Best Time to Take Latuda (Lurasidone)
Latuda must be taken once daily with food containing at least 350 calories to ensure proper absorption. 1
Critical Administration Requirements
Food Requirement (Non-Negotiable)
- Take with at least 350 calories of food - this is mandatory, not optional 1
- Food increases absorption approximately 2-fold (AUC) and 3-fold (Cmax) 1
- Without adequate food, the medication will be significantly underdosed regardless of the prescribed amount 1
- All clinical trials demonstrating Latuda's efficacy were conducted with food administration 1
Timing Flexibility
- Any time of day is acceptable as long as the food requirement is met 1, 2, 3
- Once-daily dosing with no specific time restriction 2, 3, 4
- Choose a consistent time that aligns with a substantial meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) 1
Practical Dosing Strategy
Meal Selection
- Align with your largest or most consistent meal to ensure the 350-calorie minimum is reliably met 1
- Evening dosing with dinner may be preferable if somnolence occurs, as this is a common side effect 3, 4, 5
- Morning dosing is equally valid if the patient consistently eats a substantial breakfast 1
Common Pitfall to Avoid
- Do not take on an empty stomach or with a light snack - this fundamentally compromises the medication's effectiveness 1
- A small snack (e.g., toast, yogurt alone) is insufficient; 350 calories represents a full meal 1
Starting Dose Considerations
- Recommended starting dose is 20-40 mg once daily depending on indication 1
- No initial titration required 1, 4
- Maximum dose is 80-160 mg/day depending on indication and patient factors 1, 5