Latuda (Lurasidone) Dosage: Strengths, Form, When to Take, & More

What Is Latuda (Lurasidone) & How Is It Used?

Latuda is FDA-approved to treat schizophrenia in adults and patients 13 to 17 years old, and major depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder in adults and patients 10 to 17 years old. It is sometimes used off-label to treat other disorders like major depressive disorder or other mental health conditions.² Off-label uses are not specifically designated by the FDA and should only be used if your provider justifies its use with studies and clear and specific reasons.

Latuda, or lurasidone, is considered an atypical antipsychotic medication. Though its specific action in the body is unclear, it is believed to work through its effect on the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the body. This action helps to improve symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar depression. This article will focus on Latuda’s use for major depressive episodes with bipolar disorder.

Latuda Forms & Strengths

Latuda is available as an oral tablet in many strengths. It is also available as a generic under the name lurasidone. The many strengths of Latuda allow for changes in the dose needed to start and stop treatment safely. The different strengths also allow for changes in dose based on a person’s diagnosis, health history, and other medications they may take in addition to Latuda.¹

Latuda is available in the following forms and strengths:

• 20 milligrams (mg) oral tablet
• 40 milligrams (mg) oral tablet
• 60 milligrams (mg) oral tablet
• 80 milligrams (mg) oral tablet
• 120 milligrams (mg) oral tablet

It is very important to always take your medications, including Latuda, exactly as prescribed. Changing your dose or how you take a medication without first consulting your provider can cause unwanted side effects and lessen the effectiveness of the medication.

How to Take Latuda

Latuda is a tablet taken by mouth once daily with food. It is very important that Latuda is always taken with a meal or a snack that is at least 350 calories.¹ One important food restriction is grapefruit and grapefruit juice. If you are taking Latuda, you should avoid consuming any grapefruit, as it can greatly change the amount of Latuda in your body. Any changes in how you take Latuda can change how well the medication works and potentially increase your risk for side effects.¹

Latuda Dosage for Adults With Depressive Episodes of Bipolar Disorder

Latuda is FDA-approved for treating episodes of major depression associated with bipolar disorder in adults. When using Latuda to treat this condition, the dosages will be different than when treating other conditions. On average, the dose used to treat major depressive episodes is lower than the dosage used for other conditions.¹

Here is Latuda dosage information for adults with major depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder:¹

• Typical starting dosage: It is recommended to start Latuda at 20 mg by mouth once daily with food.
• Dosage increases: The dose may be increased by your provider over time after one week by increments of 20 mg if needed.
• Maximum dosage: The maximum dose of Latuda when treating major depressive episodes with bipolar disorder is 120 mg once daily.

Latuda Dosage for Children & Adolescents With Bipolar Disorder

Latuda is also FDA-approved to treat major depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder in pediatric patients aged 10 to 17 years old. Pediatric patients take Latuda in the same way as adults, once daily with food. While the starting dose is the same, the maximum dose for pediatric patients is lower than for adults.¹

Here is Latuda dosage information for pediatric patients with major depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder:¹

• Typical starting dosage: It is recommended to start Latuda at 20 mg by mouth once daily with food.
• Dosage increases: The dose may be increased by the provider over time after at least one week by increments of 20 mg.
• Maximum dosage: The maximum dose of Latuda when treating major depressive episodes with bipolar disorder is 80 mg once daily.

Latuda Dosage for Adults With Schizophrenia

Latuda is currently approved as a treatment for adults with schizophrenia. Most adults will start with the same dose of Latuda and increase over time if deemed necessary by their provider.

Here is Latuda dosage information for adults with schizophrenia:¹

• Typical starting dosage: It is recommended to start Latuda at 40 mg, taken once daily by mouth with food.
• Dosage increases: Doses of Latuda used for schizophrenia may increase over the course of weeks to months based on treatment response and side effects.
• Maximum dosage: The maximum dose of Latuda when used for the treatment of schizophrenia is 160 mg taken once daily.

Latuda Dosage for Adolescents With Schizophrenia

Latuda is also FDA-approved as a treatment for adolescents aged 13 to 17 years with schizophrenia. Most adolescent patients will start with the same dose of Latuda for adults and increase over time if deemed necessary by their provider. However, the maximum recommended dose is not as high as adults.

Here is Latuda dosage information for adolescents with schizophrenia:¹

• Typical starting dosage: It is recommended to start Latuda at 40 mg, taken once daily by mouth with food.
• Dosage increases: Doses of Latuda used for schizophrenia may increase over the course of weeks to months based on how each responds to treatment.
• Maximum dosage: The maximum dose of Latuda when used for the treatment of schizophrenia is 80 mg taken once daily.

Are There Latuda Dosage Adjustments for Medical Conditions?

It is important to remember that some patients may have other medical conditions or significant health history that change the safe and recommended dose of Latuda. It’s important to update your doctors about any changes in your health history while you’re using Latuda. This is an opportunity for your prescriber to identify any medical conditions that can change the safety and effectiveness of Latuda for you.¹

Latuda dosage adjustments for medical conditions include:

• Patients with kidney disease: If you suffer from renal disease or renal impairment, the recommended starting dose of Latuda is 20 mg once daily. The maximum dose each day for those with renal disease should not be greater than 80 mg.
• Patients with liver disease: Patients with moderate or severe liver disease should start taking Latuda at a dose of 20 mg once per day. If you have moderate liver impairment, you may increase to a max of 80 mg per day, but if you have severe liver impairment, your mx dose would be limited to 40 mg per day.

What if I Miss a Dose of Latuda?

It is important to not miss doses of Latuda if possible. You can utilize aides like phone reminders, alarms, or pill boxes with each day of the week labeled. If you miss a dose of Latuda, you should take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, you should skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. You should not double up on a dose of Latuda ever.¹

It is important to continue taking Latuda until you are directed otherwise by your prescriber. You should not stop taking Latuda even if you feel you no longer need the medication. If you stop the medication abruptly or stop on your own, symptoms may return, or you could experience withdrawal effects.¹

Latuda Dosage FAQs

There are many commonly asked questions about Latuda and how to best take the medication. If you have additional questions besides the ones below, seek out a medical professional like your prescriber or your pharmacist.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Latuda dosage:

Are There Any Foods or Supplements I Should Avoid While Taking Latuda?

While it is very important to take Latuda with a meal or snack of at least 350 calories, there are some foods and supplements you should avoid taking with Latuda. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should not be consumed while taking Latuda. One specific supplement that should not be taken with Latuda is St. John’s wort. This can cause the Latuda to not work as well as intended. You should review all supplements and vitamins with your provider or pharmacist when starting Latuda.¹

Is There Any Risk of Misusing Latuda?

Latuda has not been shown to have a risk for abuse or dependence. There is a risk, however, that comes with taking too much Latuda at one time. It is important to get medical help right away if you take more than your prescribed amount of Latuda, whether on purpose or by accident.¹

Is Latuda Used Long-Term?

Latuda has not been studied for long-term use or longer than 6 weeks at a time. It is important that you schedule routine follow-up visits with your prescriber to continually reevaluate if Latuda is the right treatment for you. If your prescriber decides you are a candidate for long-term use, they should provide specific reasoning and lay out a plan for consistent check-ins.¹

Is Latuda The Same As Abilify?

Latuda and Abilify are not the same medication and are used in different ways. While they can both be used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, Latuda is also used for major depressive episodes, while Abilify is used for manic episodes. It is important not to interchange the two medications.^{1, 3}

Can You Overdose on Latuda?

It is possible to overdose on Latuda. It is important to take steps to prevent overdose, like keeping medication in a safe place and only taking the medication as prescribed. If an overdose is suspected, you must seek medical help right away and call 911. Symptoms may vary between patients and based on the amount taken.¹

Signs of an overdose on Latuda include:¹

• Changes in heartbeat
• Fainting or dizziness
• Extrapyramidal symptoms (involuntary movements)
• Lethargy or tiredness
• Seizure

What Should You Do If You Take Too Much Latuda?

If you take too much Latuda, you should contact 911 right away. You should stay with someone if possible and alert them that you have taken too much of your medication. Follow the direction of medical professionals.

How to Save Money on Latuda

Latuda or its generic equivalent should be covered by most insurance companies. You can check with your insurance before you begin treatment, where you can get your medication filled for the least amount of money. If you feel the price of your insurance is too much, you may want to utilize online discounts and coupons to save money without insurance. No matter which option you choose, discuss with your prescriber if you are unsure of your ability to pay before you begin treatment. You should not start treatment that you will not be able to afford.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Latuda (Lurasidone) Dosage

Speaking at length with your doctor, psychiatrist, and therapist before you begin treatment with Latuda is very important. This is the time to ask all questions and review your health history. It is an opportunity to discover any issues that may come up during treatment and address concerns about taking Latuda. Remember that online psychiatry services may be a good option if you need to change prescribers or have trouble finding a provider in your area.

Questions to ask your care team about Latuda dosage include:

• How should I take Latuda?
• Will my dose change over time?
• How long will it take for me to adjust to taking Latuda?
• How long can I expect to take Latuda?
• How will I know Latuda is working?
• Am I at risk for more serious side effects if I am already taking other anxiety /depression medications?
• What is the best dosage to ensure fewer side effects?
• Is there anything I should tell my therapist about this new medication?
• What should I do if I want to stop taking Latuda?
• How can I reduce the cost of Latuda, such as finding coupons and discounts?