Brand Name of Lurasidone
The brand name of lurasidone is Latuda®.
Lurasidone (Latuda®) is an atypical antipsychotic medication that has been approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and bipolar depression 1. This second-generation antipsychotic was developed by Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma Corporation in Japan and received FDA approval for use in the United States 1.
Pharmacological Profile
Lurasidone works primarily through:
- Blocking dopamine D2 receptors
- Blocking serotonin 5-HT2A receptors
- Affecting other serotonergic and noradrenergic receptors 2
The medication has a distinctive pharmacodynamic profile compared to other atypical antipsychotics, with its clinical action believed to be mediated mainly through D2, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT7 receptor inhibition 3.
Dosing Information
- For schizophrenia: The recommended dose range is 40-80 mg given once daily 4, 3
- For bipolar depression: Broader dosage ranges (20-120 mg/day) have been found to be effective 3
- No titration is needed when initiating treatment 4
- Lurasidone should be taken with food (≥500 calories) to maximize absorption 5, 4
Clinical Advantages
Lurasidone offers several clinical advantages compared to some other antipsychotics:
- Good weight and metabolic profile
- No cardiovascular adverse effects such as orthostatic hypotension
- No prolongation of the QTc interval 4
- Lower propensity for metabolic side effects (particularly weight gain) compared to most other atypical antipsychotics 5
- Relatively benign neurocognitive side effect profile 5
Side Effect Profile
While generally well-tolerated, lurasidone may cause:
- Somnolence (especially early in treatment)
- Akathisia (higher rates compared to some other atypical antipsychotics)
- Nausea
- Parkinsonism
- Hyperprolactinemia 4, 3
Most side effects with lurasidone are transitory and can be managed effectively with dose adjustment, adjunctive therapy, and/or psychosocial intervention 5.
Lurasidone may be particularly beneficial for patients with schizophrenia who are overweight or have endocrine problems (diabetes, dyslipidemia) or comorbid cardiovascular conditions 4.