Lithium vs. Latuda for Bipolar Disorder: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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

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Latuda

(lurasidone)

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Summary for Lithium

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 for Lithium

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

Pros and Cons for Lithium

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 for Lithium

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 for Lithium

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

Summary for Latuda

Prescription only

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.

Indications for Latuda

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)

Pros and Cons for Latuda

Pros

Only need to take once a day
Okay for both adults and children of certain ages to take
Less likely to affect your weight than other antipsychotics

Cons

Can take several weeks before you notice the full effects of the medication
Can make you feel sleepy
Can cause movement problems

Common Side Effects for Latuda

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

Warnings for Latuda

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