Does Latuda Cause Weight Gain? (Side Effects + Alternatives)

Latuda, Side Effects, and More: Frequently Asked Questions

Here, we’ll provide some frequently-sought answers regarding Latuda.

But first, some context:

What is Latuda?

Latuda (lurasidone) is a first-choice treatment often prescribed to help treat bipolar depression or schizophrenia. Because patients ten years old (and up) can use Latuda and Latuda can be combined effectively with other medications (such as mood stabilizers) if their doctor approves and it’s a popular option for effective relief.

Latuda usually only needs to be taken once per day, but it can take several weeks before patients begin seeing the drug's full effects.

Latuda does have a few side effects to consider. Latuda often makes patients feel sedated or sleepy, which can result in injury or necessary lifestyle modifications. (For example, it probably isn’t a good idea to drive while taking Latuda.)

Additionally, because there is no generic for Latuda, it’s a costly medication.

In America, a one-month supply of Latuda can go for as much as $1,400.00 – which means patients in the United States could pay nearly $17,000.00 yearly for this medication alone. At NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy a one-month supply of Latuda for around $270.00 (or up to 80% savings).

Does Latuda Cause Weight Gain?

Latuda causes weight gain in some cases.

However, one 2017 study found that patients who took Latuda for one year lost weight. Each individual’s chances of gaining or losing weight while on Latuda depend on their unique genetics, environment, and treatment plan.

Antipsychotic medications, in general, are often associated with some weight gain. Usually, this side effect is dependent on the amount of Latuda (or other medication) a patient is taking.

While you are taking Latuda, your doctor may want to monitor your weight and other health markers (such as your blood pressure, sugars, and lipids) to ensure your mental and physical health is improving.

What are Latuda’s Sexual Side Effects?

Latuda’s sexual side effects can include rare erectile dysfunction or low libido. (In other cases, male patients reported persistent and painful erections – so, as with weight gain, individual patient experiences are unique.)

Latuda causes sexual side effects because it increases prolactin production, a hormone that influences sexual function.

Taking Latuda does not have to compromise a patient’s sexual performance or experience. If you’re concerned about this side effect, speak with your doctor. You may be able to consider one of Latuda’s alternatives, or work towards another satisfactory outcome.

Is Latuda Withdrawal Safe?

Withdrawing from Latuda suddenly, without following a specific procedure or strategy, can be dangerous.

Patients interested in safe Latuda withdrawal should work with their doctor to accomplish this goal as effectively as possible.

Latuda withdrawal can trigger a host of unwanted symptoms, including:

Following a specific Latuda withdrawal strategy can mitigate, lessen, or eliminate the possibility of your experiencing these side effects.

Do Latuda and Alcohol Mix?

It’s not a good idea to take Latuda and alcohol simultaneously.

Having multiple substances in your system at the same time puts a heavy load on your liver, but the more significant concern is drowsiness. Latuda makes people feel sleepy – it’s one of the more common Latuda side effects.

Alcohol can produce similar drowsiness. When some patients take both substances, they exhibit difficulty concentrating, confusion, and dizziness.

These effects can be unpleasant in themselves. They can also make it much more likely that you’ll experience a dangerous fall or make poor decisions while Latuda and alcohol are in your body.

If you have taken Latuda and alcohol together and notice an uptick in your side effects, let your doctor know.

Does Latuda Make You Sleepy?

Yes, Latuda will likely make you feel sleepy.

Drowsiness or sleepiness are common side effects of Latuda. For this reason, it’s recommended that patients taking Latuda avoid operating heavy machinery or even driving – at all, potentially, but at least not until they are familiar with the way Latuda affects them.

The sleepiness you experience with Latuda should peak shortly after you take the medication. Some patients find taking Latuda in the evening or even right before bed makes sense for their schedule.

However, you will need to eat with your dose. If you do decide to take Latuda shortly before falling asleep, make sure you pair your dose with a bedtime snack.

How Dangerous is an Overdose on Latuda?

Overdosing on Latuda is very dangerous.

An overdose of Latuda can increase your risk of experiencing Latuda’s side effects. These effects include:

In some cases, overdosing on Latuda can require serious medical intervention. Please call for emergency assistance if you have overdosed on Latuda.

Although an overdose on Latuda is dangerous, it’s important to realize that skipping doses (or medication nonadherence) is also very hard for your body.

If you don’t take Latuda according to your doctor-recommended schedule, you can trigger side effects or reduce the benefits Latuda would normally bring.

What are the Best Latuda Alternatives?

Latuda is an effective drug – but it won’t work for everyone. It’s also expensive! If you’re looking for a Latuda alternative, these are good options to pursue.

Latuda vs. Abilify

Abilify (aripiprazole) is classed as an atypical antipsychotic.

Atypical antipsychotics are also called second-generation antipsychotics. This term simply means these “atypical” medications were introduced a little later than “typical”, or first-generation, antipsychotics. (There’s nothing inherently “atypical” to worry about.)

Abilify can help treat manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder as well as schizophrenia, autistic disorder, major depressive disorder, and Tourette’s disorder.

Latuda and Abilify are both atypical antipsychotics. While they both treat schizophrenia, the two medications each have other indications. Finally, patients need to take Latuda with food, while Abilify can be taken with or without a full stomach.

How Much Does Abilify Cost?

American patients often pay as much as $645.00 per month ($21.50 per pill) for Abilify. If you’re interested in saving up to 62% on your brand-name Abilify, you can buy Abilify through NorthWestPharmacy.com for around $8.00 per pill, or about $250.00 per month.

Latuda vs. Seroquel

Seroquel (quetiapine) is, like Latuda, an atypical antipsychotic. However, Seroquel has been available to American patients for far longer than Latuda, and a generic medication is available.

Seroquel (or generic quetiapine) can be significantly more affordable than Latuda, especially if you buy it through an international or Canadian online pharmacy that ships to the USA.

In addition, while Latuda is only available in one form, Seroquel comes in immediate-release and extended-release options. Extended-release medications can help mitigate severe side effects and increase the benefits associated with medication.

And, while children (over the age of 10) and adults can take Latuda, Seroquel should be reserved for adult use only.

How Much Does Seroquel Cost?

In America, a one-month supply of Seroquel retails for approximately $150.00, or $5.00 per pill. Here, through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy the same amount of brand-name Seroquel for around $44.00, or about $1.50 per pill – up to 70% savings!

Latuda vs. Zyprexa

Zyprexa (olanzapine), another Latuda atypical antipsychotic alternative, is a medication that helps treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, as well as treatment-resistant depression when used in combination with Prozac (fluoxetine).

Although side effects vary from patient to patient, Zyprexa has been shown to increase blood sugar and cholesterol. Zyprexa can cause an uptick in patient appetite, which has been associated with weight gain.

If any of these factors concern you, it’s worth mentioning them to your doctor to get their take. Latuda may cause less dramatic increases in appetite, blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight gain.

As an added benefit, however, Zyprexa tends to cause fewer heart issues than other antipsychotic medications.

How Much Does Zyprexa Cost?

In America, 30 tablets of Zyprexa retail for as much as $450.00, or $15.00 per tablet. Americans seeking lower prices can buy a one-month supply of Zyprexa for around $110.00, or about $4.00 per tablet (up to 73% savings).

Latuda vs. Vraylar

Vraylar (cariprazine), an atypical antipsychotic Latuda alternative, is most often prescribed to treat the mixed or manic episodes of bipolar I disorder.

Vraylar is a much newer treatment. It’s only been on the market since 2015. Vraylar stays in the body for a long time, which means it can provide excellent results at relatively low doses. However, this can also mean Vraylar can cause long-lasting side effects.

If you and your doctor believe Vraylar is the best choice, your doctor may monitor you closely for the first few months to gauge any drowsiness, weight gain, vision, and constipation. If you notice any change in these Vraylar side effects as your body gets used to the drug, let your doctor know.

How Much Does Vraylar Cost?

American prices for Vraylar can soar as high as $45.00 per capsule, or $1,375 for a month’s supply. If you’re seeking up to 80% savings, consider buying brand-name Vraylar through NorthWestPharmacy.com. Here, you can purchase a one-month’s supply of Vraylar for about $9.00 per capsule, or around $250.00 for a one month’s supply.

Latuda vs. Lamictal

Lamictal (lamotrigine) is a prescription medication that treats bipolar I disorder and some seizure conditions.

While it can be a very effective solution for people who need assistance managing bipolar I disorder, Lamictal can cause rashes for some people. Many doctors will advise patients to start Lamictal at a lower dose to see if they can avoid this outcome. Unfortunately, this can mean it takes a long time to see results with Lamictal.

Fortunately, it is available as a generic, and it’s available in several different forms.

How Much Does Lamictal Cost?

American patients often pay $450.00 for 30 tablets of Lamictal, or as much as $15.00 per tablet. Alternatively, through NorthWestPharmacy.com, you can buy Lamictal for about $1.10 per tablet, or up to 90% savings.

After You’ve Asked “Does Latuda Cause Weight Gain?”, What’s Next

When trying to buy mental health medications, you need fewer obstacles in your way – not more.

Under the current prescription medication system in the United States, American patients have several obstacles between them and excellent healthcare. For example, it can be complicated to find relevant, accurate, and accessible information about the medication they need.

It can be even harder to find their required prescription medication at prices they can afford. For example, Latuda and various Latuda alternatives can easily cost patients thousands of dollars annually.

And researching these medications to make the best possible choice for their health can take a lot of time American patients just don’t have.

NorthWestPharmacy.com works with American patients to overcome these obstacles. That’s why we provide updated, easy-to-read guides to popular medications on our site. It’s why we have pharmacist-reviewed information on many of our medication pages. And it’s why we offer brand-name and generic medications for affordable prices that Americans can ship straight from Canada to their front stoop.

We also know that in addition to simplicity, you must know your medications are safe. NorthWestPharmacy.com follows the guidelines from the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA) and the International Pharmacy Association of British Columbia (IPABC), two highly recognized Canada pharmacy and international medication accreditation associations, to ensure your entire medication-purchasing process is seamless and safe.

If you’re interested in placing an order through our site, call our customer service desk. You can speak with a friendly representative seven days a week to ask questions or even consult directly with a pharmacist M-F.

Then, when you’re ready to place your order, call us at 1-866-539-5330, or contact us online. We look forward to supporting you!