What is the use of Lurasidone (Latuda)?

From the Guidelines

Lurasidone (Latuda) is primarily used as an antipsychotic medication, specifically for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar depression, and is considered to be one of the most weight-neutral options in its class.

Key Points

• Lurasidone is an atypical antipsychotic that has been shown to have a lower risk of weight gain compared to other antipsychotics such as olanzapine, clozapine, quetiapine, and risperidone 1.
• It is often prescribed for patients with schizophrenia and bipolar depression, and its weight-neutral profile makes it a preferable option for patients with weight concerns 1.
• Other weight-neutral antipsychotics include ziprasidone and aripiprazole, which can be considered as alternative treatment options 1.
• The use of lurasidone should be guided by best practice for the individual patient's circumstance, taking into account their specific needs and medical history 1.

Medication Details

• Lurasidone is available in various dosages, and the specific dosage and treatment regimen should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the patient's individual needs 1.
• It is essential to monitor patients taking lurasidone for any potential side effects, including weight changes, and to adjust the treatment plan as needed 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Lurasidone hydrochloride tablets are an atypical antipsychotic indicated for the treatment of: • Depressive episode associated with Bipolar I Disorder (bipolar depression) in adults and pediatric patients (10 to 17 years) as monotherapy • Depressive episode associated with Bipolar I Disorder (bipolar depression) in adults as adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate

The use of Lurasidone (Latuda) is for the treatment of:

• Bipolar Depression: in adults and pediatric patients (10 to 17 years) as monotherapy
• Bipolar Depression: in adults as adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate 2

From the Research

Use of Lurasidone (Latuda)

Lurasidone, also known as Latuda, is an atypical antipsychotic with several uses, including:

• Treatment of schizophrenia [ 3, 4,5,6 ]
• Treatment of bipolar depression [ 3, 4,7 ]

Mechanism of Action

Lurasidone's clinical action is mediated mainly through the inhibition of D2, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT7 receptors 4

Dosage and Administration

The recommended dose range for lurasidone varies depending on the condition being treated:

• Schizophrenia: 40-80mg/day 4, 5, 6
• Bipolar depression: 20-120mg/day 4, 7 Lurasidone should be taken with food to optimize bioavailability 5, 6

Side Effects

Common side effects of lurasidone include:

• Akathisia 3, 4, 7
• Somnolence 4, 5, 6, 7
• Nausea 3, 6
• Extrapyramidal symptoms 7 Lurasidone has a favorable profile with respect to weight gain and metabolic disturbances 5, 6, 7