Antipsychotic Classifications- Lurasidone

Antipsychotic Classifications- Lurasidone

Atypical antipsychotic lurasidone (Latuda) is effective against schizophrenia and manic-depressive episodes. This medication has fewer extrapyramidal effects than first-generation antipsychotics since it is a benzisoxazole, a second-generation antipsychotic (Azhar & Shaban, 2023). Pharmacologically, Latuda works by antagonistically impacting dopamine and serotonin neurotransmission in the brain by blocking D2 and 5HT2A receptors. Latuda was first licensed by the FDA in 2010 to treat schizophrenia, and then in 2013, it was approved to treat bipolar depression.

FDA Indications

Adults and adolescents (13-17 years old) with schizophrenia, as well as adults with bipolar depression, may benefit from using Latuda (Azhar & Shaban, 2023; Katzung & Trevor, 2020; Whalen et al., 2018). Off-label uses include treating depression, PTSD, and OCD in addition to the conditions it originally intended for. Do you need help with your assignment ? Hire our assignment writing services in case your assignment is devastating you.

Mechanism of Action

Latuda lowers neurotransmitter activity by inhibiting receptors for dopamine and serotonin in the brain. It acts as a full agonist at dopamine D2 receptors and a partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors (Azhar & Shaban, 2023). The antipsychotic effects of this process are due to its antagonistic influence on dopamine and serotonin neurotransmission.

Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, weight gain, and agitation are some of the side effects reported by people using Latuda (Azhar & Shaban, 2023; Katzung & Trevor, 2020). Those on other drowsy drugs should take them with care because of the potential for drowsiness and sedation. Long-term antipsychotic usage has been linked to a movement problem called tardive dyskinesia; thus, patients should be watched closely for symptoms.

Dosage

Latuda should be taken orally once a day, preferably with meals, with a beginning dosage of 20-40mg. The daily dosage may be raised to 120mg (Katzung & Trevor, 2020; Whalen et al., 2018). The medication should be taken at the same time every day and should not be stopped abruptly.

Pearls for Treatment

Taking Latuda with meals is recommended since doing so improves absorption. Abruptly stopping it might lead to withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, headache, and tremors; therefore, it is best to wean off gradually (Katzung & Trevor, 2020; Stahl, 2022). Since tardive dyskinesia might develop with prolonged exposure to antipsychotics, careful patient observation is warranted.

Special Considerations

Patients with a history of suicidal attempts or ideas should be treated with care since Latuda increases the risk of suicide in these individuals (Stahl, 2022; Whalen et al., 2018). As it has the potential to make patients drowsy, it should be taken with care in those who are also taking sleep aids.

Lab Work to Monitor

It is important to keep an eye on patients on Latuda for any indicators of deterioration in their symptoms or general well-being (Stahl, 2022; Whalen et al., 2018). The levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose in the blood and the health of the liver and kidneys should all be measured.

Pregnancy/Breastfeeding Indication

Drugs under pregnancy category B, including Latuda, are considered safe for the developing baby. Nonetheless, it should be taken with care in pregnant women since it crosses the placenta and may harm the developing fetus (Katzung & Trevor; Whalen et al., 2018). Since it is unknown if Latuda is safe during breastfeeding, it should not be used in nursing mothers.

Elderly Special Considerations

Due to impaired renal and hepatic function, older adults using Latuda are at increased risk for adverse effects and should be watched closely (Katzung & Trevor, 2020; Stahl, 2022). If they are also taking other drugs that might induce disorientation, careful observation for indications of confusion is warranted.

Renal and Hepatic Considerations

Since the liver metabolizes Latuda, individuals with renal or hepatic impairment should be closely watched for toxicity (Katzung & Trevor, 2020; Stahl, 2022). Some people may be more sensitive to the drug’s effects and need a lower starting dosage.

Conclusion

To summarize, Latuda is a generally safe and effective atypical antipsychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It inhibits dopamine and serotonin neurotransmission by inhibiting dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain. Latuda was authorized by the FDA in 2010 for the treatment of schizophrenia and in 2013 for the treatment of bipolar disorder. It should be taken with meals since taking it without food might impair medicine absorption. Latuda patients should be followed for evidence of increasing symptoms and any changes in their physical or mental health.

References

Azhar, Y., & Shaban, K. (2023). Lurasidone. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541057/#:~:text=Lurasidone%20is%20a%20medication%20used

Katzung, B. G., & Trevor, A. J. (2020). Basic and Clinical Pharmacology 15e. In Google Books. McGraw Hill Professional. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Basic_and_Clinical_Pharmacology_15e/il0EEAAAQBAJ?hl=en

Stahl, S. M. (2022). Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology: Neuroscientific Basis and Practical Applications 4th Edition.

Whalen, K., Feild, C., & Radhakrishnan, R. (2018). Pharmacology. In Google Books. Wolters Kluwer. https://www.google.com /books/edition/Pharmacology/55RuswEACAAJ?hl=en

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Strive to not duplicate this medication in the Discussion Board. You may simply post your medication choice at the beginning of the week and then add the initial post by Wednesday.

My Medication Choice is Lurasidone ( Latuda)

In your post, use the opportunity to teach your peers about this medication:

The FDA indications for treatment
The mechanism of action
The side effects
Dosage
Pearls for treatment
Side effects
Special considerations
Lab work to monitor
Pregnancy/breastfeeding indication
Elderly special considerations
Renal and hepatic considerations, etc.

Then, find two research articles to support your medication with research, new findings, etc.

The articles should have been published within the last three years and peer-reviewed.

Responses need to address all components of the question, demonstrate critical thinking and analysis and include peer-reviewed journal evidence to support your position.

Please be sure to validate your opinions and ideas with in-text citations and corresponding references in APA format.