Lurasidone, otherwise known as the brand name Latuda, is a medication of the class of antipsychotics used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and depression caused by bipolar disorder.
This drug was recently approved by Anvisa for sale in pharmacies in Brazil, in tablets of 20mg, 40mg and 80mg in 7, 14, 30 or 60 tablets, and can be found or ordered from major pharmacies. As it is an antipsychotic, Lurasidone is part of the controlled drug category and is sold only with two-way special prescription.
What is it for
Lurasidone is used for the treatment of:
- Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents from 13 to 18 years;
- Depression associated with bipolar disorder, in adults, as a single drug or in combination with others, such as Lithium or Valproate.
This medication is an antipsychotic, which acts as a selective blocking agent of the effects of dopamine and monoamine, which are brain neurotransmitters, important for the improvement of symptoms.
However, it works with some improvements in relation to older antipsychotics, such as lower metabolic changes, having a lower effect on weight gain and changes in the body's fat and glucose profile.
How to take
Lurasidone tablets should be taken orally once daily with a meal and it is recommended that they be taken at the same time each day. In addition, the tablets should be swallowed whole, to avoid their bitter taste.
Possible side effects
Some of the most common side effects of Lurasidone are drowsiness, restlessness, dizziness, involuntary movements, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, or weight gain.
Other possible effects are seizures, decreased appetite, lethargy, blurred vision, tachycardia, changes in blood pressure, dizziness or changes in the blood count, for example.
Who should not take
Lurasidone is contraindicated in the presence of:
- Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients of the tablet;
- Use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitor medicines, such as Boceprevir, Caritromycin, Voriconazole, Indinavir, Itraconazole or Ketoconazole, for example;
- Use of strong CYP3A4 inducing drugs, such as Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Rifampicin or Hypericum, for example.
Due to the interaction with the effect of these medications, the list of medicines used should always be informed to the accompanying physician.
Lurasidone should be used with caution in people with kidney disease or moderate to severe liver disease, Parkinson's disease, movement disorders, cardiovascular disease or other neurological diseases. In addition, this drug has not been tested in elderly patients with dementia or in children, so use should be avoided in these cases.
