lurasidone (Latuda)

Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if an antipsychotic medication like lurasidone (Latuda) may be right for you.

Treatment for:
psychotic disorders, bipolar depression

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What is an antipsychotic?

Antipsychotics are a class of medication that is primarily used to treat symptoms of psychosis, like hearing and seeing things that other people do not, feeling paranoid, or having delusions.

How does an antipsychotic work?

Antipsychotics work by blocking dopamine in the brain, which helps reduce the frequency and severity of psychotic symptoms.

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find a provider who meets your needs

    Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).

  • 2

    Meet 1:1 to begin treatment

    Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Attend sessions and start feeling better

    Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.

FAQs

What is lurasidone (Latuda) used for?

Lurasidone (Latuda) is used to treat schizophrenia and depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder.

Does lurasidone (Latuda) cause weight gain or loss?

Yes, weight gain is possible with lurasidone treatment and is a common side effect of the medication. Lurasidone may also cause nausea and vomiting in some people. If this is serious, it may lead to some weight loss. If you're concerned about weight gain or loss with lurasidone treatment, talk with your provider.

How long does it take for lurasidone (Latuda) to work?

How long it takes lurasidone to start working depends on your dosage, the severity of your condition, and how you respond to the medication. Typically, the medication starts to work within 1-2 weeks after you start taking it. However, it may take several weeks of taking lurasidone continuously before you notice an improvement in your condition. If you have questions about the effectiveness of lurasidone for you, talk with your provider.

Does lurasidone (Latuda) make you sleepy?

Yes, sleepiness is a common side effect of lurasidone. The medication may also cause insomnia (trouble sleeping) in some people. Until you know how lurasidone affects you, don't perform tasks that require you to be alert, such as driving.

Is lurasidone (Latuda) a controlled substance?

No, lurasidone is not a controlled substance. It is not habit-forming and isn't known to cause addiction. If you have questions about how lurasidone works, talk with your provider or pharmacist.

Is lurasidone (Latuda) an antipsychotic?

Yes, lurasidone is known as an atypical antipsychotic. Although the exact way lurasidone works is not known, it's thought the medication works by improving levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain to treat schizophrenia and depressive episodes caused by bipolar I disorder. If you'd like to know more about how lurasidone works to treat your condition, talk with your provider or pharmacist.

How long does lurasidone (Latuda) stay in your system?

How long lurasidone stays in your system depends on your dosage and other factors, such as how well your liver and kidneys are working. Lurasidone's half-life is 18 hours. This means it takes this long, on average, for half the medication to leave your body. It takes about five half-lives for a medication to completely leave your body, so it may take a few days for the medication to completely leave your system.

Can I get a prescription online?

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published December 10, 2024

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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