
Treatment of schizophrenia includes the use of atypical antipsychotic medication, that is also prescribed for bipolar depression. A commonly used medication of this category is lurasidone. The drug is not approved as a standalone medication for treating manic or mixed episodes of bipolar disorder, but is always part of a treatment regimen comprising other medications. Following sub-sections will focus on the branded formulation of this drug, Latuda, and also offer answers to the common question – how fast does Latuda work?
Overview of Latuda
The atypical antipsychotic medication is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and adolescents above 13 years. It is known to be effective in reducing symptoms linked to schizophrenia, including hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and emotional disturbances. Latuda is also approved for the treatment of bipolar depression in adults as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It can help alleviate symptoms of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, including sadness, loss of interest, changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and decreased energy.
Different forms and dosage of Latuda
Lurasidone is available in tablet form for oral administration. The dosages vary depending on the condition being treated. The following information is only for the purpose of reference, and the actual dosage will always be determined by a competent healthcare professional on the basis of various factors. Typical dosage ranges are outlined below for reference purposes only.
For treatment of Schizophrenia:
For adults, the recommended starting dose is 40 mg once daily, with a target dose range of 40-160 mg/day.
For adolescents above 13 years, the recommended starting dose is 40 mg once daily, with a target dose range of 40-80 mg/day.
For treatment of Bipolar Depression:
For adults, the recommended starting dose is 20 mg once daily, which can be increased to 40-120 mg/day based on the patient’s response and tolerability.
The dosage is not to be either modified or the medication is not to be stopped abruptly without the recommendations of the healthcare provider. This may result in possible withdrawal effects or undesirable outcomes.
Mechanism of action of Latuda
As an atypical antipsychotic medication, Latuda comes with a complex mechanism of action. It is believed that the drug works through a combination of antagonism and partial agonism at various neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. The primary mechanism of action is its antagonism of dopamine receptors, specifically D2 receptors. By blocking these receptors, Latuda helps to regulate the activity of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with the symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. By modulating dopamine activity, Latuda helps to reduce hallucinations, delusions, and other positive symptoms of schizophrenia.
Apart from dopamine receptors, Latuda also exhibits antagonism at serotonin receptors, particularly 5-HT2A receptors. By blocking these receptors, the activity of serotonin another neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, is modulated. This mechanism is believed to contribute to the drug’s effectiveness in treating bipolar depression, as it helps to alleviate depressive symptoms.
The medication also has a relatively low affinity for other receptors, such as histamine H1 and alpha-adrenergic receptors. This contributes to its favorable side effect profile compared to other antipsychotic medications. The aforementioned mechanisms are essentially a simplified understanding of the drug’s action, and the complete picture involves interactions with additional receptors and neurotransmitter systems.
Side effects of Latuda
All medications come with the possibility of undesirable outcomes and Latuda is no exception. The severity and frequency of effects may vary from person to person, and some patients are unlikely to experience any effects whatsoever. Commonly experienced side effects include the following:
#1 Movement-related side effects
Extrapyramidal symptoms include tremors, rigidity, and slower movements, restlessness and the desire to constantly move. Other effects include involuntary muscle contractions, and involuntary repetitive movements (especially facial movements).
#2 Metabolic side effects:
Latuda may cause an increase in body weight, and could trigger changes in blood sugar levels. The elevated blood sugar levels may be of concern for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.
#3 Gastrointestinal side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
#4 Sedation and sleep-related side effects:
Latuda may cause drowsiness, especially when the medication is commenced or dosage is adjusted. Individuals may experience difficulty sleeping while taking Latuda.
#5 Other common side effects:
- Headache
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Akathisia
- Dizziness
A small section of individuals may experience rare or more severe side effects, and all unusual symptoms are to be promptly reported. Patients experiencing severe or persistent side effects that impact routines, may be recommended dosage adjustments or alternative treatment options by the healthcare provider.
How fast does Latuda work?
The onset of action of Latuda, varies from person to person. However, studies indicate that significant improvements in symptoms may begin to be observed within the first one to two weeks of starting Latuda treatment. The full therapeutic effects of Latuda may take several weeks to be realized. Some individuals may experience an earlier response, while others may require a longer period for the medication to reach its maximum effectiveness.
- Onset of Action: Individuals with schizophrenia may start to experience improvement in symptoms within the first one to two weeks of starting Latuda treatment. However, it may take several weeks for the full therapeutic effects to be realized. Individuals with bipolar depression may experience faster onset of action. Patients are likely to experience relief within the first one to two weeks of treatment with Latuda, while the full therapeutic effects may take several weeks to be fully realized.
- Duration of Action: Latuda is typically taken once daily with food, with a half-life of approximately 18 hours. The duration of action refers to the period of effectiveness of the medication. After intake of Latuda, symptomatic relief may be experienced for approximately 24 hours. This effectively means that a single dose offers relief until the next scheduled dose.
The individual responses to medications vary, and the timeline for experiencing the full benefits of Latuda differ from person to person. Depending on the response, the progress, or lack of improvement in symptoms, healthcare providers offer necessary guidance. This helps make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan for the best outcomes.