Uses of Lurasidone

Lurasidone is used to treat schizophrenia (disorder that affects a person's ability to think, feel and behave clearly) in adults and adolescents (aged 13 to 17 years). It is also used as a monotherapy to treat depressive episode associated with bipolar depression in adults and children (aged 10 to 17 years). It is also used as an adjunctive therapy with lithium/valproate to treat depressive episode associated with bipolar depression in adults.  

Therapeutic Category

Lurasidone: Atypical antipsychotics

How Lurasidone works

Lurasidone works by blocking the receptors of dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline (neurotransmitters that play a role in schizophrenia) which leads to reduced activity of brain in relation to these receptors, thus improving the symptoms of schizophrenia and depression in affected individuals. 

Common side effects of Lurasidone

• excess sleepiness, akathisia (movement disorder)
• extrapyramidal symptoms such as inability to sit, involuntary muscle contraction, tremors
• nausea, vomiting
• stuffy nose
• weight gain (in bipolar paediatric patients)
• indigestion
• salivary hypersecretion
• back pain
• dizziness
• agitation, anxiety, restlessness
• common cold, flu
• dry mouth, oropharyngeal pain  
• fast heart rate
• upper abdominal pain, loss of appetite
• tiredness
• orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure that occurs while standing up from sitting/lying position)
• blurred vision
• rash, itching
• high blood pressure

When to consult your doctor

• In case of accidental overdosage
• If you experience signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (life threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs) such as very high fever, fast hear rate and altered mental status
• If you experience signs of tardive dyskinesia (movement disorder) such as blinking rapidly, chewing motions, frowning
• If you experience signs of low white blood cell count (due to leukopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis) such as body aches, chills, fever and/or headache
• If you experience stroke (in elderly patients with dementia related psychosis)
• If you experience signs of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) such as feeling very thirsty, feeling very hungry, feeling weak/tired
• If you experience signs of increased fat levels (cholesterol and triglycerides) in blood such as obesity, high blood pressure

Health Tips for Lurasidone

• Follow a balanced and nutritious diet to support your overall health. Nutrient-rich foods can contribute to better mental and physical well-being
• Ensure you have a regular sleep schedule and prioritize getting enough sleep. Adequate sleep is vital for mental health
• This medicine may cause drowsiness or impair your ability to perform certain activities, such as driving or operating heavy machinery. Avoid engaging in activities that require full attention and coordination until you know how the medication affects you
• If you smoke, consider quitting. Smoking can affect the metabolism of certain medications, including lurasidone
• Do not stop or change the dosage of lurasidone without consulting your doctor. Abruptly stopping or altering the dose can lead to withdrawal symptoms or worsen your condition
• Alcohol and certain drugs may interact with this medicine and affect its effectiveness. Additionally, alcohol and substance abuse can worsen mental health conditions
• Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow the recommended dosage and dosing schedule to ensure the medication's effectiveness in managing your mental health condition