Latuda (lurasidone) is a prescription drug generally used to deal with depressive signs associated to bipolar 1 and schizophrenia. Within the class of medicine referred to as atypical antipsychotics, Latuda is believed to work by balancing dopamine and serotonin ranges within the mind to enhance temper and sense of actuality, cut back hallucinations, and stabilize feelings. 

Analysis exhibits that Latuda could be extremely efficient in treating bipolar and schizophrenia, however like all drugs, there are potential unintended effects when taking it. Understanding potential reactions is essential so you’ll be able to take Latuda safely and successfully. 

Earlier than you begin taking Latuda, talk about it overtly along with your physician so you already know what to anticipate and tips on how to handle any challenges that may come up.

Widespread Facet Results You May Count on Whereas on Latuda

As your physique adjusts to Latuda remedy, you would possibly initially expertise some opposed reactions. Over time, many individuals discover the consequences reduce, however particular person outcomes can differ. 

Most frequently, Latuda unintended effects are delicate and short-term and don’t require medical intervention, but when they persist or worsen, it is best to seek the advice of your healthcare supplier for medical recommendation. 

Right here’s what you’ll be able to count on throughout the first few weeks of taking Latuda:

• First 1 – 2 weeks: Signs like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized considering usually enhance, however might not totally resolve.
• By week 2: Motivation can enhance, and the need to be round others can enhance.
• Week 3 and past: Signs of bipolar and schizophrenia can proceed to enhance the longer you are taking Latuda. It will possibly take as much as 3 months earlier than you expertise the complete advantages of this drug. 

Widespread Latuda unintended effects embody:

• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Involuntary muscle actions (spasms, tremors, twitching)
• Dizziness  
• Restlessness
• Anxiousness
• Weak spot
• Fatigue
• Issue considering clearly
• Hassle making choices 
• Muscle stiffness
• Sluggish motion

How Lengthy Do Latuda Facet Results Final?

The length and severity of Latuda unintended effects depend upon particular person components. Delicate results usually ease throughout the first few weeks, whereas urge for food or sleep-related adjustments might last more. 

Some unintended effects would possibly require speedy medical consideration and, relying on their severity, can take longer to resolve. At all times talk about lingering or bothersome results of any remedy or remedy possibility along with your physician to make sure correct administration.

“Taking Latuda at evening helps with the drowsiness within the sedation impact to keep away from nausea. It’s higher to not take it on an empty abdomen and to keep away from extreme alcohol consumption whereas taking Latuda, as it could worsen dizziness, drowsiness, or different unintended effects. At all times inform your physician of every other drugs you’re taking, as drug interactions can exacerbate unintended effects.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir, MD, DFAPA

Much less Widespread Facet Results of Latuda

Though much less frequent, some unintended effects of Latuda (lurasidone) would possibly require medical consideration on account of their affect on every day life and functioning. 

Monitor and talk about along with your physician if you happen to expertise any of the next:

• Unusual desires 
• Again ache 
• Blurred imaginative and prescient
• A burning feeling in your chest or abdomen
• Decreased urge for food
• Diarrhea 
• Feeling fixed motion of self or environment
• Indigestion 
• A spinning sensation 
• Sweating 
• Tenderness in abdomen
• Extreme mouth watering 
• Drooling

Critical Facet Results of Latuda

In uncommon circumstances, some individuals taking Latuda would possibly expertise extreme unintended effects. These are extra severe and might require speedy medical consideration. 

Should you expertise any of the next signs, it’s essential to contact your physician instantly or go to the emergency room:

• Tardive dyskinesia refers to involuntary actions of the face, tongue, or limbs, which may turn into everlasting if left untreated.
• Modifications in temper or habits, corresponding to despair, elevated nervousness, or ideas of self-harm or suicide, must be addressed instantly.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a uncommon however severe response that may happen with sure drugs, marked by excessive fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, irregular heartbeat, and extreme sweating.
• Excessive blood sugar (hyperglycemia) may cause signs like elevated thirst, frequent urination, blurred imaginative and prescient, or excessive fatigue.
• A extreme allergic response might contain swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, problem respiration, or a rash, all of which require pressing medical consideration.
• Coronary heart issues corresponding to chest ache, irregular heartbeat, or shortness of breath shouldn’t be ignored and want immediate analysis.
• A low white blood cell rely can result in frequent infections or fever, signaling a necessity for medical evaluation.

Lengthy-Time period Facet Results and Issues

Latuda is thought of protected for long-term administration of schizophrenia and may also be used for short- or long-term use to deal with depressive episodes of bipolar 1. Nonetheless, extended remedy can have further dangers you have to be conscious of. 

Some long-term unintended effects of Latuda embody:

• Tardive dyskinesia (TD): Lengthy-term use may cause an elevated danger of creating a motion dysfunction like TD. Word that there’s much less potential danger with Latuda than when taking older antipsychotics like Haldol, although. 
• Weight achieve and metabolic adjustments: Latuda would possibly trigger elevated urge for food, resulting in metabolic points, together with excessive ldl cholesterol, hypertension, or kind 2 diabetes.
• Hormonal adjustments: In uncommon circumstances, Latuda can have an effect on prolactin ranges, inflicting points corresponding to breast tenderness or menstrual irregularities.

To attenuate long-term dangers, having common check-ups along with your healthcare supplier is important. Routine monitoring of your weight, blood sugar, levels of cholesterol, and movement-related signs will guarantee your physician catches and manages any problems early.

Managing Facet Results with Your Healthcare Supplier

If unintended effects persist, speak to your healthcare supplier to search for options.

Collectively, you’ll be able to talk about:

• Dose changes: A decrease dose would possibly cut back the severity of reactions.
• A distinct remedy: Should you’re experiencing extreme or lingering unintended effects, your healthcare supplier would possibly recommend alternate options for Latuda to seek out one of the best match to your remedy targets.
• Implementing life-style adjustments: Undertake wholesome consuming habits, train usually, and follow stress administration to assist cut back opposed reactions.
• New signs: If in case you have new or bothersome signs, don’t wait to your subsequent appointment — report any important adjustments or extreme reactions as quickly as potential. 
• Following prescribed directions: At all times take Latuda precisely as directed. By no means cease taking this or any drug with out speaking to your physician first. Not having a correct taper plan can result in Latuda withdrawal signs or worsening of your situation.

“Take remedy on time and maintain your physician knowledgeable of every other remedy, over-the-counter dietary supplements, or use of alcohol or illicit substances.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir, MD, DFAPA

See If Latuda Is Proper for You with Talkspace 

Latuda could be a game-changer in managing bipolar 1, despair, or schizophrenia, nevertheless it’s important to learn in regards to the frequent unintended effects of any drug you’re taking. Understanding what to anticipate, together with potential drug interactions, might help you confidently handle your remedy.  

Should you’re contemplating beginning or switching to Latuda, Talkspace might help you navigate the method. Talkspace ensures straightforward and handy entry to on-line psychiatrists, therapists, and medicine administration. Take step one towards managing your psychological well being with Talkspace immediately. Attain out to be taught extra about tips on how to get Latuda on-line with Talkspace.