Should Latuda Be Taken in the Morning?
No, Latuda (lurasidone) should not be taken in the morning—it must be taken once daily with food (at least 350 calories), and the timing should be evening or with dinner to minimize daytime somnolence, which is one of the most common adverse effects. 1, 2, 3
Critical Administration Requirements
Food Requirement is Non-Negotiable:
- Lurasidone must be administered with at least 350 calories of food to ensure adequate absorption and bioavailability 2, 3
- The pharmacokinetic profile absolutely requires administration with food—this is not optional 2
- Taking lurasidone on an empty stomach significantly reduces drug absorption and therapeutic efficacy 2
Optimal Timing Strategy
Evening Administration is Preferred:
- The most common adverse effect of lurasidone is somnolence (daytime sleepiness), which occurs frequently in clinical trials 1, 4, 3
- Taking lurasidone with the evening meal or dinner allows patients to sleep through the peak sedative effects 1
- Peak plasma concentrations occur 1-3 hours after administration, making evening dosing strategically advantageous for managing somnolence 2
Once-Daily Dosing Schedule:
- Lurasidone is administered once daily within the range of 40-160 mg/day for schizophrenia and 20-120 mg/day for bipolar depression 2, 5
- The recommended starting dose is 40 mg/day with no initial dose titration required 1
- The elimination half-life is approximately 18 hours, supporting once-daily administration 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do Not Take on Empty Stomach:
- Patients who take lurasidone without adequate food will experience subtherapeutic drug levels and treatment failure 2, 3
- The 350-calorie minimum is specific and evidence-based—a light snack is insufficient 3
Timing Flexibility Within Constraints:
- While evening is preferred due to somnolence, the specific time of day can be adjusted based on the patient's meal schedule, as long as it's taken with adequate food 2
- Consistency in timing helps maintain steady-state plasma levels 2
Monitor for Akathisia:
- Beyond somnolence, akathisia is another common adverse effect that may influence timing preferences in individual patients 1, 4, 3
- Nausea and gastrointestinal upset can also occur, which may be better tolerated with evening administration 5, 4
Metabolic Advantages
Favorable Safety Profile:
- Lurasidone demonstrates minimal weight gain and no clinically meaningful alterations in glucose, lipids, or ECG QT interval compared to other antipsychotics 1, 3
- Metabolic-related elevations in weight, glucose, and lipids are absent or minimal even in longer-term treatment 5
- This metabolic advantage is maintained regardless of administration timing 1, 5