Latuda

If you have schizophrenia, your healthcare provider may recommend an antipsychotic drug called Latuda. It comes in tablet form and is usually taken once a day, preferably with food. As with any drug, side effects are possible with this medication. Some of the most commonly reported side effects include drowsiness nausea, and agitation.

Latuda Medication Information

What Is Latuda?

Latuda^® (lurasidone hydrochloride) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of schizophrenia.

(Click Latuda Uses for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)

Who Makes Latuda?

Latuda is made by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

How Does It Work?

Latuda belongs to a group of drugs called atypical (or second-generation) antipsychotic medications. It is not entirely known how it works for the treatment of schizophrenia. However, it is known that Latuda blocks or lessens the effects of certain chemicals in the brain. These chemicals (such as dopamine and serotonin) may be elevated in people with schizophrenia.

Clinical Effects

This medication has been thoroughly evaluated in clinical studies. These studies showed that Latuda was more effective for controlling schizophrenia symptoms than a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredients).

When and How to Take Latuda

Some general considerations to keep in mind during treatment with Latuda include the following:

Latuda comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once a day.
It is important to take this medication with food. Taking it on an empty stomach reduces the amount of drug absorbed into the body.
For the medicine to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Latuda will not work if you stop taking it.

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