Lurasidone is primarily prescribed to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia. While it cannot cure schizophrenia, lurasidone can help patients manage the adverse effects caused by this disease.

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that causes affects an individual’s ability to think, feel, and behave. Individuals who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia may experience symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, illogical thoughts or behaviors, and abnormal movement behavior. Cognition may be affected by this disease, leading to problems with attention, memory, and concentration.

There is no common cause of schizophrenia. It is thought that genetics, environment, and life stressors may play a role in the development of this condition. While it cannot be cured, schizophrenia can be managed through medication, therapy, and support.

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes periods of mood swings that range from depression to manic highs. Patients often need help to manage periods of mania, which can be characterized as episodes of a frenzied, hyperactive, or irritated mood. Mania is commonly followed by depressive episodes that can intense feelings of sadness, isolation, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts.

Lurasidone belongs to a classification of medication known as antipsychotic medications. Antipsychotics generally work by blocking certain dopamine receptors in the brain; neurotransmission signals that aggravate psychotic symptoms. By blocking these receptors, antipsychotics slow brain activity which can minimize psychotic symptoms caused by schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

It’s important to note that lurasidone is not a cure for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These are chronic conditions that require treatment over the course of a lifetime. Lurasidone is prescribed to reduce symptoms of these diseases, which can help patients manage their mental health.

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS

Antipsychotic medication used for the treatment of psychotic and behavior disorders may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Antipsychotic medication, such as lurasidone, may change mental health conditions (such as mood and behavior) in unexpected ways. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or other sudden changes in your mental health. Before starting treatment with desvenlafaxine, or any other antidepressant, discuss the risks and benefits of the medication with your doctor.

Common side effects reported while taking lurasidone include:

• Restlessness
  
• Anxiety
  
• Drowsiness
  
• Dizziness
  
• Nausea
  

Again, call a health care provider right away if you begin noticing severe mood changes or suicidal thoughts or behaviors. In addition, seek immediate medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, seizures, skin rash, swelling, or changes in your heartbeat while taking lurasidone.

As with all prescription medication, be sure to inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been previously diagnosed with, as well as any medication/ supplements you are currently taking before taking lurasidone. Lurasidone can interact with other forms of medication, causing potentially serious side effects. In addition, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with lurasidone.

Lurasidone is commonly supplied as an oral tablet. For adults and children over 12 managing schizophrenia, 40 mg of lurasidone should be taken once a day. This dosage may increase as needed.

As a treatment for depression symptoms, adults and children over 12 are prescribed to take 20 mg of lurasidone once a day. This dosage may be adjusted as needed.

Lurasidone should be taken with at least 350 calories of food. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while using lurasidone.

Do not discontinue or increase your dosage of lurasidone without consulting your doctor first. Take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking the medication.

Lurasidone is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not lurasidone is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for lurasidone to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.