Lurasidone
About
Lurasidone belongs to a group of medications called ‘antipsychotics’. It is used in the treatment of schizophrenia (affects a person's ability to feel, think and behave clearly) and bipolar depression (mood swings). Schizophrenia is a mental condition in which the person may feel, hear or see things that are not there, believe things that are not true, or feel unusually suspicious or confused. Bipolar disorder is characterized by manic episodes in which a person experiences extreme mood swings (variance in thinking) and frequent mood and behaviour changes.
Lurasidone contains ‘lurasidone’ which is an antipsychotic drug. It acts by blocking a hormone (dopamine) present in the brain responsible for developing symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Lurasidone also blocks other neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin. By blocking both, Lurasidone helps to control the brain's activity and decrease the symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disease.
Take Lurasidone as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Lurasidone for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical conditions. You may experience nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, weight gain, indigestion, dryness in the mouth, akathisia (inability to stay still), stomach discomfort, anxiety, upper abdominal pain, restlessness, agitation (nervous excitement), insomnia (difficulty in sleeping) and increased saliva production. Most of these side effects of Lurasidone do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Lurasidone should not be taken in conditions like if you are allergic to lurasidone or any other ingredients present in it. Before taking Lurasidone, inform your doctor if you have problems associated with the liver, kidney or heart and low blood pressure. It is not recommended for use in children under 13 years of age. Before taking Lurasidone inform your doctor if you are older than 65 years of age as it causes more side effects. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Lurasidone causes drowsiness and dizziness. Do not drive unless you are alert.
Uses of Lurasidone
Medicinal Benefits
This Lurasidone is used to treat certain mood /mental diseases like schizophrenia and depression related to bipolar disorder. Lurasidone helps you to feel less nervous, think more clearly and take part in daily life. It may also help to reduce hallucinations (seeing/hearing things that are not there). It alters brain function, improving mood, thinking ability and social behaviour. It reduces the development of symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or other mood disorders.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lurasidone
- Drowsiness
- Weight gain
- Tremors, muscle stiffness, slow muscle movement
- Feeling restless or being unable to sit still
- Nausea, vomiting
- Runny nose
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Dry mouth
- Abdominal discomfort
- Agitation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
It is advisable to you not take Lurasidone if you are allergic to lurasidone or any ingredients present in it. Before taking Lurasidone, inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure, stroke, liver problems, seizures, diabetes, dementia (memory loss), alcohol or drug abuse, sleep apnea (a sleep disorder) and urinary retention. Inform your doctor if you have epilepsy/fits, an increase in your weight, history of blood clots before taking Lurasidone. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop suicidal thoughts, or your depression worsens after taking Lurasidone. There is a greater chance of death in senior adults who take Lurasidone for mental problems caused by dementia (thinking and suicidal symptoms). Most of the deaths were related to infection or heart disease. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Lurasidone as it may worsen the side effects. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Lurasidone causes drowsiness and dizziness. Do not drive unless you are alert.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Lurasidone may interact with antiparkinsons medicines (levodopa), medicines for migraine (ergotamine), medicines for allergic conditions (terfenadine, astemizole), medicines for digestive disease (cisapride), antipsychotic medicines (pimozide), medicine for heart disease (quinidine), chest pain (bepridil), antidepressants (moclobemide, tranylcypromine, citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline, duloxetine, venlafaxine, amitriptyline, doxepin, trimipramine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Lurasidone may interact with grapefruit and alcohol and increase the risk of side effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Lurasidone should be used with caution in patients with dementia, diabetes, low blood pressure, kidney disease and weight gain.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consuming alcohol while on treatment with Lurasidone as it may increase the risk of side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionLurasidone is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Hence, if you are pregnant, inform your doctor before taking Lurasidone. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if Lurasidone passes into the breastmilk. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking Lurasidone, your doctor will prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionLurasidone may cause dizziness. So, it is not recommended to drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Lurasidone.
Liver
cautionLurasidone should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. If you have liver disease, inform your doctor before taking Lurasidone. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionLurasidone should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. If you have kidney disease, inform your doctor before taking Lurasidone. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
Children
unsafeLurasidone is not recommended for use in children under 13 years.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
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Do not take grapefruit or grapefruit juice while using Lurasidone as it may alter the effects of the medicine.
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Avoid intense exercise as it is harder for the body to cool down when it gets very hot. So, drink plenty of fluids and avoid going out in hot weather.
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Do not take alcohol as it increases drowsiness and also worsens the disease condition.
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Eat healthily and keep a check on your weight regularly.
Special Advise
Lurasidone may increase blood sugar levels even if you do not have diabetes, especially in patients with schizophrenia. So, it is recommended to immediately inform your doctor if you have symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue or increased appetite.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Schizophrenia: It is a condition in which the person may see, hear or feel things that are not there, believe things that are not true, or feel unusually suspicious or confused. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders, movement disorders, disorganized thinking, loss of interest, lack of emotions, etc.
Bipolar disorder: It is a serious brain disorder in which a person goes through unusual mood changes (mood swings), and frequent changes in his/her behaviour and thinking.
FAQs
Lurasidone may cause an increase in blood glucose (sugar) levels. So, regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is advised while taking Lurasidone. Diabetes patients should consult a doctor before taking Lurasidone.
Weight gain is a common side effect of Lurasidone, although not everyone is affected. If you experience weight gain on taking Lurasidone, inform your doctor. Eating a healthy diet and frequent exercise can help you maintain your weight.
Alcohol should be avoided while taking Lurasidone since taking both together may lead to severe side effects. You should not drink grapefruit juice while on Lurasidone as it affects the way it works.
Lurasidone may raise the risk of death in older persons who suffer from memory loss, perplexity, or have lost touch with reality. It is critical to understand that Lurasidone may cause suicidal behaviour or thoughts in certain children, adolescents, and young adults during the first few months of treatment and when the dose is adjusted.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Lurasidone. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help in stimulating saliva and thereby prevents drying of the mouth.
