All About Latuda’s Dosage

If you’re looking at treatment options for schizophrenia or for depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder, your doctor might suggest Latuda (lurasidone).

Latuda is a prescription medication that comes as a tablet. Latuda can be taken on its own or with other medications, depending on the condition it’s treating.

Latuda is approved to treat the following conditions:

• schizophrenia in adults and children ages 13 years and older
• depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder in adults and children ages 10 years and older, taken on its own
• depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder in adults as an adjunct (add-on) medication with lithium or valproate

This article describes the dosages of Latuda, including its form, strengths, and how to take the drug. To learn more about Latuda, see this in-depth article.

Note: This article covers Latuda’s typical dosages, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But when using Latuda, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

The recommended dose of Latuda your doctor will prescribe may depend on a few factors:

• the type and severity of the condition you’re using Latuda to treat
• your age
• other medical conditions you may have
• other medications you may be taking

What is Latuda’s form?

Latuda comes as a tablet that you take by mouth, usually with food.

What strengths does Latuda come in?

Latuda comes in five strengths:

• 20 milligrams (mg)
• 40 mg
• 60 mg
• 80 mg
• 120 mg

What are the typical dosages of Latuda?

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust your dosage over time to reach the right amount for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Below is a dosage guide for starting dosages and recommended dosage ranges for all of the conditions Latuda treats. Doses are given in mg.

* The dosage range is the same when Latuda is taken on its own or with lithium or valproate.

Dosage for schizophrenia

Latuda is approved to treat schizophrenia in adults and children ages 13 years and older.

The recommended starting dosage for schizophrenia is 40 mg once daily. The recommended dose range is between 40 mg to 160 mg for adults. (For children’s dosage, see “What’s the dosage of Latuda for children?” below.)

Your doctor may increase your dose if the starting dose isn’t helping with your condition. Note that there is no average dose for schizophrenia, as the drug affects individuals differently. You should take the dose that’s recommended by your doctor.

Dosage for depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder

Latuda is approved to treat major depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder in adults and children ages 10 years and older. It’s not approved for use in people with bipolar II disorder.

For bipolar depression in adults, Latuda can be taken on its own or as an adjunct (add-on) medication with valproate or lithium.

The recommended starting dosage for bipolar depression is 20 mg once daily. The recommended dose range is 20 mg to 120 mg for adults. (For children’s dosage, see “What’s the dosage of Latuda for children?” below.)

Your doctor may increase your dose if the starting dose isn’t helping with your condition. Note that there is no average dose for bipolar depression, as the drug affects individuals differently. You should take the dose that’s recommended by your doctor.

When should I take Latuda?

You should take Latuda once each day. You can take the medication any time throughout the day. But it’s usually best to take it around the same time each day.

You should take Latuda with food that’s at least 350 calories. So you may want to take Latuda after a meal. This helps your body absorb the drug better.

To make sure you don’t miss a dose, you may want to use a medication reminder.

Is Latuda used long term?

Yes, Latuda is typically used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Latuda is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll use it long term.

What’s the dosage of Latuda for children?

Latuda is approved to treat schizophrenia in children ages 13 years and older. The starting dose for schizophrenia is 40 mg. In children, the dose range for schizophrenia is between 40 mg and 80 mg. Your child’s doctor may recommend a Latuda dose increase if the starting dose isn’t effective for your child.

To treat depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder, Latuda is approved for children ages 10 years and older. The starting dose for bipolar depression is 20 mg. In children, the dose range for bipolar depression is between 20 mg and 80 mg. Your child’s doctor may recommend a Latuda dose increase if the starting dose isn’t effective for your child.

Dosage adjustments

If you have certain medical conditions or are taking certain drugs, your doctor may suggest you take a dose of Latuda that’s different from what’s typically recommended. This is to help make sure the drug is working effectively and to lower the risk of side effects.

Adjustments for medical conditions

If you have liver or kidney problems, the recommended starting dose for any condition Latuda treats is 20 mg once daily. And the maximum recommended dose is 80 mg. If you have severe liver problems, the maximum recommended dose is 40 mg.

Adjustments for medications

If you take certain medications that interact with Latuda, you’ll need an adjustment to your dose of Latuda.

Some medications affect an enzyme called CYP3A4, which is responsible for breaking down Latuda. Drugs that block CYP3A4 (CYP3A4 inhibitors) increase the level of Latuda in your body. Some drugs can increase CYP3A4 in your body (CYP3A4 inducers), which decreases the level of Latuda.

Tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking. This will help them to determine the right dose of Latuda for you.

To learn more about the drugs that could interact with Latuda, see this in-depth article on the drug.

If you miss a dose of Latuda, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the normal time. Don’t take two doses to make up for the missed dose. This increases your risk for side effects.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Latuda on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm, downloading a reminder app, or setting a timer on your phone. A kitchen timer can work, too.

The dosage of Latuda you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

• the type and severity of the condition you’re using Latuda to treat
• your age
• other conditions you may have and other medications you may be taking (see “Dosage adjustments” under “What is Latuda’s dosage?”)

You should take Latuda with food. Specifically, the food you take with the drug should contain at least 350 calories. This helps your body absorb the drug better.

Swallow Latuda tablets whole. Don’t crush, break, or chew them

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice, as they may interact with Latuda and raise the level of the drug in your body.

Latuda hasn’t been studied for misuse, and it isn’t a controlled substance. (The United States government regulates use of controlled substances.)

In studies of Latuda, there were no reports of behaviors that indicate dependence on this drug. But if you have a history of drug misuse, talk with your doctor before starting treatment with Latuda.

Don’t use more Latuda than your doctor prescribes. Using more than this can lead to serious side effects.

What to do in case you take too much Latuda

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Latuda. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

The sections above describe the typical dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Latuda for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.

Remember, you shouldn’t change your dosage of Latuda without your doctor’s approval. Only take Latuda exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How will my Latuda dose change if I’m taking other medications?
• Are there any foods or supplements I should avoid while taking Latuda?
• Does my dosage of Latuda need to change if I have certain health conditions?

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.