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Latuda vs. Lithium

Latuda, also known by its generic name lurasidone, is a type of atypical antipsychotic. It's used to treat schizophrenia in adults and teens. It can also help with depression from bipolar disorder in people 10 years and older. Latuda (lurasidone) comes as a tablet that you swallow whole once a day with food (at least 350 calories). The most common side effect is sleepiness. This medication isn't likely to cause weight gain. Latuda (lurasidone) is available as brand-name and generic versions.

• Schizophrenia in people 13 years and older
• Depression from bipolar 1 disorder in people 10 years and older
• Depression from bipolar 1 disorder in adults - as add-on therapy to lithium or divalproex (Depakote)

• Sleepiness
• Nausea
• Movement problems (e.g., tremors, slow movement, stiff muscles)
• Can't stay still (restlessness)

• Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
• Higher risk of death in older people with dementia-related psychosis
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
• Trouble controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
• Changes in blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and weight
• Low blood pressure and risk of falls
• Trouble concentrating and extreme sleepiness
• High prolactin levels
• Lower white blood cell count (leading to possible risk of infection)
• Seizures
• Risk of manic episode
• Higher risk of side effects in people with Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia

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.

• Treatment of manic episodes of bipolar disorder
• Long-term maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder

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%)

• 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