What is the optimal time of day to take Latuda (lurasidone)?

Optimal Time of Day to Take Latuda (Lurasidone)

Latuda (lurasidone) should be taken with food (at least 350 calories) once daily with the evening meal to maximize absorption and potentially minimize daytime side effects such as somnolence and akathisia. 1, 2, 3

Rationale for Evening Administration

Latuda has specific administration requirements that influence the optimal timing:

• Food requirement: Latuda must be taken with at least 350 calories of food for proper absorption 3
• Once-daily dosing: Approved for single daily administration 1, 2
• Common side effects: Somnolence, akathisia, nausea, and parkinsonism occur especially early in treatment 1

Taking Latuda with the evening meal provides several advantages:

1. Ensures proper absorption: The required food intake is easily achieved with dinner
2. Minimizes impact of sedation: Somnolence (a common side effect) is less disruptive during evening/nighttime
3. Improves tolerability: Patients may sleep through initial nausea or other gastrointestinal side effects

Administration Guidelines

• Dosage: Starting dose is 40 mg/day with no initial titration required 1, 2
• Timing: Take once daily with the evening meal
• Food requirement: Must be taken with at least 350 calories of food 3
• Consistency: Maintain consistent timing each day

Clinical Considerations

Advantages of Evening Administration

Similar to other medications with potential sedative or gastrointestinal effects, taking Latuda in the evening allows patients to:

• Sleep through initial side effects
• Minimize daytime impairment from sedation
• Incorporate medication into regular mealtime routine

Metabolic Profile Advantage

Latuda has a favorable metabolic profile compared to many other antipsychotics:

• Minimal weight gain
• No clinically meaningful alterations in glucose or lipids
• No significant impact on QTc interval 1, 2

This makes evening administration practical without concerns about metabolic effects that might be exacerbated by nighttime dosing.

Important Cautions

• Never take on an empty stomach: Absorption is significantly reduced without food
• Avoid grapefruit juice: May interact with Latuda's metabolism
• Monitor for akathisia: This side effect can occur regardless of timing and may require dose adjustment

Taking Latuda with the evening meal represents the optimal balance between ensuring proper absorption through adequate food intake while minimizing the impact of potential sedative side effects on daytime functioning.