Are you a healthcare professional? Join GoodRx for HCPs

Compare Latuda vs. Lithium

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Latuda (lurasidone) and Lithium (lithium carbonate) are both used to treat bipolar disorder, but they have different uses and belong to different medication classes. Latuda is an atypical antipsychotic that treats schizophrenia and bipolar depression, while Lithium is a mood stabilizer used for manic episodes and long-term maintenance of bipolar disorder. Latuda is taken once daily, whereas Lithium is typically taken 2 to 3 times a day and is available in various forms, including extended-release tablets and oral solutions. Latuda is less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antipsychotics, but it can make you sleepy and dizzy. Lithium, on the other hand, requires regular blood tests to monitor for toxicity and can cause side effects like shakiness, thirst, and nausea. Latuda is not recommended for older adults with dementia-related psychosis, while Lithium is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential risks to the baby. Both medications interact with many other drugs, so it's important to discuss all your medications with your provider.

Latuda (lurasidone)
Lithium
Latuda (lurasidone)
Lithium
Summary of Latuda vs. Lithium
Summary for Atypical antipsychotic
Prescription only
Latuda (lurasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic that's used to treat schizophrenia in adults and children age 13 years and older. It can also be used for treating depression from bipolar disorder in adults and children age 10 years and older. Latuda (lurasidone) is a tablet that's taken by mouth once per day. The most common side effect is sleepiness, and the medication is less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antipsychotics.
Summary for Antimanic
Prescription only
Lithium carbonate (or lithium) is a medication used to treat bipolar disorder and manic episodes. It's taken by mouth, typically 2 to 3 times a day. Lithium is available as instant-release pills and oral liquid as well as an extended-release tablet (brand name Lithobid). All lithium products are available as lower-cost generics. Lithium works well for treating bipolar disorder, but it can also cause side effects, such as shakiness, thirst, and nausea. To prevent lithium toxicity, your provider will check your blood lithium levels to make sure you're on a safe dose of the medication.
Indications of Latuda vs. Lithium
Indications for

•Schizophrenia in people age 13 years and older

•Depression from bipolar disorder in people age 10 years and older

•Add-on therapy to lithium (Lithobid) or divalproex (Depakote) for depression from bipolar disorder in adults

Indications for

•Treatment of manic episodes of bipolar disorder

•Long-term maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder
Pros and Cons of Latuda vs. Lithium
Pros and Const for Atypical antipsychotic
Pros

•Works well for depression from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

•Only need to take it once a day

•Can use in adults and children

•Less likely to affect your weight than other antipsychotics

Cons

•Can take several weeks before you feel the full effects

•Can make you feel sleepy

•Can cause movement problems

•Only available as a tablet

Pros and Const for Antimanic
Pros

•Works well for bipolar disorder

•Starts to work in about 1 to 3 weeks

•Available as a lower-cost generic

•Available as oral pills and oral liquid for those having trouble swallowing pills

Cons

•Can have a lot of side effects, including lithium toxicity if lithium levels are too high

•Requires routine blood tests to check the medication levels and how the medication is affecting your body

•Not the best option for people with severe kidney problems

•Interacts with a lot of medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics, and ACE-inhibitors
Common Side Effects of Latuda vs. Lithium
Common Side Effects for

•Sleepiness

•Nausea

•Difficulty moving or slow movements

•Can't stay still

Common Side Effects for
Adults:

•Hand trembling

•Excessive urination

•More thirst

•Nausea

•General discomfort when you start treatment

Children (7 to 17 years of age):

•Nausea or vomiting (57%)

•Urinating more often (38%)

•Tremor (32%)

•Feeling more thirsty (28%)

•Tiredness (26%)

•Higher thyroid hormone levels (25%)

•Dizziness (23%)
Warnings of Latuda vs. Lithium
Common Side Effects for

•Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior

•Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis

•Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

•Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)

•Changes in weight, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels

•High prolactin levels

•Changes in blood pressure and risk of falls

•Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)

•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness

•Seizures

•Triggering a manic episode

•Side effects affecting the nervous system in people with Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia

Common Side Effects for

•Lithium toxicity

•Kidney problems

•Serotonin syndrome

•Thyroid problems

•Heart problems (Brugada syndrome)

•Low blood sodium levels

•High blood calcium levels and high parathyroid hormone levels

•Brain-related side effects
Prices with our coupons for Latuda vs. Lithium
Learn more about Latuda
Learn more about Lithium

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.

Compare Latuda vs. Lithium

Key takeaways

Summary of Latuda vs. Lithium

Indications of Latuda vs. Lithium

Pros and Cons of Latuda vs. Lithium

Common Side Effects of Latuda vs. Lithium

Warnings of Latuda vs. Lithium

Prices with our coupons for Latuda vs. Lithium

Compare other Bipolar Disorder drugs

Browse medications

Good news for your inbox