Yes, Latuda (generic name: lurasidone) can cause drowsiness and make you feel sleepy. Drowsiness (somnolence) is one of the most common side effects that patients experience with Latuda.
In studies, in patients 13 years and older, somnolence was reported in at least 5 out of every 100 patients (≥ 5%) and at least twice the rate for patients receiving a placebo (inactive) treatment. Somnolence was reported in up to 26% of patients with schizophrenia in clinical studies and may worsen with higher doses.
Drowsiness can be a dangerous side effect with any medication. Latuda may make you sleepy or dizzy, may lower your blood pressure when changing position (orthostatic hypotension), and can slow your thinking and movements which may lead to falls, broken bones or other injuries.
Do not drink alcohol with Latuda. Also, avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while you are taking Latuda as it may increase the amount of Latuda in your blood and worsen side effects.
Be sure you know how Latuda will effect you before you drive or operate machinery. Do not drive or do other dangerous activities if you are drowsy. Discuss any side effects due to Latuda with your doctor.
This is not a complete list of all side effects. You can view a more detailed list of side effects with Latuda here.
What is Latuda used for?
Latuda is classified as an antipsychotic medication used for psychiatric conditions and it helps to restore the natural balance of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in your brain. Latuda is approved by the FDA:
- for the treatment of adult and adolescent patients aged 13 to 17 years with schizophrenia.
- for the treatment of bipolar depression (major depressive episode associated with bipolar I disorder) as a single treatment (monotherapy) in adults and children 10 to 17 years of age.
- to be used in combination with lithium or valproate for the treatment of bipolar depression in adults.
Does Latuda help you sleep?
Latuda may help you to sleep because it can cause drowsiness, but it may also disrupt your sleep. In children 10 to 17 years of age treated for bipolar depression, insomnia (trouble sleeping) was reported as a common side effect, not drowsiness.
Once Latuda starts to work for you, it may improve your sleep because it will treat your symptoms of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It will help you to think more clearly, feel less anxious, and improve your mood.
Latuda can also cause a side effect called akathisia, which is a feeling of restlessness and the need to move around, which might interfere with your sleep.
It is taken only once per day as an oral tablet. Try to take it at the same time each day. You need to take it regularly for it to work for you. Your doctor will determine the best dose for you.
It is important that you take your Latuda with food that contains at least 350 calories. Taking Latuda with food will greatly help to increase the absorption of the medicine into your body. Better absorption can increase the effectiveness of Latuda.
You can take Latuda in the morning or evening. Ask your doctor if you can take Latuda in the evening with a snack that contains 350 calories if it helps you to sleep.
Bottom Line
- Drowsiness (somnolence) is one of the most common side effects that occurs with Latuda.
- Do not drink alcohol with Latuda. Be sure you know how Latuda will effect you before you drive or operate machinery. Do not drive or do other dangerous activities if you are drowsy.
- Be sure to take Latuda with food that contains at least 350 calories. Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit while taking Latuda as this may worsen side effects.
Always call your doctor to discuss any side effects you may be having with your medication. This is not all the information you need to know about Latuda for safe and effective use. Review the full Latuda prescribing information here, and discuss this information with your doctor or other health care provider.