In the world of mental health treatment, new medications are constantly being developed to help people with different psychiatric disorders. One such medication is Lurasidone, also known by its commercial name, Latuda. In this post, we will explain exactly what lurasidone is in simple terms; including what it is used for, how it works and who can benefit from its usage.
Lurasidone: What Do You Need to Know?
Lurasidone helps improve mental health by affecting two important chemicals in the brain called dopamine and serotonin. It does this by blocking certain receptors in the brain that use these chemicals to attach to. By blocking these receptors, lurasidone can help bring back the balance of dopamine and serotonin, which can have a lasting positive impact on a person’s mood, thoughts, and perceptions.
Who Can Benefit From Lurasidone?
Patients with multiple mental health diagnoses can benefit from using lurasidone (Latuda). Some of the mental health conditions for which Latuda has been approved usage for are as follows:
- Schizophrenia – Lurasidone is mostly used to treat schizophrenia, which is a condition where people experience things that are not real, have strange thoughts, or find it difficult to think clearly. Studies have shown that Latuda can help reduce these symptoms, as well as improve social withdrawal and lack of emotions often seen in individuals with schizophrenia.
- Bipolar Depression – Lurasidone is also approved to treat a very specific type of depression called Bipolar I Depression. Individuals who suffer from bipolar disorder, it is typical that they experience periods of feeling very sad and hopeless, followed by periods of high energy and extreme happiness. Lurasidone can help stabilize a person’s mood and reduce the symptoms of depression during these low periods.
- Specialized Groups – Lurasidone (Latuda) has been studied and found to be both safe and effective for adults between the ages of 18-75. It has also been tested in older adults, showing good results without causing many side effects. This means that lurasidone can be a suitable option for a wide range of people. However, it is essential to speak with a healthcare provider who can consider individual circumstances and medical history to determine if lurasidone is the right option.
The Takeaway
Lurasidone (Latuda) is an important medication in the field of mental health treatment. By acting on dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain, this atypical antipsychotic can effectively reduce symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar depression. Its unique mechanism of action sets it apart from other medications, providing a personalized approach to treatment. However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the potential benefits and risks of lurasidone and determine if it's the right fit for individual needs.
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
Citrome, L., & Ketter, T. A. (2013). Lurasidone in bipolar depression: evidence and perspectives. Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease, 4(5), 205-214.
Forest Laboratories, LLC. (2017). Latuda [prescribing information]. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/200603s015lbl.pdf
Loebel, A., Cucchiaro, J., Silva, R., Kroger, H., Hsu, J., Sarma, K., & Sachs, G. (2014). Lurasidone monotherapy in the treatment of bipolar I depression: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 171(2), 160-168.
McIntyre, R. S., Muzina, D. J., Adams, A., Lourenco, M. T., & Law, C. W. (2013). Lurasidone in the treatment of bipolar depression with mixed (subsyndromal hypomanic) features: post hoc analysis of a randomized placebo-controlled trial. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 74(11), 1075-1080.
