Ke Ke asked
My medication, Latuda, always has to be taken at bedtime with meal. It makese drowsy about two hours later. Two and a half at most. Can I withhold taking the med for 30 minutes to an hour after a meal? It makes me sleep to early. If i eat dinner at 6pm or 6:30, I am sleep by 8:30 or 9. Suggestions?
Answer
Latuda (lurasidone) is classified as an "atypical anti-psychotic" and is used for a variety of indications including:
- Bipolar disorder
- Schizophrenia
Latuda has a complex mechanism of action and affects numerous neurotransmitters including:
- Dopamine
- Serotonin
- Histamine
How To Take Latuda
It is very important that Latuda be taken with a meal of at least 350 calories. Studies have shown that when taken with food (of at least 350 calories), the maximum concentrations and total concentrations of the drug in the blood were significantly higher than when taken without food. In other words, Latuda must be taken with food in order to have optimal effects.
Source: Latuda Food Effect Study
The above graph illustrates the importance of food administration with Latuda. It is apparent that taking Latuda in a fasted (i.e. no food) state results in significantly lower drug levels.
Another important point regarding food intake with Latuda is that during the safety and efficacy clinical studies with Latuda, individuals were instructed to take their daily dose of Latuda with food. Therefore, the clinical effects of taking Latuda without food aren't well known.
In regard to specific administration time, eating, and then waiting 30 minutes to 1 hour is considered too long of a time between food intake and Latuda administration. If drowsiness is a side effect you are experiencing, you should speak with your doctor regarding your administration options. If the side effects don't go away, a different drug or administration strategy for the medication may be warranted.
