What is lurasidone used for?

Lurasidone is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and teens, and to treat bipolar depression in adults and children.

Can I take lurasidone on an empty stomach?

No, lurasidone must be taken with food that has at least 350 calories to help your body absorb it.

Does lurasidone cause weight gain?

Yes, metabolic changes including weight gain and changes in blood sugar or cholesterol are possible side effects of lurasidone.

Is lurasidone safe for elderly people with dementia?

No, lurasidone is not approved for elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis and can increase the risk of death in this group.

What should I do if I feel suicidal while taking lurasidone?

Seek medical help immediately, as lurasidone may increase suicidal thoughts in children and young adults.

Are there interactions with other medicines?

Yes, lurasidone interacts with many drugs, especially strong CYP3A4 inhibitors like ketoconazole, which should not be used with it.

Can I breastfeed while taking lurasidone?

There is not enough data to know if lurasidone passes into breast milk; talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

What is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?

It is a rare but very serious reaction to antipsychotic drugs that requires immediate medical attention.

Lurasidone | CAS 367514-87-2 | PQXKDMSYBGKCJA

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Atypical antipsychotic

Lurasidone (brand name Latuda) is an atypical antipsychotic medicine used to treat schizophrenia in adults and teenagers. It is also used to treat depressive episodes linked to bipolar I disorder in adults and children. It must be taken with food to work correctly.

How it worksLurasidone works by acting on dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain to help manage symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar depression.

Brand names:LATUDA

Used for

Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents (ages 13 to 17)Bipolar depression in adults (either alone or with lithium or valproate)Bipolar depression in children and adolescents (ages 10 to 17)

Conditions

SchizophreniaBipolar I DisorderBipolar Depression

Class

AntipsychoticAtypical AntipsychoticAtypical antipsychoticCentral Nervous System

How to take

FormsOral tablet

RoutesOral

Dosage varies depending on the condition being treated and the patient's age. For example, adults with schizophrenia may start at 40 mg once daily. It is essential to follow the specific dose prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Lurasidone tablets must be taken with food containing at least 350 calories to ensure the body absorbs the medicine properly.

Key warnings

Lurasidone carries a boxed warning regarding an increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. It also carries a warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants.

·Lurasidone carries a boxed warning regarding an increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. It also carries a warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants.
·Not approved for treating dementia-related psychosis in elderly patients.
·Monitor for changes in blood sugar, weight, and cholesterol.
·Watch for unusual muscle movements or extreme restlessness.
·Monitor white blood cell counts if there is a history of low counts.

Do not use if

·Known allergy to lurasidone or any of its ingredients.
·Use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors.
·Use of strong CYP3A4 inducers.

Side effects

Common

SleepinessWeight gainChanges in blood sugar or cholesterolIncreased prolactin levelsMovement issues like restlessness (akathisia)Nausea

Serious

·Increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
·Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
·Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (a rare, serious reaction)
·Tardive dyskinesia (uncontrolled muscle movements)
·Severe changes in white blood cell counts
·Stroke or other brain-related issues in elderly patients
·Seizures

Seek help if

·Suicidal thoughts
·Severe muscle stiffness
·High fever
·Uncontrolled movements
·Signs of allergic reaction

Interactions

·Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (like ketoconazole or ritonavir) should not be used with lurasidone.
·Strong CYP3A4 inducers (like rifampin or St. John's wort) may make the drug less effective.
·If taking a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor (like diltiazem), the lurasidone dose may need to be reduced by half.

FoodLurasidone must be taken with a meal containing at least 350 calories to be effective.

Special populations

PregnancyThere are no studies on lurasidone use in pregnant women. However, taking antipsychotics during the third trimester may cause withdrawal or movement symptoms in the baby after birth. A pregnancy registry is available to monitor outcomes.

BreastfeedingIt is unknown if lurasidone passes into human milk. You should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against the potential risks to the infant.

PediatricLurasidone is approved for schizophrenia in adolescents (13-17) and bipolar depression in children/adolescents (10-17). Its safety in children under 10 has not been established.

GeriatricElderly patients with dementia-related psychosis have an increased risk of death when taking this medication. It is not approved for this specific group.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

·Weight
·Blood glucose
·Lipid levels
·White blood cell count
·Blood pressure
·Heart rate

Questions to ask

·Should I monitor my blood sugar or cholesterol while on lurasidone?
·How should I adjust my dose if I start a new medication?
·What are the signs of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome?
·Is it safe for me to take this if I have cardiovascular disease?

Pharmacokinetics

OnsetPeak serum concentrations reached in 1 to 3 hours

Half-lifeApproximately 18 hours

DurationSteady-state reached within 7 days

BioavailabilityEstimated 9% to 19% absorption

MetabolismPrimarily metabolized via CYP3A4 pathway

Practical

OverdoseThere is no specific antidote for an overdose. If an overdose is suspected, seek medical help immediately for supportive care and monitoring.

Ingredients

Inactive

mannitolpregelatinized starchcroscarmellose sodiumhydroxypropyl methyl cellulosemagnesium stearatetalcpolyethylene glycol 6000titanium dioxide

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.