, your doctor may gradually reduce the amount of Latuda you take each day until discontinuing altogether.

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Latuda (lurasidone). According to studies, many atypical antipsychotics do not increase the risk of miscarriage or birth abnormalities. However, it may create pregnancy difficulties for moms, such as gestational diabetes. Antipsychotics can also increase the likelihood of aberrant muscle movements and withdrawal symptoms in newborns if taken within the last three months of pregnancy.

It is not known if Latuda passes into your breast milk. Consult your doctor about any potential hazards before breastfeeding.