Latuda Weight Gain: Everything You Need to Know

What Is Latuda & How Is It Used?

Latuda, also known by its generic name lurasidone, is a medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and children 13 years and older. It is also FDA-approved for the use of depression associated with bipolar disorder (bipolar depression) in adults and children ten years and older. It is only available as a brand-name medication and is not available as a generic.

Latuda belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics, also known as second-generation antipsychotics, and it works to balance the chemicals in the body by blocking the overproduction of chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin.

Does Latuda Cause Weight Gain?

Atypical antipsychotics are known to cause weight gain as a side effect, with some medications being more likely to cause it than others. Latuda is one medication that is less likely to cause significant weight gain. It produced mild weight gain compared to placebo.

When a patient has drug-induced weight gain from antipsychotics, it tends to occur quickly.⁴ It is important for anyone starting or currently on an antipsychotic treatment to have their weight monitored.

Does Latuda Affect Your Metabolism?

Latuda can cause changes to your metabolism. It may cause weight gain, as previously stated, but it may also cause changes like high blood sugar levels and high cholesterol or triglyceride levels.^{1, 2} This may be a problem as high blood sugar may lead to diabetes over time for certain individuals, and those with diabetes should have their blood sugars monitored when starting Latuda.

Does Latuda or Abilify Cause More Weight Gain?

Latuda and Abilify both belong to the atypical antipsychotic class of medications, meaning that they both have the potential for weight gain as a side effect. Both medications are considered to be at lower risk of causing weight gain as opposed to other atypical antipsychotics. It is not known whether one medication causes more weight gain than the other, though, because there are no studies that directly compare the two drugs.

Can You Lose Weight on Latuda?

It is possible to lose weight on Latuda. It’s important to note that this was not reported in clinical trials, which have the most reliable adverse event reporting. According to a study analyzing adult schizophrenia patients, the data suggested that Latuda was associated with less weight gain and more weight loss. This loss of weight was clinically significant in comparison to other available antipsychotics.³ According to a study conducted by the manufacturer, Latuda may have helped patients to lose weight gained from other antipsychotic treatments, switching to Latuda for their treatment.^{1, 2, 5} However, more research is needed to know if Latuda can cause weight loss.

*All medications, including Latuda, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

How Much Weight Could I Gain With Latuda?

In a short-term study, adults with schizophrenia who were treated with Latuda had an average weight gain of 0.43 kg (0.95 lb) compared to the patients receiving placebo who had a loss of 0.02 kg (0.04 lb). The average weight gain for adults with bipolar depression was 0.29 kg (0.64 lb) compared to the placebo-treated patients who lost 0.04 kg (0.09 lb).

The number of patients with at least a 7% increase in body weight after at least six weeks of Latuda treatment ranged from 2.4% to 4.8% compared to the placebo group’s 0.7% to 5.3%.^{1, 2, 5}

Although this is a short-term study, it displays that the risk of weight gain on Latuda is considered to be low compared to other medications within its class. It is important to note that the amount of weight gained by a patient can vary.

How to Avoid Weight Gain on Latuda

Latuda is less likely to cause weight gain than similar medications, but there is still a potential. To help prevent unwanted weight gain, you should have a plan in place. You could plan your meals, exercise, and utilize your support system, but sometimes you need further help. Asking your doctor for dosage changes or to try a different medication are also options.

Here are 6 ways to avoid weight gain while taking Latuda:

1. Exercise regularly: Keeping active can help to set healthy habits and prevent unwanted weight gain.
2. Talk to your prescriber about your dosage: Sometimes, changing your dosage can curb the side effects that you’re experiencing, like weight gain. It is important to note that you cannot change your dosage by yourself and must do it under a doctor’s supervision to ensure your dosage is safe and effective.
3. Dietary planning: Setting a dietary plan or consulting a dietician may help to mitigate unwanted weight gain.
4. Social support: Weight gain can be a side effect that may affect a person’s confidence or health. Having people to support you may help to manage this effect.
5. Switch medications: Sometimes, patients find that the medication does not work for them, leading them to try other therapies. You cannot change medications by yourself, and you should not stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor.
6. Avoid distracted eating: Eating while distracted, such as watching TV or scrolling on your phone, may cause you to accidentally overeat. Being mindful of what you consume can help to prevent unwanted weight gain.

Will I Lose Weight After Stopping Latuda?

It is possible to lose weight after stopping Latuda. According to one study, data suggested that weight gain caused by antipsychotics, such as Latuda, can be reversed. It was found that reducing the dose, stopping the medication, and switching to other medications that have lower weight-gain properties may reverse some of the weight a patient gained.⁶ Reducing your dose or stopping your medication can introduce a risk of relapse with your condition, so any therapy changes should be discussed with a doctor to prevent any harm.

Are There Latuda Alternatives That Don’t Cause Weight Gain?

There are alternatives to Latuda that have less weight gain potential, but what medications are available to you depends on your diagnosis and personal factors. Some medications may not be appropriate for you depending on certain health conditions or other medications you may be currently taking. Atypical antipsychotics as a class are known to cause weight gain, and the amount a person may gain is variable.

It’s important to know that these medications may also cause mild or serious side effects that are not safe for you. You should talk with your healthcare provider about any questions you have about options with your medications.

The chart below shows the relative risk of gaining weight while taking atypical antipsychotics:^{7, 3, 8}

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team About Latuda Weight Gain

Latuda is a medication that can be used by itself or in combination with other medications. While considered a lower-risk antipsychotic in causing weight gain, that does not mean it is impossible for someone to develop this side effect. When starting Latuda therapy, ask your doctor or psychiatrist questions to gauge if this medication may work well for you.

Questions to ask your care team about Latuda weight gain include:

1. How can I tell it’s the medication causing weight gain?
2. How long will weight gain effects from Latuda last?
3. Am I at risk for increased weight gain if I am already taking other medications, such as antidepressants or anxiety medications?
4. Will a previous history of weight loss or weight gain make me more susceptible?
5. What is the best dosage to reduce the risk of weight gain or weight gain?
6. Are there drugs I am taking that could have increased effects on weight gain?
7. When should I reach out to you if I am experiencing too much weight gain?
8. Are there other medications that may have less impact on my weight?
9. What is the risk of stopping this medication if I am unhappy about potential weight gain?
10. Would working with a dietician help with managing possible weight gain from this medication?
11. How can I cut costs with Latuda, such as coupons and discounts?