Lurasidone Liconsa

Atypical antipsychotic — lurasidone hydrochloride 18.5 mg film-coated tablet

℞ Prescription Only ATC: N05AE05 Atypical Antipsychotic
Active Ingredient
Lurasidone hydrochloride
Dosage Form
Film-coated tablet
Available Strengths
18.5 mg
Known Brands
Lurasidone Liconsa, Latuda
Medically reviewed | Last reviewed: | Evidence level: 1A
Lurasidone Liconsa is an atypical antipsychotic medication containing lurasidone hydrochloride, approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. It works primarily by blocking dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain, helping to reduce symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Lurasidone is notable for its favorable metabolic profile compared to many other antipsychotics, with lower risk of weight gain and metabolic disturbances. It must always be taken with food for proper absorption.
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Written and reviewed by iMedic Medical Editorial Team | Specialists in psychiatry and clinical pharmacology

Quick Facts About Lurasidone Liconsa

Active Ingredient
Lurasidone HCl
18.5 mg tablet
Drug Class
Atypical Antipsychotic
Benzisothiazol derivative
ATC Code
N05AE05
Antipsychotics
Primary Use
Schizophrenia
Adults 18+ years
Dosage Form
Film-coated tablet
Oral administration
Prescription Status
Rx Only
Prescription required

Key Takeaways About Lurasidone Liconsa

  • Must be taken with food: At least 350 calories (1,500 kJ) to ensure proper absorption — taking on an empty stomach reduces bioavailability by up to 50%
  • Favorable metabolic profile: Lower risk of weight gain, dyslipidemia, and glucose elevations compared to many other atypical antipsychotics
  • CYP3A4 metabolism: Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) and inducers (e.g., rifampicin) are contraindicated — always inform your doctor about all medications
  • Akathisia is common: Restlessness and the urge to move is the most frequently reported side effect — tell your doctor if this becomes troublesome
  • Not for dementia psychosis: Antipsychotics including lurasidone increase the risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis and are not approved for this use

What Is Lurasidone Liconsa and What Is It Used For?

Lurasidone Liconsa is an atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia in adults aged 18 years and older. It contains the active substance lurasidone hydrochloride, which works by modulating dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitter systems in the brain to help control psychotic symptoms.

Schizophrenia is a chronic and often debilitating psychiatric disorder that affects approximately 1% of the global population, according to World Health Organization estimates. The condition is characterized by positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech), negative symptoms (social withdrawal, reduced emotional expression, lack of motivation), and cognitive symptoms (impaired attention, memory, and executive function). Lurasidone Liconsa is designed to address these symptoms through its unique receptor binding profile.

Lurasidone belongs to the benzisothiazol class of chemical compounds. Unlike many older antipsychotics, it has a highly selective receptor binding profile. It acts primarily as an antagonist at dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, which is the mechanism shared by most atypical antipsychotics. However, lurasidone also has high affinity for serotonin 5-HT7 receptors and partial agonist activity at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors. These additional receptor interactions are thought to contribute to its potential benefits for mood and cognitive symptoms, while its low affinity for histamine H1 and muscarinic M1 receptors helps explain its favorable side effect profile regarding sedation, weight gain, and anticholinergic effects.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has approved lurasidone for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. In the United States, the FDA has additionally approved it for bipolar depression (as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate), though the bipolar indication may not be included in all market authorizations. The Lurasidone Liconsa formulation is a generic version that offers the same therapeutic profile as the originator product.

Clinical trials, including large-scale randomized controlled studies such as the PEARL (Program to Evaluate the Antipsychotic Response to Lurasidone) series, have demonstrated that lurasidone is significantly more effective than placebo in reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia as measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). These pivotal trials showed improvements in positive symptoms, negative symptoms, and general psychopathology, with effects typically becoming apparent within the first one to two weeks of treatment.

How does lurasidone work in the brain?

Lurasidone blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the mesolimbic pathway, which helps reduce positive symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Its serotonin 5-HT2A antagonism in the cortex may help improve negative and cognitive symptoms while reducing the risk of movement side effects. The 5-HT7 antagonism and 5-HT1A partial agonism are believed to contribute to procognitive and antidepressant effects, distinguishing it from many other antipsychotics in its class.

What Should You Know Before Taking Lurasidone Liconsa?

Before starting Lurasidone Liconsa, your doctor must know your full medical history, all medications you take (including herbal products), and whether you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Several conditions and drug interactions can make lurasidone unsafe or require dose adjustments.

Contraindications

You must not take Lurasidone Liconsa if any of the following apply to you:

  • Allergy to lurasidone or any of the other ingredients in the tablet (including mannitol, pregelatinized starch, croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, and the film-coating components)
  • Concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, clarithromycin, ritonavir, or nelfinavir, as these dramatically increase lurasidone blood levels and the risk of serious side effects
  • Concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inducers such as rifampicin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, or St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), as these reduce lurasidone levels to the point where it may no longer be effective

Warnings and Precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Lurasidone Liconsa if you have or have ever had any of the following conditions:

  • Parkinson's disease or dementia: Antipsychotics can worsen Parkinsonian symptoms. In elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis, antipsychotics are associated with an increased risk of cerebrovascular events (stroke) and death
  • Cardiovascular disease: Lurasidone can cause orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing up), which may lead to dizziness and falls, particularly in elderly patients or those with heart conditions
  • Seizure history or epilepsy: Antipsychotics can lower the seizure threshold, and lurasidone should be used with caution in patients with a history of convulsions
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): A rare but potentially fatal reaction characterized by high fever, muscle rigidity, altered consciousness, and autonomic instability. If NMS is suspected, lurasidone must be stopped immediately
  • Tardive dyskinesia: Prolonged use of antipsychotics can lead to involuntary, repetitive movements of the face and body. If signs develop, your doctor may need to reduce or discontinue treatment
  • Diabetes or risk factors for diabetes: Although lurasidone has a relatively favorable metabolic profile, blood glucose monitoring is recommended, especially in patients with diabetes or those at risk
  • Renal or hepatic impairment: Dose adjustments are required. In moderate to severe hepatic impairment or moderate to severe renal impairment, the maximum recommended dose is lower
  • Suicidal ideation: Young adults (under 25) may be at increased risk of suicidal thoughts when starting antipsychotic treatment. Close monitoring is recommended during the initial weeks
Important Safety Warning

Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic medications have an increased risk of death. Lurasidone Liconsa is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis. If you or a family member has dementia and experiences psychotic symptoms, discuss the risks and benefits of antipsychotic treatment carefully with the prescribing physician.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine. Lurasidone Liconsa should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit to the mother clearly justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk of experiencing extrapyramidal symptoms and/or withdrawal symptoms after delivery. These symptoms may include agitation, abnormally increased or decreased muscle tone, tremor, sleepiness, respiratory distress, and feeding disorders. The severity of these symptoms can vary from self-limiting to requiring intensive care and prolonged hospitalization.

It is not known whether lurasidone is excreted in human breast milk, though it has been detected in the milk of lactating rats. Due to the potential for adverse reactions in the nursing infant, a decision must be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the medicine to the mother. Discuss the individual risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during treatment with lurasidone. Fertility studies in animals suggest that lurasidone may reduce female fertility through changes in the estrus cycle, though the relevance to human fertility is not fully established.

How Does Lurasidone Liconsa Interact with Other Drugs?

Lurasidone is primarily metabolized by the liver enzyme CYP3A4, making it susceptible to significant interactions with drugs that inhibit or induce this enzyme. Some combinations are strictly contraindicated, while others require dose adjustments or enhanced monitoring.

Drug interactions are one of the most critical considerations when prescribing or taking lurasidone. Because the drug is almost entirely metabolized by the cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) enzyme system, any medication or substance that significantly alters the activity of this enzyme can dramatically affect lurasidone blood levels. This can lead either to dangerously high levels (with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors) or to subtherapeutic levels (with strong CYP3A4 inducers). Both scenarios pose serious clinical risks.

Beyond CYP3A4 interactions, lurasidone may also interact pharmacodynamically with other central nervous system depressants, medications that affect blood pressure, and drugs that prolong the QT interval. Patients should always provide a complete list of all prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements to their prescribing physician and pharmacist.

Major Interactions (Contraindicated or Avoid)

Major Drug Interactions with Lurasidone Liconsa
Interacting Drug Type Effect Action
Ketoconazole Strong CYP3A4 inhibitor Increases lurasidone AUC by ~9-fold Contraindicated
Itraconazole Strong CYP3A4 inhibitor Significantly increases lurasidone levels Contraindicated
Clarithromycin Strong CYP3A4 inhibitor Significantly increases lurasidone levels Contraindicated
Ritonavir / Nelfinavir Strong CYP3A4 inhibitor (HIV protease inhibitor) Significantly increases lurasidone levels Contraindicated
Rifampicin Strong CYP3A4 inducer Decreases lurasidone AUC by ~85% Contraindicated
Carbamazepine Strong CYP3A4 inducer Significantly decreases lurasidone levels Contraindicated
Phenytoin / Phenobarbital Strong CYP3A4 inducer Significantly decreases lurasidone levels Contraindicated
St. John's Wort Strong CYP3A4 inducer (herbal) Significantly decreases lurasidone levels Contraindicated

Moderate Interactions (Dose Adjustment Required)

Moderate Drug Interactions with Lurasidone Liconsa
Interacting Drug Type Effect Action
Diltiazem Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor Increases lurasidone AUC by ~2-fold Dose should not exceed 37 mg/day
Erythromycin Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor Increases lurasidone exposure Dose should not exceed 37 mg/day
Fluconazole Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor Increases lurasidone exposure Dose should not exceed 37 mg/day
Verapamil Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor Increases lurasidone exposure Dose should not exceed 37 mg/day
Grapefruit juice CYP3A4 inhibitor (dietary) May increase lurasidone levels Avoid large quantities

Pharmacodynamic Interactions

In addition to the metabolic interactions above, lurasidone may interact pharmacodynamically with the following types of medications:

  • CNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids): Enhanced sedation and CNS depression. Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol and use caution with sedating medications
  • Antihypertensive medications: Lurasidone may enhance the blood-pressure-lowering effects, increasing the risk of orthostatic hypotension and dizziness
  • Dopamine agonists (levodopa, pramipexole): Lurasidone, as a dopamine antagonist, may reduce the effectiveness of dopamine agonists used in Parkinson's disease
  • QT-prolonging medications: Caution when combining with drugs known to prolong the QT interval, though lurasidone itself has only minimal effect on QTc at therapeutic doses

What Is the Correct Dosage of Lurasidone Liconsa?

The recommended starting dose of Lurasidone Liconsa for schizophrenia in adults is 37 mg once daily, taken with food. The dose can be adjusted within the range of 18.5 mg to 148 mg once daily based on clinical response and tolerability. The maximum recommended dose is 148 mg per day.

Lurasidone Liconsa must always be taken orally with a meal or snack containing at least 350 calories (approximately 1,500 kJ). This food requirement is critical because lurasidone absorption is highly dependent on the presence of food in the stomach. Studies have shown that taking lurasidone on an empty stomach reduces the area under the curve (AUC) by approximately 50% compared to taking it with food, which can result in subtherapeutic blood levels and reduced efficacy. The tablet should be swallowed whole with water and should not be crushed or chewed.

Adults (18 years and older)

Schizophrenia — Standard Dosing

  • Starting dose: 37 mg once daily with food
  • Effective dose range: 37 mg to 148 mg once daily
  • Maximum dose: 148 mg per day
  • Dose titration: Dose increases should be made based on clinical response and tolerability. No initial titration is required
Lurasidone Liconsa Dosage Guide by Patient Group
Patient Group Starting Dose Maximum Dose Notes
Adults (normal function) 37 mg/day 148 mg/day Take with food (≥350 kcal)
Moderate hepatic impairment 18.5 mg/day 74 mg/day Child-Pugh B; monitor closely
Severe hepatic impairment 18.5 mg/day 37 mg/day Child-Pugh C; use with caution
Moderate renal impairment 18.5 mg/day 74 mg/day CrCl 30–50 mL/min
Severe renal impairment 18.5 mg/day 74 mg/day CrCl <30 mL/min; monitor renal function
With moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor 18.5 mg/day 37 mg/day e.g., diltiazem, erythromycin

Children and Adolescents

Lurasidone Liconsa is not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age due to insufficient data on safety and efficacy in this population. The EMA has not granted an indication for pediatric use. In some jurisdictions, lurasidone has been studied in adolescents aged 13–17 for schizophrenia, but the Lurasidone Liconsa product information does not include a pediatric indication. Any use in patients under 18 should only be considered under specialist supervision with careful risk-benefit assessment.

Elderly Patients

No dose adjustment is required based on age alone for elderly patients with normal organ function. However, elderly patients are more susceptible to orthostatic hypotension, sedation, and falls. Treatment should be initiated cautiously, and doses should be titrated slowly. As noted in the warnings section, lurasidone (and all antipsychotics) carry a boxed warning regarding increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis — this use is not approved.

Elderly patients are also more likely to have renal or hepatic impairment, which may require dose adjustments as outlined in the dosage table above. Regular monitoring of renal and liver function is recommended in this population.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Lurasidone Liconsa, take it as soon as you remember, provided it is within a few hours of the missed dose and you are able to take it with food. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one. If you regularly forget doses, discuss strategies with your doctor or pharmacist, such as setting medication reminders.

Overdose

In the event of an overdose, seek immediate medical attention by calling your local emergency number or poison control center. There is no specific antidote for lurasidone overdose. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. Symptoms of overdose may include excessive sedation, tachycardia (fast heart rate), hypotension (low blood pressure), and extrapyramidal symptoms (involuntary movements, muscle rigidity). In clinical trials, doses up to 600 mg have been studied without fatal outcome, but close medical monitoring and supportive care are essential.

In a hospital setting, management may include cardiovascular monitoring (ECG for QT prolongation, blood pressure), airway management, treatment of hypotension with intravenous fluids and if necessary vasopressors (avoiding epinephrine and dopamine, which may worsen hypotension in the setting of antipsychotic alpha-blockade), and monitoring for extrapyramidal symptoms or excessive sedation.

What Are the Side Effects of Lurasidone Liconsa?

Like all medicines, Lurasidone Liconsa can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common side effects are akathisia (restlessness), somnolence (drowsiness), and nausea. Lurasidone has a relatively favorable metabolic side effect profile compared to many other atypical antipsychotics.

Side effects are classified below by frequency according to the MedDRA convention used by the European Medicines Agency. In clinical trials involving over 2,900 patients with schizophrenia, the most commonly observed adverse reactions leading to discontinuation were akathisia (reported in approximately 2% of patients) and somnolence (approximately 1%). The overall discontinuation rate due to adverse events was comparable to placebo in short-term studies.

It is important to understand that the frequency of side effects reported in clinical trials may not directly reflect what you will experience. Individual responses to medication vary considerably, and many patients tolerate lurasidone well. If you experience any side effects that are bothersome or persistent, discuss them with your prescribing physician — adjustments to timing, dose, or other interventions may help.

Very Common (affects more than 1 in 10 people)

Frequency: >10%

  • Akathisia — a subjective feeling of inner restlessness and an overwhelming urge to move, particularly the legs. Reported in approximately 12–15% of patients in clinical trials
  • Somnolence/sedation — drowsiness and excessive sleepiness, which may affect ability to drive or operate machinery. Usually more pronounced in the first few weeks of treatment

Common (affects 1 to 10 in 100 people)

Frequency: 1–10%

  • Nausea — feeling sick, particularly during the first days of treatment or after dose increases
  • Parkinsonism — tremor, muscle rigidity, slow movement, shuffling gait, mask-like facial expression
  • Insomnia — difficulty falling asleep or maintaining sleep
  • Agitation — feeling restless, anxious, or irritable
  • Headache — tension-type or generalized headache
  • Dizziness — lightheadedness, particularly when standing up (orthostatic)
  • Dystonia — involuntary sustained muscle contractions causing twisting or repetitive movements
  • Vomiting
  • Dyspepsia — indigestion, stomach discomfort
  • Back pain
  • Increased blood creatinine — usually mild and transient
  • Increased prolactin levels — may cause menstrual irregularities, breast tenderness, or galactorrhea

Uncommon (affects 1 to 10 in 1,000 people)

Frequency: 0.1–1%

  • Tardive dyskinesia — involuntary movements of the tongue, face, or jaw
  • Orthostatic hypotension — significant drop in blood pressure upon standing
  • Tachycardia — unusually fast heart rate
  • Blurred vision
  • Rash and pruritus — skin rash and itching
  • Weight gain — though generally less than with olanzapine or quetiapine
  • Elevated liver enzymes — usually transient and asymptomatic
  • Hyponatremia — low sodium levels in the blood
  • Suicidal ideation — particularly in younger adults

Rare (affects less than 1 in 1,000 people)

Frequency: <0.1%

  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) — a medical emergency with high fever, severe muscle rigidity, autonomic instability, and altered consciousness. Seek immediate medical attention
  • Rhabdomyolysis — breakdown of muscle tissue that can lead to kidney failure
  • Seizures
  • Angioedema — severe swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Venous thromboembolism — blood clots in veins, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
  • Sleep walking
When to seek immediate medical help

Contact your doctor or go to the emergency department immediately if you experience: high fever with severe muscle rigidity and confusion (possible NMS), uncontrollable movements of the face or tongue, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe allergic reaction with swelling of the face or throat, dark-colored urine with muscle pain (possible rhabdomyolysis), or signs of blood clots (sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, swollen or painful leg).

Metabolic advantages of lurasidone

One of the notable advantages of lurasidone compared to several other atypical antipsychotics is its relatively favorable metabolic profile. In head-to-head clinical studies and meta-analyses published in the Lancet Psychiatry, lurasidone was associated with significantly less weight gain than olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone. It also showed minimal effects on total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and HbA1c (a marker of long-term blood sugar control). This metabolic advantage is clinically significant because patients with schizophrenia already have elevated cardiovascular risk, and metabolic side effects of antipsychotics can compound this risk.

How Should You Store Lurasidone Liconsa?

Store Lurasidone Liconsa in its original packaging at room temperature below 30°C. Protect from moisture and light. Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Proper storage of medications is essential to maintain their effectiveness and safety. Lurasidone Liconsa film-coated tablets should be stored at room temperature, not exceeding 30°C (86°F). Do not store the tablets in the bathroom or near sources of heat or moisture, as humidity and elevated temperatures can degrade the active substance and reduce the effectiveness of the medication.

Keep the tablets in their original blister packaging or container until you are ready to take a dose. This protects them from light and moisture. Do not remove the tablets in advance for a pill organizer unless the organizer provides adequate protection from light and humidity. If using a pill organizer, fill it for no more than one week at a time.

Do not use Lurasidone Liconsa after the expiry date stated on the packaging. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not dispose of medications via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist about how to dispose of medicines you no longer use — proper disposal helps protect the environment. In many countries, pharmacies accept returned unused medicines for safe disposal.

If you notice any change in the appearance of the tablets (discoloration, unusual smell, crumbling), do not take them and consult your pharmacist.

What Does Lurasidone Liconsa Contain?

Each Lurasidone Liconsa 18.5 mg film-coated tablet contains 18.5 mg of lurasidone hydrochloride as the active substance, along with several inactive ingredients (excipients) that form the tablet core and film coating.

The active substance in Lurasidone Liconsa is lurasidone hydrochloride. Each film-coated tablet contains 18.5 mg of lurasidone (as hydrochloride salt). Lurasidone hydrochloride is a white to off-white powder that is practically insoluble in water. Its chemical formula is C28H36N4O2S·HCl, and it has a molecular weight of approximately 529.14 g/mol.

The tablet core typically contains the following excipients:

  • Mannitol — a sugar alcohol used as a filler/diluent
  • Pregelatinized starch — acts as a binder to hold the tablet together
  • Croscarmellose sodium — a disintegrant that helps the tablet break apart in the gastrointestinal tract
  • Hypromellose — a binder that also contributes to the film coating
  • Magnesium stearate — a lubricant used in the manufacturing process

The film coating contains hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), and may include other coloring agents depending on the tablet strength. The film coating serves to protect the tablet core, make it easier to swallow, and improve the appearance and stability of the product. The 18.5 mg tablet is typically a white to off-white, round film-coated tablet.

If you are allergic to any of these excipients, inform your doctor or pharmacist before taking Lurasidone Liconsa. Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance should note that this medicine contains mannitol.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lurasidone Liconsa

Lurasidone Liconsa is an atypical antipsychotic medication approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults aged 18 years and older. It contains the active substance lurasidone hydrochloride, which works by modulating dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain. This helps reduce psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. In some countries, lurasidone is also approved for bipolar depression, though this may not be included in all market authorizations.

Yes, this is a critical requirement. Lurasidone Liconsa must be taken with a meal or snack containing at least 350 calories (approximately 1,500 kJ). Taking it on an empty stomach reduces absorption by approximately 50%, which can significantly reduce the medication's effectiveness. A moderate-sized meal or a substantial snack is sufficient. Examples include a sandwich with a glass of milk, a bowl of cereal with fruit, or a portion of pasta with sauce.

The most common side effects of Lurasidone Liconsa are akathisia (a feeling of restlessness and the urge to move), somnolence (drowsiness), and nausea. Other commonly reported side effects include parkinsonism (tremor, stiffness, slow movements), insomnia, headache, and dizziness. Most side effects are mild to moderate and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Importantly, lurasidone has a relatively favorable metabolic profile with less weight gain than many other atypical antipsychotics.

You should avoid consuming large quantities of grapefruit or grapefruit juice while taking Lurasidone Liconsa. Grapefruit inhibits the CYP3A4 enzyme that metabolizes lurasidone, which can lead to increased blood levels of the drug and a higher risk of side effects. While occasional small amounts may not cause significant problems, it is safest to avoid grapefruit products entirely or discuss this with your doctor.

Lurasidone has one of the most favorable weight gain profiles among atypical antipsychotics. In clinical trials and meta-analyses, the mean weight gain with lurasidone was approximately 0.4–0.7 kg over 6 weeks, compared to 3–4 kg with olanzapine over a similar period. Lurasidone also shows minimal impact on cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose levels. This is significant because metabolic side effects are a major concern with long-term antipsychotic treatment and contribute to increased cardiovascular risk in patients with schizophrenia.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, as long as you can take it with food. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the forgotten dose. Consistency is important with antipsychotic medications, so try to take it at the same time each day. If you frequently forget doses, consider using a pill reminder app or alarm.

References

  1. European Medicines Agency (EMA). Lurasidone — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). Available at: www.ema.europa.eu. Accessed January 2026.
  2. Leucht S, Cipriani A, Spineli L, et al. Comparative efficacy and tolerability of 15 antipsychotic drugs in schizophrenia: a multiple-treatments meta-analysis. Lancet. 2013;382(9896):951–962.
  3. Huhn M, Nikolakopoulou A, Schneider-Thoma J, et al. Comparative efficacy and tolerability of 32 oral antipsychotics for the acute treatment of adults with multi-episode schizophrenia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Lancet. 2019;394(10202):939–951.
  4. Nasrallah HA, Silva R, Phillips D, et al. Lurasidone for the treatment of acutely psychotic patients with schizophrenia: a 6-week, randomized, placebo-controlled study (PEARL 3). J Psychiatr Res. 2013;47(5):670–677.
  5. Loebel A, Cucchiaro J, Sarma K, et al. Efficacy and safety of lurasidone 80 mg/day and 160 mg/day in the treatment of schizophrenia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled trial. Schizophr Res. 2013;145(1–3):101–109.
  6. Citrome L. Lurasidone for schizophrenia: a review of the efficacy and safety profile for this newly approved second-generation antipsychotic. Int J Clin Pract. 2011;65(2):189–210.
  7. World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Model List of Essential Medicines — 23rd List, 2023. Geneva: WHO; 2023.
  8. American Psychiatric Association (APA). Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Schizophrenia. 3rd ed. Washington, DC: APA; 2021.
  9. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Psychosis and schizophrenia in adults: prevention and management. Clinical guideline CG178. Updated 2024.
  10. Stahl SM. Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications. 5th ed. Cambridge University Press; 2021.

Editorial Team

This article was written and reviewed by the iMedic Medical Editorial Team, comprising board-certified specialists in psychiatry, clinical pharmacology, and internal medicine. Our team follows the GRADE evidence framework and international guidelines from the EMA, FDA, WHO, APA, and NICE when producing content.

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