Experiencing Side Effects with Latuda: Understanding Their Nature and Coping Strategies
Introduction
Experiencing Side Effects with Latuda: Understanding Their Nature and Coping Strategies
Lurasidone, marketed under the brand name Latuda, is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for various applications. It is used:
- to manage schizophrenia in individuals aged 13 years and older
- for treating bipolar depression in patients aged 10 years and above
This medication is typically used in long-term treatment regimens for the mentioned conditions.
Below are a few essential facts about Latuda:
- Main active ingredient: lurasidone
- Drug classification: atypical antipsychotics
- Available form: oral tablet
Like most medications, Latuda may have side effects. Continue reading to learn about potential common, minor, and severe side effects. For a comprehensive overview of Latuda, including its uses, visit this article.
More frequent side effects of Latuda
Latuda may trigger certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects can be temporary, lasting from a few days to weeks. If they persist beyond this period, worsen, or become severe, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Here are a few examples of more common side effects reported by Latuda users in clinical trials:
- akathisia (feeling restless)*
- nausea*
- drowsiness*
- involuntary muscle movements, such as tremors, spasms, or twitches
- stiff muscles, slow movements, or difficulties with movement
Milder side effects of Latuda
Mild side effects can occur during Latuda treatment. This list does not contain all possible minor side effects. For more information, refer to Latuda's prescribing information.
Less severe side effects that have been linked to Latuda treatment include:
- akathisia (feeling restless)*
- nausea*
- drowsiness*
- involuntary muscle movements, such as tremors, spasms, or twitches
- stiff muscles, slow movements, or difficulties with movement
- problems concentrating or making decisions
- insomnia
- weight gain†
- nasal congestion or runny nose
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- blurred vision
- dizziness
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if they persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: Post-FDA approval, the FDA monitors medication side effects. If you experience a side effect while using Latuda, you may report it to the FDA via MedWatch.
Serious side effects of Latuda
Latuda may trigger serious side effects. The following list does not cover all potential severe side effects. For more information, refer to Latuda's prescribing information.
If you experience serious side effects while taking Latuda, promptly contact your doctor. If the side effects appear life-threatening or necessitate immediate medical attention, contact 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
Serious side effects and their symptoms include:
Sudden decrease in blood pressure upon changing posture, such as standing up too hastily, is known as orthostatic hypotension. Symptoms include: + feeling dizzy + lightheadedness + blurry vision + alterations in heart rate, whether faster or slower + fainting* An elevated level of prolactin*, a hormone type, can present with symptoms such as: + lactation in non-breastfeeding individuals, or absence of menstruation in females + growth of breasts or sexual dysfunction, like erectile dysfunction, in males* Changes in metabolism may result in: + weight gain + high blood sugar, potentially leading to diabetes + high cholesterol or triglyceride levels* Low white blood cell count can manifest as: + fever + sore throat or mouth + infections* Difficulties in heat regulation can lead to hyperthermia, characterized by: + headache + nausea + dizziness + weakness + hot skin + muscle cramps + rapid breathing and heart rate* Trouble swallowing may exhibit itself through: + choking incidents + aspiration of food or drink into lungs* Seizures may present with: + uncontrollable muscle spasms + staring + drooling + sudden eye movements + loss of consciousness* Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a neurological reaction to antipsychotic drugs, manifests as: + fever + sweating + muscle stiffness + alterations in breathing, heart rate, or blood pressure + confusion* Stroke risk is elevated in seniors with dementia-related psychosis, symptoms of which can include: + hemiplegia, typically affecting face, arm, or leg + speech difficulty + walking impairment + vision problems + confusion* Tardive dyskinesia, characterized by unregulated muscle movements,†* Allergic reactions,†* Increased risk of death in elderly individuals with dementia-related psychosis,§* Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in younger adults and children,§
Side effects in children
Latuda is FDA-approved for treatment of selected mental health conditions in children aged 10 years and above. (For additional information, please refer to this article).
Generally, Latuda's side effects are consistent between children and adults. However, children and youth under 25 years old have a heightened risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to adults. In fact, Latuda has a warning regarding this side effect in this age group. For more information, see the “Specific side effect details” section below.
Latuda and weight gain
Weight gain is a potential consequence of using Latuda due to its impact on metabolism. In clinical trials, Latuda users gained on average around 0.9 pounds (lb) or 0.4 kilograms (kg) for schizophrenia patients, while for bipolar depression patients, the weight gain was about 0.2 lb to 0.7 lb (0.1 kg to 0.3 kg).
Latuda can also increase blood sugar, cholesterol, or triglyceride levels.† These side effects, along with weight gain, may elevate the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Your doctor will likely monitor your weight during Latuda therapy. If you have concerns about weight gain, discuss it with your physician.
Specific side effect details
Learn more about some of the potential side effects that Latuda may cause. For information on the frequency of side effects during clinical trials, consult the Latuda prescribing information.
Sexual side effects
Some individuals may experience sexual side effects while on Latuda. However, the incidence of this is not well-established in clinical trials. Latuda has been shown to increase prolactin levels in both males and females in these trials, a less frequent occurrence. Elevated prolactin levels can at times result in sexual side effects.
For instance, high prolactin levels may lead to erectile dysfunction in males, a rare side effect in clinical trials. In females, high prolactin levels may cause vaginal dryness, which can potentially contribute to sexual issues. However, sexual side effects were not reported in female Latuda trial participants.
If you experience sexual side effects after starting to use Latuda, speak with your healthcare provider. They might suggest methods or recommend alternative treatments to alleviate the issue. However, if these suggestions do not work and you're troubled by persistent sexual problems, your physician may suggest switching to another medication.
Akathisia (Restlessness)
Akathisia might develop while taking Latuda. Akathisia refers to an uncomfortable feeling of restlessness and an inability to remain still. Akathisia was one of the most common side effects reported in clinical trials for Latuda.
The symptoms of akathisia can include:
- Unsettling sensations and nervousness
- Unintentional movements, such as fidgeting, rocking, pacing, or shifting weight
- Difficulty sleeping
- Anxiety
- Irritability
What you can do
If you experience symptoms of akathisia while using Latuda, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They may prescribe medications to manage this side effect or adjust your Latuda dosage (For more information about Latuda dosages, refer to this article).
Tardive Dyskinesia
Antipsychotic drugs, including Latuda, can occasionally cause a severe side effect called tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia results in involuntary, repetitive muscle movements, such as in the tongue, face, neck, arms, or legs.
The exact prevalence of tardive dyskinesia while using Latuda is unclear. However, higher risks are associated with longer treatment durations, and it can develop at any point during treatment or even after discontinuation of the drug. Tardive dyskinesia is more common in older adults aged 65 years and older and women.*
The symptoms of tardive dyskinesia can include:
- Grimacing
- Chewing movements
- Sticking out the tongue
- Frequent blinking
- Lip smacking or pursing
- Jerking movements of the neck, arms, or legs
These symptoms might impact your quality of life and, in some cases, may be permanent, even after discontinuing Latuda use.
What you can do
If you develop symptoms of tardive dyskinesia while using Latuda, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They may consider adjusting your Latuda dosage or suggesting alternative medications to manage your condition.
Nausea
Some individuals might experience nausea while taking Latuda. Nausea was one of the more common side effects reported in clinical trials for this drug.
What you can do
If you experience nausea while using Latuda, consult your healthcare provider. They can suggest strategies to help manage this side effect or prescribe antinausea medication.
Drowsiness
Latuda might cause drowsiness in some users. Drowsiness was among the more common side effects reported in Latuda clinical trials.
Drowsiness might diminish after several weeks of using Latuda.
What you can do
If you feel drowsy while using Latuda, be cautious when participating in activities that could be dangerous, such as driving or operating machinery.
If drowsiness is bothersome, discuss potential solutions with your healthcare provider.
Risk of death
Latuda carries a warning regarding the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. This warning is the most serious issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The increased number of such cases in adults aged 65 years and older is the reason behind this warning.*
Psychosis is a symptom related to mental health conditions, which involves a loss of touch with reality. People experiencing psychosis might hallucinate (see, hear, or smell things that aren't there) or have delusions (beliefs that aren't true).
Dementia is a condition characterized by memory, thinking, and communication problems in some individuals, and some people with dementia might also have psychosis.
Antipsychotic drugs like Latuda might be prescribed off-label to treat dementia-related psychosis in older adults. However, clinical trials demonstrate that these medications can increase the risk of death in older adults.
Note: Latuda is only approved for treating schizophrenia and bipolar depression in specific individuals (To learn more, refer to this article).
What you can do
If you are an older adult with dementia-related psychosis, your healthcare provider may not prescribe Latuda to you. Talk to your healthcare provider about alternative options that may be more suitable for you.
Deteriorating mental health, characterized by:* escalating despair* excessive anxiety* uncontrollable agitation or restlessness* heightened anger, aggression, or irritability* sudden and peculiar modifications in temper, thoughts, or actions* preoccupations with suicide or self-harm* actual attempts at self-harm or suicide attempts
What you can do
If you encounter any warning signs or symptoms of potential suicidal thoughts or behaviors while utilizing Latuda, promptly contact your physician or dial 911 or your local crisis number.
Caretakers of children or adolescents using Latuda should also be vigilant for these signs. Contact the physician immediately if you have concerns about their emotional state or behavior.
If the physician suspects that Latuda might be triggering suicidal thoughts or behaviors, they will likely suggest an alternative medication for your condition.
Suicide prevention
If you encounter a person at imminent risk of self-harm, suicide, or inflicting harm on another, consider:
- Posing the difficult question: "Are you considering suicide?"
- Offering an ear without judgment.
- Contacting 911 or your local emergency number, or texting TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
- Remaining with the person until professional help arrives.
- Attempting to remove any potential weapons, medications, or harmful items if it's secure to do so.
If you or someone you know is grappling with self-harm thoughts, a prevention hotline can provide aid. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is accessible 24/7 at 988. During a crisis, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can utilize their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Allergic reaction
As with many drugs, some individuals might experience an allergic reaction while on Latuda. However, the occurrence of this side effect isn't completely determined during "clinical trials".
Symptoms can manifest as mild or severe and might include:
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Flushing
- Swelling beneath the skin, typically around the eyes, lips, hands, or feet
- Swelling of the tongue, mouth, or throat, which might impede breathing
What you can do
For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, contact your doctor promptly. They may recommend strategies to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should continue using Latuda. However, if your symptoms are severe and you believe you're experiencing a medical emergency, immediately contact 911 or your local emergency number.
FAQs about the side effects of Latuda
Latuda may produce several side effects. Below are some frequently asked questions about Latuda's side effects and their responses.
I'm using Latuda for bipolar disorder. What side effects can I anticipate?
If you're using Latuda for bipolar disorder, there's a possibility of encountering any of the side effects discussed above. Latuda can generate similar side effects in individuals with bipolar disorder as well as in those with schizophrenia.
If you're prescribed Latuda for bipolar disorder, Latuda might heighten your risk of experiencing a manic or hypomanic episode. These episodes are manifestations of bipolar disorder that might trigger you to:
- Experience a sudden and intense change in mood
- Perceive unbounded energy or harbor racing thoughts
- Struggle with concentration
- Need less sleep
If Latuda is prescribed for this condition, make sure to discuss your risk of encounters with your doctor.
While undergoing treatment with Latuda, your doctor may advise you to monitor your mood. The drug's manufacturer has a tool to assist you in tracking your mood and behavior over several months. This tool might be instrumental in spotting early signs of a manic episode.
Do Latuda's side effects encompass memory loss?
No, Latuda is not believed to induce memory loss. This side effect was not reported in "clinical trials" for Latuda.
Memory loss is an uncommon side effect of certain other antipsychotic drugs utilized for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Examples of these drugs include Zyprexa (olanzapine) and Risperdal (risperidone). Memory loss is also a common side effect of certain medications prescribed for bipolar disorder. Examples of these medications include Lithobid (lithium), Depakote (divalproex), and valproate.
If you experience memory loss while using Latuda, discuss it with your doctor.
My doctor has prescribed a 40-mg dose of Latuda. What are the side effects associated with this dose?
Side effects are possible with any dose of Latuda, including the 40-mg dose. However, some side effects might be slightly more common in higher dosages compared to lower dosages. For instance, side effects like akathisia* (restlessness), nausea, drowsiness, and slow or involuntary muscle movements might be more pronounced in higher doses.
The appropriate dosage for you, given your condition and age, may be between 20 mg per day and 160 mg per day. Therefore, you might be less likely to experience side effects at a 40-mg dose compared to a higher dose.
To learn more about potential side effects with your Latuda dosage, consult your doctor.
Can Latuda cause hair loss?
No, it's not likely. Hair loss was not reported in "clinical trials" for Latuda.
Hair loss is an uncommon side effect of certain other antipsychotic drugs used in the treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Examples of these drugs include Zyprexa (olanzapine) and Risperdal (risperidone). Hair loss is also a common side effect of certain other medications prescribed to treat bipolar disorder. Examples of these medications include Lithobid (lithium), Depakote (divalproex), and valproate.
If you experience hair loss while using Latuda, discuss it with your doctor. They can help identify the cause of your hair loss.
- jerking or swaying of the head and neck
- reduced consciousness
- reduced blood pressure
- irregular heartbeat
- seizures
- shock (reduced blood flow to your organs and tissues)
If you believe you've consumed excess Latuda, contact your physician. Alternatively, you can reach out to the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or utilize its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, contact 911 or your local emergency number directly, or head to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Is QT prolongation a side effect of Latuda?
No. QT prolongation (an irregular heartbeat) was not reported in the clinical trials of Latuda.
Certain other antipsychotic medications used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, like thioridazine, chlorpromazine, and haloperidol (Haldol), can cause QT prolongation (also known as long QT syndrome). These drugs are classified as first-generation antipsychotics (older medications used to treat specific mental health conditions).
Latuda is a newer second-generation antipsychotic. These antipsychotics are less likely to affect your heartbeat.
If you have concerns about heart problems with Latuda, speak with your doctor.
Does Latuda cause long-term side effects?
Yes, it's plausible. Most Latuda side effects lessen or disappear within a few weeks. However, some side effects may persist for an extended period or develop after taking the medication longer term.
Side effects that could linger include:*
- changes to your metabolism
- increased prolactin levels
- difficulties in regulating body temperature
Long-term Latuda use may also heighten your risk of developing certain side effects. Among these issues is tardive dyskinesia (uncontrollable muscle movements),† which can continue for an extended time even after stopping Latuda.
Address your concerns about long-term side effects with Latuda to your doctor.
Latuda Warnings and Precautions
Latuda carries various warnings and considerations before usage. Here are some other factors you and your doctor should discuss before commencing Latuda therapy.
Boxed warnings
This medication has warnings concerning the risk of death in certain senior adults with dementia-related psychosis and the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions in younger adults and children. These are significant warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, see the “Side effect specifics” section above.
Other precautions
Discuss your medical background with your physician before using Latuda. This drug may not be the appropriate treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or factors affecting your health. The medical conditions and factors to consider include:
Allergic reaction. If you've had an allergic reaction to Latuda or its components, your physician may not prescribe Latuda. Ask your doctor about alternative medications that may be better suited for you. (For more information, see the “Side effect specifics” section above.)
Diabetes. Latuda can elevate your blood sugar level, which could potentially cause diabetes in the long term. If you have diabetes, your doctor will monitor your blood sugar more closely during Latuda therapy. They may adjust your diabetes medication as required.
High cholesterol or triglycerides. Latuda can increase your cholesterol or triglyceride levels. If you already have high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, Latuda may exacerbate them further. Your doctor will monitor your cholesterol and triglycerides more frequently while you take Latuda. In cases where required, your doctor may prescribe or adjust medications to manage your cholesterol.
Parkinson's disease or dementia with Lewy bodies. If you suffer from either of these conditions, you may have an increased risk of certain side effects with Latuda. Discuss the suitability of Latuda with your doctor.
Other medications. Certain other medications* can affect how your body processes (metabolizes) Latuda. Some medications could lead to Latuda accumulating in your body, increasing your risk of side effects from Latuda treatment. Other medications may reduce Latuda's effectiveness. If you take any of these medications, your doctor may not prescribe Latuda. It's essential to share all medications you take with your doctor.
Alcohol and Latuda
Alcohol is not known to interact with Latuda. However, drinking alcohol during Latuda treatment may enhance the risk of certain side effects from the drug. These side effects include drowsiness, nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, and difficulties thinking clearly. (For more information, see “Side effect specifics” above.)
If you consume alcohol, consult your doctor about whether it's safe to do so while using Latuda.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while using Latuda
It's unclear if Latuda is safe to use during pregnancy. The drug has not been studied during pregnancy.
If you take antipsychotic drugs such as Latuda during the third trimester of pregnancy, your child may have withdrawal symptoms or other side effects. These may include:
- problems with breathing or feeding
- excessive drowsiness
- agitation
- tremors, or rigid or limp muscles
However, Latuda is prescribed to treat serious and potentially life-threatening mental health conditions.* Therefore, the benefits of taking this medication may outweigh its risks.
If you're expecting or planning to become pregnant, speak with your doc about the pros and cons of Latuda.
It's unclear if Latuda makes its way into breast milk. If you're nursing or planning to nurse, have a chat with your doc about the best method to feed your kid if you're on Latuda.
Latuda and abuse
Latuda affects your central nervous system, so it's got the potential for misuse. Abusing a drug means using it in a way or for a purpose your doctor didn't prescribe it for.
However, during clinical trials, people taking Latuda didn't display any indications of drug abuse.
If you've previously misused drugs, your doc will likely keep a close eye on you while you're on Latuda.
When to consult your doc
Latuda can trigger various side effects. Most are usually mild and short-lived, but some can be serious or last a long time.
If you're interested in learning more about Latuda, chat with your doc or pharmacist. They can clear up any queries you might have about the drug's side effects.
Besides talking to your doc, you can conduct some research on your own. These articles may be of help:
- More info on Latuda. For further details on other aspects of Latuda, check out this article.
- Drug comparison. Learn how Latuda stacks up against Abilify or Vraylar.
- Dosage information. You can read about Latuda's dosage in this article.
- Details on your condition. For details on bipolar disorder, see our list of bipolar disorder articles. To get more info on schizophrenia, check out our list of schizophrenia articles.
Disclaimer:Medical News Today has put in every effort to ensure all info is accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date. However, this article shouldn't be used as a replacement for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. Always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug info contained herein is subject to change and not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other info for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
The medication Latuda, which is used for managing schizophrenia and treating bipolar depression, may have side effects. These side effects can be temporary and include:
- akathisia (feeling restless)
- nausea
- drowsiness
- involuntary muscle movements, such as tremors, spasms, or twitches
- stiff muscles, slow movements, or difficulties with movement
These side effects can occur frequently during Latuda treatment, and if they persist or worsen, it is recommended to consult your doctor or pharmacist.