My Doctor Prescribed A 40
Side effects of Latuda are possible with any dose* of the drug, including the 40-mg dose. However, some side effects may be slightly more common with higher doses than with lower doses. Examples of these include akathisia , nausea, drowsiness, and slow or involuntary muscle movements.
Depending on your condition and age, your doctor may prescribe you Latuda dosages from 20 mg per day to 160 mg per day. So you may be less likely to have side effects with a 40-mg dose compared with a higher dose.
To find out more about what to expect with your Latuda dosage, talk with your doctor.
* To learn more about Latuda dosages, see this article. For more information, see the More common side effects of Latuda section above.
What If I Miss A Dose
If you miss a dose of Latuda, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If its almost time for your next dose, skip your missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Dont double up on missed doses, as this can increase your risk for side effects.
To help make sure that you dont miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone. A medication timer may be useful, too.
Common Side Effects People Have Besides Parkinson’s Disease *:
* Approximation only. Some reports may have incomplete information.
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Is Qt Prolongation A Side Effect Of Latuda
No. QT prolongation wasnt reported in clinical trials of Latuda.
Certain other antipsychotic drugs taken to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia can cause QT prolongation . Examples of these drugs include thioridazine, chlorpromazine, and haloperidol . These drugs are considered to be first-generation antipsychotics .
Latuda is a newer second-generation antipsychotic. These antipsychotics are less likely to affect your heart rhythm.
If youre concerned about heart problems with Latuda, talk with your doctor.
Can Latuda Cause Sexual Dysfunction
Yes. Males* who take Latuda may have erectile dysfunction . This can be caused by a condition called hyperprolactinemia in which you have a high level of the hormone prolactin. Hyperprolactinemia is a possible side effect of Latuda. For more about possible side effects, see the Latuda side effects section above.
As for females,* there were no reports of Latuda causing sexual dysfunction in clinical trials. But its important to note that an elevated level of prolactin might be a possible cause of sexual dysfunction in females. Its thought that a high level of prolactin decreases vaginal secretions and lubrication in females, causing sexual dysfunction.
Talk with your doctor if youre concerned about sexual dysfunction while taking Latuda. They may be able to suggest ways to help ease the condition.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms male and female in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.
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Im Taking Latuda For Bipolar Disorder What Side Effects Can I Expect
If you take Latuda for bipolar disorder, its possible to have any of the side effects discussed above. Latuda can cause similar side effects in people with bipolar disorder and people with schizophrenia.
If you take Latuda for bipolar disorder, Latuda may raise your risk of having a manic or hypomanic episode. These episodes are symptoms of bipolar disorder that may cause you to:
- have a quick and severe change in mood
- feel very energized or have racing thoughts
- have trouble concentrating
- need less sleep
If youre prescribed Latuda for this condition, be sure to talk with your doctor about your risk of having these episodes.
While taking Latuda, your doctor may recommend you monitor your mood. The drugs manufacturer has a tool that can help you track your mood and behavior over several months. This tool may be helpful for spotting early signs of a manic episode.
Why Do You Need To Take Latuda With Food
Food helps Latuda be absorbed better which is why the product information tells you to take Latuda with at least 350 calories of food. Food almost doubles how much Latuda is absorbed and increases blood levels of Latuda at their peak almost 3-fold. Food helps your body absorb Latuda more efficiently.
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Side Effects In Children
Latuda is approved to treat schizophrenia in children ages 13 and older. The drug is also approved to treat bipolar depression in children ages 10 years and older.
The side effects of Latuda in children are similar to the side effects in adults. See the Mild side effects and Serious side effects sections above for more information.
Latuda has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information, see FDA warnings at the beginning of this article.
Latuda And Other Medications
Below is a list of medications that can interact with Latuda. This list doesnt contain all drugs that may interact with Latuda.
Before taking Latuda, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Latuda and certain medications that affect how your body breaks down Latuda
You shouldnt take Latuda with certain drugs that affect how your body metabolizes Latuda.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors are a type of drug that works by inhibiting an enzyme in your body called CYP3A4. This is the enzyme your body uses to break down Latuda. Blocking CYP3A4 can raise the level of Latuda in your blood, increasing your risk for side effects.
The following drugs are examples of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors:
- clarithromycin
- voriconazole
If you use any of these drugs, talk with your doctor before taking Latuda. They may adjust your doses or recommend other medications.
Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors
Taking Latuda with drugs called moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors can raise the level of Latuda in your blood, increasing your risk for side effects.
The following drugs are examples of moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors:
- atazanavir
- fluconazole
Strong CYP3A4 inducers
- carbamazepine
Moderate CYP3A4 inducers
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Tell Your Healthcare Provider About All Your Medical Conditions And Medications
Because of the risk of side effects, you should tell your healthcare provider about:
- Any physical conditions you may have, particularly
- High blood sugar, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome
- Low white blood cell count
- A history of seizures or epilepsy
- Thyroid problems
- A history of high prolactin levels
- Parkinsons disease or symptoms
- Heart problems
Always talk to your healthcare provider about any side effects experienced when taking Latuda or any other prescription medication.
Avoid Alcohol Antihistamines And Depressants
Any substance that slows down the brain such as alcohol, marijuana, antihistamines, and sedatives will worsen the sedative and cognitive impairment effects of Latuda, raising the risk of accidents or injury. When taking Latuda, do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in risky activities until you are aware of how the drug is affecting you. It is also a good idea when taking CNS depressants such as Latuda to remove obstacles and hazards from around the house to reduce the risk of accidental injury.
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Side Effects And Risks
Latuda and Abilify can cause very similar side effects, but some different ones as well. Below are examples of these side effects.
Mild side effects
These lists contain up to 10 of the most common mild side effects that can occur with Latuda, with Abilify, or with both drugs .
- Can occur with Latuda:
- few unique mild side effects
for these side effects. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For more information, see FDA warnings at the beginning of this article.
Could Latuda Cause Rash Or Itchiness
No. Rash and itchiness werent side effects reported in studies of Latuda.
But rash and itchiness are possible symptoms of an allergic reaction. Even though allergic reaction wasnt reported in studies of Latuda, this side effect can still happen. To learn more about allergic reaction, see the Side effects explained section below.
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What Is The Difference Between Drug Induced Parkinsons Disease And Typically Occurring Parkinsons Disease
It has been seen that drug-induced Parkinsonism usually occur on both sides of your body while usual Parkinsons starts from one side of the body. Apart from this, the medication-induced signs generally are seen to go away after the medicine is finished. However, it may take few months to stop, but is does stop eventually. On the contrary, the typically occurring Parkinsons disease cannot be reversed. Another thing to be kept in mind is that medication-induced Parkinsons disease is not progressive, unlike the typical Parkinsons disease.
Latuda Drug Class And Form
Latuda contains the active drug lurasidone. It belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics.
Atypical antipsychotics may be used alone or with mood stabilizers for the treatment of bipolar depression. For more information, see the Latuda use with other drugs section below.
Latuda isnt part of the antidepressant drug class. However, antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may also be used to treat bipolar depression.
Latuda comes as a tablet that you swallow. Youll likely take the medication once a day. Latuda is available in five strengths: 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg.
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Antipsychotics Used For Parkinson’s Despite Warnings
Doctors Still Prescribe Antipsychotics Despite Risks for Some Parkinson’s Patients
July 11, 2011 — Doctors continue to prescribe antipsychotic drugs to their patients with Parkinson’s disease and psychosis, despite “black box” warnings from the FDA linking them to increased risk of death among patients with dementia, a study shows.
A black box warning is the strongest drug warning issued by the FDA.
“My sense is that the black box warnings don’t factor into decision making,” says study researcher Daniel Weintraub, MD, an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania.
The study is published in the Archives of Neurology.
The black box warning for antipsychotics says the drugs are associated with an increased risk of death for those with dementia, which is common among people diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Some commonly prescribed antipsychotics also worsen symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Risperdal and Zyprexa , for example, are two such drugs, and neither has been shown to be very effective. Yet according to the study, nearly 30% of patients with Parkinson’s and psychosis take them.
Clozaril , the only drug known to be both effective and well-tolerated for treating psychosis in Parkinson’s patients, is prescribed to less than 2% of those with the disease.
“Quetiapine is the No. 1 choice without clear evidence that it’s effective,” says Weintraub.
Risk Of Death In Older Adults With Psychosis Related To Dementia
Latuda has a boxed warning for the risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration .
Latuda shouldnt be used to treat psychosis related to dementia in older adults. Psychosis is a mental health condition that can cause delusions and hallucinations. And dementia is a condition that affects communication, thinking, and memory.
Antipsychotic drugs such as Latuda can raise the risk of death and stroke when used to treat psychosis related to dementia in older people.
Symptoms of stroke can include:
- facial, arm, or leg weakness on one side of your body
- trouble walking, speaking, or seeing
What might help
If you have symptoms of stroke while taking Latuda, tell your doctor right away.
But you shouldnt take Latuda if youre an older adult with psychosis related to dementia. Talk with your doctor about other treatment options that may be a better fit for you.
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Latuda Used As Adjunctive Therapy For Bipolar Depression
Latuda is FDA-approved to treat major depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder. For this purpose, Latuda is used with the drugs lithium or valproate in adults. In this case, Latuda is referred to as an adjunctive treatment because you take it with other medications.
For information on depressive episodes and bipolar I disorder, see the section above, Latuda used alone for bipolar depression.
Effectiveness when used as adjunctive therapy for bipolar depression
In a 6-week clinical study, adults took Latuda with lithium or valproate, or a placebo with lithium or valproate. Researchers used the MADRS to evaluate symptoms of bipolar depression.
The symptoms of depression improved more in adults treated with Latuda and lithium or valproate than in adults who took a placebo with lithium or valproate:
- Adults treated with Latuda and lithium or valproate had an average improvement of 17.1 points on the MADRS.
- In comparison, adults who took a placebo plus lithium or valproate had an average improvement of 13.5 points.
Is Latuda A Narcotic
No, Latuda isnt a narcotic. Latuda is in a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics.
A narcotic is a kind of strong pain reliever thats also known as an opioid. An atypical antipsychotic is a type of drug called a mood stabilizer, which helps treat shifts in mood.
Mood stabilizers that were first created in the 1960s are known as first-generation mood stabilizers. Mood stabilizers that were created in the 1990s are known as second-generation mood stabilizers.
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Common Side Effects Of Latuda
Like all medications, Latuda may cause minor or temporary side effects. More than 1 in 20 people will experience side effects such as sleepiness, nausea, agitated restlessness, stomach upset, or involuntary movements.
In patients taking Latuda, the most common side effects reported are:
Like other antipsychotic medications, Latuda may result in metabolic changes and weight gain, though this is less likely and less pronounced than with similar medications. Latuda may not be the right medication for people with a family history of diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
All antipsychotic medications interfere with the bodys ability to regulate body temperature. As a result, people taking Latuda are at an increased risk of heatstroke , a potentially life-threatening medical condition. Caution must be taken to avoid hot weather or overexertion when taking Latuda.
Latuda increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults being treated for bipolar depression. When giving Latuda for depression, it is important to watch for signs of suicidality including:
- Suicidal ideation or comments
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- Tardive dyskinesia
Finally, Latuda raises the risk of stroke and death in patients over the age of 65 with dementia-related psychosis. For this reason, Latuda is not approved to treat dementia-related psychosis.
How Should I Take Latuda
Take Latuda exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Latuda should be taken with food .
You may need frequent blood tests.
It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using Latuda.
You should not stop using this medicine suddenly. Stopping suddenly may cause other problems.
It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking Latuda. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. You may also be more sensitive to temperature extremes .
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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Will I Feel High While Using Latuda
No, taking Latuda shouldnt cause a high feeling. However, feeling high may be a symptom of bipolar mania. This is a period in bipolar disorder during which you feel extremely energized and excited.
If youre concerned about feeling high after taking Latuda, talk with your doctor. They may want to monitor you more closely for other symptoms of bipolar mania.
Financial And Insurance Assistance
If you need financial support to pay for Latuda, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.
Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., the manufacturer of Latuda, offers the Latuda Copay Savings Program. For more information and to find out if youre eligible for support, call 855-5LATUDA or visit the program website.
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Do Not Eat Grapefruit Or Drink Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice are prohibited when taking Latuda. Grapefruit has substances that increase the amount of lurasidone absorbed by the body, increasing the risk and severity of Latuda side effects. Other drugs and substances may also increase the concentration of Latuda in the body, so make sure to discuss with the prescribing provider all the medications, supplements, and herbal remedies that are being taken.