Lurasidone

• As per CDSCO and USFDA, Lurasidone is indicated for -
• The treatment of Schizophrenia
• The management of depressive episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder (bipolar depression), as monotherapy and as adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate

When should one not use Lurasidone

• If you are allergic to lurasidone or any other component of this medicine
• If you are taking strong inhibitors or inducers of the enzyme that metabolises lurasidone, such as ketoconazole or rifampicin

Common side effects of this drug are:

• Akathisia (restlessness)
• Somnolence (sleeping)
• Sedation
• Parkinsonism
• Increased fasting glucose levels
• Vomiting
• Anxiety

Other General Warnings

• You have suicidal or self-harming thoughts
• You are using any herbal or ayurvedic medicines or supplements
• You are an elderly patient over the age of 65. The effects of this medicine are exaggerated side effects in older patients, so use it with caution
• You have diabetes. You must monitor your blood glucose levels, as this medicine can cause fluctuations in blood glucose levels
• You have low blood pressure. This medicine causes orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure with changing position)
• You are an elderly patient diagnosed with dementia-related psychosis. There is an increased risk of stroke and even death
• You have neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a neuromuscular disorder)
• You have tardive dyskinesia (sudden jerky movements)
• You have diabetes with uncontrolled glucose levels and high cholesterol levels
• You have a history of stroke or other similar conditions
• You are a child or adolescent. Changes in blood pressure should be monitored
• You have a history of seizure disorder
• You have hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels)
• You have a low white blood cell count (leukopenia or neutropenia). Your blood count should be monitored frequently
• You have an adrenal gland tumour. This medicine can cause life-threatening high blood pressure
• You have cataracts, as they can worsen with long-term treatment

How Does It Work?

Interactions with other medicines

• Lurasidone is metabolized in the body by specific enzyme and its levels can be altered by medications that affect the level of this enzyme in the body
• If the enzyme is overactive, Lurasidone is metabolized faster and hence unable to perform its action
• There are many medications that interfere with the metabolism of Lurasidone and can result in its bloods levels being increased or decreased. These include ketoconazole, rifampicin, phenytoin, etc.

Interactions with food items

• Grapefruit and grapefruit juice should be avoided as it may lead to serious side effects or reduction in the activity of the medication

Overdose

Missed a Dose