Description:
This medication is an oral medication normally prescribed to control symptoms related to schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder in which patients interpret reality abnormally.
It is an antipsychotic drug used to treat depressive episodes manifested by a sudden change in behavior due to bipolar disorder.
What is Latuda used for?
It is used to treat people who are out of touch with reality due to schizophrenia. If not treated immediately, the condition can be disabling and the most chronic. Early treatment can control symptoms before it results in more serious complications.
It is also prescribed to people suffering from bipolar depression. This drug helps people feel less agitated, reduce stress, and think more clearly.
Latuda and Alcohol:
Latuda has sedative properties that alcohol enhances. This can lead to severe breathing complications and highly impaired coordination. This medication and alcohol combined can also cause psychomotor impairment. Do not combine this drug with alcohol to preclude negative effects.
Latuda Dosage:
- Schizophrenia adults:
- 40 mg once daily.
- 160 mg maximum dose per day
- Schizophrenia adolescents (13-17 years):
- 40 mg once daily
- 80 mg maximum dose per day
- Depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder
- adult patients:
- 20 mg once daily
- 120 mg maximum dose per day
- pediatric patients (10-17-years) with bipolar disorder:
- 20 mg once daily
- 80 mg maximum dose per day
Direction:
- Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Read all drug guides or instruction papers that came with your prescription.
- It is best to take Latuda with food (at least 350 calories).
- Drink plenty of water, especially during hot temperatures or when exercising.
Latuda Side Effects:
Side effects based on gender:
Females:
- missed menstrual cycle
- breast milk secretion even if not breastfeeding
Males:
- erectile dysfunction
- breasts enlargement
Common Side Effects:
- drowsiness
- nausea
- weakness
- restlessness
- anxiety
- uncontrollable movements
- shuffling walk
- vomiting
Serious Side Effects:
- stroke, and increased death in older patients with dementia-related psychosis
- seizures
- potential for motor and cognitive impairment
- metabolic changes
Suicidal thoughts and behavior Caution:
- This is not recommended for dementia-related psychotic disorders.
- When taking this medication, some young individuals suffer suicidal thoughts. Carefully watch any mood changes or symptoms.
- Sensitivity to extreme temperature changes.
- It has the potential to affect your thinking and reactions. Be cautious when driving or engaging in activities that require you to be alert.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Latuda for depression treatment?
-Results of certain clinical studies show that this drug is effective for people with bipolar depression problems.
Is Latuda for weight gain possible?
-This has minimal influence on weight growth in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar depression. However, this may vary based on certain individual conditions.
-How long does it take for this drug to work for depression?
Improvement in symptoms may normally manifest after six weeks of treatment, but others saw improved results earlier.
