What is lurasidone hydrochloride used for? A Comprehensive Guide

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

In the United States, approximately 2.8% of adults experience bipolar disorder in a given year, and schizophrenia affects about 1 in 300 adults worldwide. For these conditions, what is lurasidone hydrochloride used for? It is an atypical antipsychotic medication approved by the FDA to manage symptoms of both schizophrenia and bipolar depression.

Quick Summary

Lurasidone hydrochloride is an atypical antipsychotic prescribed for schizophrenia and bipolar depression. It works by balancing dopamine and serotonin in the brain and is known for a lower risk of certain metabolic side effects compared to some other antipsychotics.

Key Points

Primary Uses: Lurasidone hydrochloride is FDA-approved to treat schizophrenia in adults and adolescents (13+) and depressive episodes of Bipolar I Disorder in adults and children (10+).
Mechanism: It is an atypical antipsychotic that works by balancing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood, thoughts, and behavior.
Administration: It must be taken once daily with a meal for proper absorption.
Black Box Warnings: Lurasidone has warnings for increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis and increased risk of suicidal thoughts in young adults, adolescents, and children.
Side Effect Profile: Common side effects include restlessness (akathisia), drowsiness, nausea, and movement problems. It generally has a lower risk of metabolic side effects like weight gain compared to some other antipsychotics.
Dosage: Dosing of lurasidone is determined by a healthcare provider based on the individual's condition, age, and response to treatment.
Drug Interactions: Use of lurasidone is contraindicated with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (like ketoconazole) and inducers (like St. John's wort).

Lurasidone hydrochloride, sold under the brand name Latuda, is a second-generation (atypical) antipsychotic medication. It was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010. Unlike first-generation antipsychotics, atypical antipsychotics like lurasidone are generally associated with a lower risk of certain movement-related side effects, though they carry their own set of potential adverse effects. Lurasidone works by modulating the activity of key neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and serotonin, to help manage symptoms of complex mental health conditions. The medication must be taken with food to ensure it is properly absorbed by the body.

What is Lurasidone Hydrochloride Used For? The Primary Indications

Lurasidone hydrochloride is primarily used for two major, FDA-approved indications: treating schizophrenia and managing depressive episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder.

Treating Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness characterized by symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and a loss of interest in life. Lurasidone is FDA-approved for treating schizophrenia in adults and adolescents aged 13 and older. It helps to rebalance dopamine and serotonin, which can alleviate the symptoms associated with the condition. The appropriate dosage for schizophrenia will be determined by a healthcare provider based on the individual's needs and response to treatment.

Managing Bipolar Depression

Bipolar I Disorder is a condition involving episodes of mania and depression. Lurasidone is specifically approved for the depressive episodes within this disorder, not for treating mania. It can be used in several ways:

Monotherapy for Adults and Children (10-17 years): It can be used by itself to treat bipolar depression.
Adjunctive Therapy for Adults: It can be used in combination with other mood stabilizers, specifically lithium or valproate, for adults with bipolar depression. The appropriate dosage for bipolar depression will be determined by a healthcare provider and may vary based on whether it is used alone or with other medications.

Mechanism of Action: How Lurasidone Works

The precise way lurasidone works is not fully understood, but its effectiveness is believed to come from its combined antagonist activity at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. It also has a high affinity for the serotonin 5-HT7 receptor and acts as a partial agonist at the 5-HT1A receptor, which may contribute to its antidepressant effects. This unique receptor binding profile is thought to be responsible for its therapeutic effects while contributing to a side effect profile that can differ from other antipsychotics, particularly regarding metabolic changes.

Important Safety Information and Side Effects

Like all antipsychotic medications, lurasidone has important warnings and potential side effects. A healthcare provider will discuss these with you before prescribing the medication.

Black Box Warnings

Lurasidone carries two FDA black box warnings, which are the most serious type of warning.

Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis: Lurasidone is not approved for treating psychosis in elderly patients with dementia, as studies show these medications increase the risk of death in this population.
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Antidepressants, including lurasidone when used for bipolar depression, can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults (up to age 24). Patients of all ages should be monitored closely for any worsening of depression or emergence of suicidal ideation.

Common and Serious Side Effects

Common side effects associated with lurasidone include:

Akathisia (a feeling of restlessness or the need to move)
Extrapyramidal symptoms (movement-related issues like stiffness, tremors, and slow movements)
Somnolence (drowsiness)
Nausea

More serious potential side effects require immediate medical attention. These include Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), tardive dyskinesia (uncontrollable body movements), metabolic changes (like high blood sugar and cholesterol), and a drop in white blood cell counts.

Lurasidone vs. Other Atypical Antipsychotics

When choosing an antipsychotic, clinicians consider efficacy, side effect profiles, and patient-specific factors. Lurasidone is often noted for having a lower risk of certain metabolic side effects compared to some other widely used atypical antipsychotics.


Feature	Lurasidone	Olanzapine	Quetiapine	Aripiprazole
Primary Use	Schizophrenia, Bipolar Depression	Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder	Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder	Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, MDD (adjunct)
Weight Gain	Lower risk compared to others	Higher risk	Higher risk	Moderate risk
Sedation	Moderate	Higher	Higher	Lower
Akathisia Risk	Higher	Lower	Lower	Higher
Food Requirement	Must be taken with food	No food requirement	No food requirement	No food requirement

Studies suggest lurasidone has comparable efficacy to other antipsychotics for schizophrenia but is associated with significantly less weight gain than medications like olanzapine and quetiapine. This favorable metabolic profile can be a key factor in its selection for long-term treatment.

Conclusion

So, what is lurasidone hydrochloride used for? It is an important medication for managing the symptoms of schizophrenia and the depressive episodes of Bipolar I disorder in both adults and specific pediatric populations. Its mechanism of action, involving both dopamine and multiple serotonin receptors, provides effective symptom control. While it carries the risk of significant side effects and has critical black box warnings, its relatively favorable metabolic profile makes it a distinct option among atypical antipsychotics. As with any prescription medication, the decision to use lurasidone should be made in careful consultation with a healthcare provider who can weigh the potential benefits against the risks for an individual patient.

For more information from an authoritative source, you can visit the National Institute of Mental Health's page on Mental Health Medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

It may take several weeks or longer to experience the full benefits of lurasidone for schizophrenia or bipolar depression. It is important to continue taking it as prescribed even if you feel well.

You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking lurasidone, as it may interfere with the medication's effects.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember with a meal. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and resume your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose.

Lurasidone may cause weight gain, and weight should be monitored periodically. However, studies suggest it has a lower risk of significant weight gain compared to other atypical antipsychotics like olanzapine and quetiapine.

Lurasidone must be taken with food because food substantially increases its absorption. Administration with food can increase its concentration in the blood significantly compared to taking it on an empty stomach.

The most common brand name for lurasidone hydrochloride is Latuda.

Lurasidone is not FDA-approved for the primary treatment of anxiety or MDD. However, it may sometimes be prescribed 'off-label' for MDD with mixed features. Its approved use is for schizophrenia and depressive episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder.