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Atypical antipsychotic

Lurasiidone hydrochloride (brand name Latuda) is an atypical antipsychotic medication. It is primarily used to treat depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults and children aged 10 to 17. In adults, it can be used alone or alongside lithium or valproate.

How it worksLurasiidone hydrochloride works by blocking specific receptors in the brain, specifically the dopamine D2 and serotonin 2a (5-HT2a) receptors.

Brand names:lurasidone hydrochloride

Used for
Bipolar depression in adults (as a single drug or with lithium/valproate)Bipolar depression in children and adolescents (ages 10 to 17)
Conditions
Bipolar I disorderBipolar depressionSchizophrenia
Class
AntipsychoticAtypical AntipsychoticAtypical antipsychoticPsychiatricMetabolicNeurologicalHematologic

How to take

FormsTablets
RoutesOral

Adults typically start at 20 mg per day, with a range of 20 mg to 120 mg per day. For pediatric patients (10-17), the range is 20 mg to 80 mg per day.

Lurasiidone hydrochloride tablets must be taken with food containing at least 350 calories to ensure the medicine is absorbed properly.

Key warnings

Lurasiidone hydrochloride carries a boxed warning regarding an increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. It is not approved for this group. There is also an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults.

  • ·Lurasiidone hydrochloride carries a boxed warning regarding an increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. It is not approved for this group. There is also an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults.
  • ·Not for use in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
  • ·Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
  • ·Risk of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
  • ·Risk of Tardive Dyskinesia
  • ·Risk of metabolic changes like diabetes or weight gain

Do not use if

  • ·Known allergy to lurasiidone hydrochloride or any of its ingredients
  • ·Use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
  • ·Use of strong CYP3A4 inducers

Side effects

Common

Weight gainChanges in blood sugar (hyperglycemia/diabetes)Changes in cholesterol or fats in the blood (dyslipidemia)Increased prolactin levelsLow white blood cell counts

Serious

  • ·Increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
  • ·Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
  • ·Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (a potentially fatal reaction)
  • ·Tardive Dyskinesia (uncontrolled movements)
  • ·Stroke or other brain blood vessel issues in elderly patients
  • ·Severe allergic reactions (angioedema)

Seek help if

  • ·Signs of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
  • ·Suicidal thoughts
  • ·Severe allergic reaction (angioedema)
  • ·Uncontrolled movements

Interactions

  • ·Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (like ketoconazole, ritonavir, or clarithromycin) should not be used with this drug.
  • ·Strong CYP3A4 inducers (like rifampin, St. John's wort, or phenytoin) should not be used with this drug.
FoodLurasiidone hydrochloride tablets must be taken with at least 350 calories of food to work correctly.

Special populations

PregnancyThere are no specific studies on lurasiidone hydrochloride in pregnant women. However, babies exposed to antipsychotics during the third trimester may experience movement or withdrawal issues after birth. A pregnancy exposure registry exists to monitor outcomes.

PediatricLurasiidone hydrochloride is approved for treating bipolar depression in children and adolescents aged 10 to 17. It has not been tested for safety or effectiveness in children under 10 years old.

GeriatricLurasiidone hydrochloride is not approved for elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis due to an increased risk of death. There is not enough data to know if dose adjustments are needed for age alone in other elderly patients.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

  • ·Weight
  • ·Blood sugar levels
  • ·Cholesterol levels
  • ·White blood cell counts
  • ·Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
  • ·Uncontrolled movements

Questions to ask

  • ·Should I monitor my blood sugar while on Lurasiidone hydrochloride?
  • ·Is it safe to take this with my current medications?
  • ·What should I look for regarding movement side effects?
  • ·How much food do I need to eat with each dose?

Pharmacokinetics

BioavailabilityAdministration with food substantially increases absorption.
MetabolismMetabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes.

Practical

OverdoseThere is no specific antidote for an overdose. If an overdose is suspected, seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center. Supportive care and monitoring are required.

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-26.