Latuda (Lurasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I depression in adults and certain pediatric patients.

What Is Latuda?

Latuda is the brand name for Lurasidone hydrochloride, a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic. It was developed and manufactured by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals and first received FDA approval in 2010 for schizophrenia, with a bipolar depression indication added in 2013.

Latuda belongs to the benzisothiazole class of antipsychotics. It works primarily by blocking dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain, which helps reduce symptoms of psychosis and depression. For a plain-English explanation of how it works, see our guide on how Latuda works.

Latuda is not a controlled substance — it has no DEA scheduling and no abuse potential classification.

A generic version (Lurasidone) became available in 2023, significantly reducing costs for most patients.

What Is Latuda Used For?

Latuda is FDA-approved for three indications:

1. Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents (ages 13–17)
2. Bipolar I depression in adults — as monotherapy or as an add-on to Lithium or Valproate
3. Bipolar I depression in children and adolescents (ages 10–17) — as monotherapy

Latuda is specifically approved for the depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder — not for mania or mixed episodes. This makes it somewhat unique among antipsychotics, as many others are primarily indicated for mania.

Off-Label Uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe Latuda off-label for:

• Schizoaffective disorder
• Major depressive disorder (as adjunctive therapy)
• Bipolar mania
• Irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder

Off-label prescribing is legal and common, but it means the FDA hasn't specifically reviewed evidence for those uses.

How Is Latuda Taken?

Latuda comes as oral tablets in five strengths: 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg.

Dosing for Adults

• Schizophrenia: Starting dose is typically 40 mg/day. Range is 40–160 mg/day.
• Bipolar I depression: Starting dose is 20 mg/day. Range is 20–120 mg/day.

Dosing for Adolescents

• Schizophrenia (13–17): Starting dose is 40 mg/day. Maximum is 80 mg/day.
• Bipolar I depression (10–17): Starting dose is 20 mg/day. Maximum is 80 mg/day.

Important: Take With Food

This is critical — Latuda must be taken with a meal of at least 350 calories. Without food, your body absorbs 2–3 times less of the medication, which means it won't work as well. The meal doesn't need to be high in fat — any 350+ calorie meal works.

Do not crush or chew the tablets. Take them whole with water.

Dose Adjustments

Lower maximum doses apply for patients with:

• Moderate to severe kidney impairment: Start at 20 mg/day, max 80 mg/day
• Moderate hepatic impairment: Start at 20 mg/day, max 80 mg/day
• Severe hepatic impairment: Start at 20 mg/day, max 40 mg/day
• Taking moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (like Diltiazem or Verapamil): Max 80 mg/day

Who Should Not Take Latuda?

Latuda is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Known allergy to Lurasidone or any ingredient in the formulation
• Use with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors — Ketoconazole, Clarithromycin, Ritonavir, Itraconazole
• Use with strong CYP3A4 inducers — Rifampin, Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, St. John's Wort

Latuda should be used with caution in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis (increased death risk — see boxed warning) and in patients with a history of seizures.

For a full list of drug interactions, see our guide on Latuda drug interactions.

How Much Does Latuda Cost?

Cost depends heavily on whether you're getting brand-name or generic:

• Brand-name Latuda: $1,400–$1,862/month (30 tablets) without insurance
• Generic Lurasidone: $100–$300/month at retail price without insurance
• Generic with discount coupons: As low as $20–$50/month through services like GoodRx or SingleCare
• With insurance: Copays typically range from $10–$100/month, depending on your plan's formulary tier (usually Tier 2 or 3)

If cost is a barrier, explore our complete guide to saving money on Latuda, including manufacturer programs, discount cards, and patient assistance options.

Side Effects at a Glance

The most common side effects include somnolence (sleepiness), akathisia (restlessness), nausea, and extrapyramidal symptoms. Latuda is generally considered to have a more favorable metabolic profile than many other atypical antipsychotics — meaning less weight gain and fewer blood sugar issues. For the full breakdown, see our Latuda side effects guide.

Final Thoughts

Latuda is a well-established atypical antipsychotic with proven efficacy for schizophrenia and bipolar I depression. Its relatively favorable side-effect profile — particularly regarding weight and metabolic effects — makes it a popular choice among prescribers. With generic Lurasidone now available, it's more affordable than ever.

If you need help finding a pharmacy with Latuda in stock, use Medfinder to search near you. And if you're looking for a prescriber, check out our guide on how to find a doctor who can prescribe Latuda.