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Compare Lithium vs. Latuda

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

Key takeaways

Lithium (Lithobid) and Latuda (lurasidone) are both used to treat bipolar disorder, but they work differently and have different uses. Lithium is a mood stabilizer that helps manage manic episodes and long-term maintenance of bipolar disorder. It is available in generic form and can be taken as pills or liquid, usually 2 to 3 times a day. Latuda, on the other hand, is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar depression. It is taken once a day with food and is less likely to cause weight gain compared to other antipsychotics. Lithium requires regular blood tests to monitor levels and prevent toxicity, while Latuda can cause sleepiness and movement problems. Both medications have serious side effects, but they target different symptoms and conditions within the realm of mental health.

  • Lithium
    Latuda (lurasidone)
  • Lithium
    Latuda (lurasidone)

  • Summary of Lithium vs. Latuda

    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.

    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.

  • Indications of Lithium vs. Latuda

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

  • Pros and Cons of Lithium vs. Latuda

    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
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Lithium vs. Latuda

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Nausea
    •Difficulty moving or slow movements
    •Can't stay still

  • Warnings of Lithium vs. Latuda

    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
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Lithium vs. Latuda

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