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Latuda withdrawal: What happens when you stop taking Latuda?

Learn how to avoid potential side effects that could occur when discontinuing Latuda
Leandra Beabout
By | May 10, 2024 Medically reviewed by Anne Jacobson, MD, MPH
A prescription bottle with an exclamation mark on the label: Latuda withdrawal: What happens when you stop taking Latuda?

Key takeaways

  • There are no clinical studies on Latuda withdrawal, but patients have reported withdrawal symptoms after quitting this drug.

  • Symptom rebound of the treated condition may be mistaken for Latuda withdrawal.

  • Actual Latuda withdrawal symptoms may include gastrointestinal issues, restlessness, and uncontrolled muscle movements.

  • Latuda withdrawal may be avoided by slowly tapering dosage under the direction of a healthcare professional.

In this article:

Latuda is a brand of lurasidone, a prescription drug used in the treatment of bipolar disorder (specifically, bipolar depression) and schizophrenia. Latuda is part of a class of medications called atypical, or second-generation, antipsychotics. Abruptly stopping a drug like Latuda may result in a rebound of symptoms. Quitting antipsychotics may also cause withdrawal-like symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, restlessness, and uncontrolled muscle movements. Latuda is not intended to treat dementia-related psychosis in older adult patients as it may cause an increased risk of death. 

Understanding Latuda withdrawal

There are no studies or clinical trials on Latuda withdrawal. The drug’s manufacturer, Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd., does not list withdrawal as a side effect of discontinuing this medication.

“Medications like Latuda … do not have ‘formal’ withdrawal symptoms, but some people may experience some minor discomfort when reducing doses,” said Howard Weeks, MD, chief medical officer at Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center in Denver, Colorado.

Psychiatrist Sid Khurana, MD, the medical director for Nevada Mental Health, agrees. “There is not a discontinuation syndrome or withdrawal,” Dr. Khurana said. 

Still, there are anecdotal reports of withdrawal-like symptoms from quitting Latuda, especially if the person stops taking the medication suddenly. A report published in 2021 in Schizophrenia Bulletin noted that while antipsychotic withdrawal symptoms are not widely recognized, withdrawal-like symptoms can occur when quitting second-generation antipsychotic medications. However, it’s important to note that while Latuda is a second-generation antipsychotic, none of the clinical studies in the report involved Latuda or other brands of lurasidone.

So, what might cause unpleasant symptoms when quitting or tapering off Latuda? It’s likely the sudden change in brain chemicals. Antipsychotics like Latuda are intended to treat severe mood disorders by changing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain. Abruptly quitting this medication may cause an imbalance of brain chemicals and a relapse of the treated condition (schizophrenia or depression from bipolar disorder). 

“Latuda should be tapered off gradually,” Dr. Khurana emphasized. “It is not recommended to stop this medicine suddenly, especially when taking a high dose for a long time.” Ultimately, it is essential never to stop taking Latuda without the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Timeline for Latuda withdrawal

Not all patients experience withdrawal effects from discontinuing atypical antipsychotics like Latuda. For those who do, symptoms begin within four weeks of quitting, according to a review of five studies published in Frontiers of Psychology.

The same review found that withdrawal symptoms typically last one to four weeks. The exception is hyperkinesia, or involuntary muscle movement, which may last months after stopping the medication.

It’s important to reiterate that not everyone experiences unwanted side effects from stopping Latuda. To reduce the risk of withdrawal or symptom rebound, the American Psychiatric Association recommends gradual discontinuation under the guidance of a medical team. In most cases, tapering off Latuda takes weeks or even months. In an online survey of 585 antipsychotic users who had tried to stop taking the drugs, 23% said discontinuation took at least one year.

Common symptoms of Latuda withdrawal

The most common Latuda withdrawal symptom is symptom rebound. In other words, a person who has been symptom-free while taking Latuda may experience a return of mood disorder symptoms that seem worse than pretreatment symptoms. 

Other symptoms of antipsychotic withdrawal, according to the Frontiers in Psychology review, include:

  • Gastrointestinal upset (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea)
  • Headache 
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Dizziness
  • Heavy sweating
  • Dry mouth 
  • Muscles aches and pain
  • Restlessness and anxiety
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Involuntary muscle movements

Dealing with Latuda withdrawal

Remember, it may be possible to avoid Latuda withdrawal symptoms by following a healthcare provider’s medication schedule that gradually decreases dosage over time. It is crucial to taper off Latuda gradually rather than going cold turkey.

Aside from tapering rather than quitting all at once, the most important thing a person can do while discontinuing Latuda is to keep in contact with their healthcare providers, including mental healthcare professionals. A robust and healthy support system is critical for people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. And social support is even more important when switching or discontinuing medications for mental health disorders.

While there are no natural remedies that fully take the place of antipsychotic medications, there are a few natural products and lifestyle changes that can work together with medication to improve symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder while dealing with Latuda withdrawal:

  • Omega-3 fatty acids – Although they are not a substitute for medication, fish oils containing omega-3 fatty acids benefit mental health. In a clinical trial, patients with bipolar disorder who took omega-3 supplements for three months experienced significantly less mania (emotional instability characterized by euphoria or irritability) than the placebo group.
  • A regular sleep schedule – Not getting enough sleep can cause manic or depressive episodes in people with bipolar disorder. Cultivating healthy bedtime habits can help with symptom management while quitting Latuda.
  • Regular exercise – Movement is good for the body and mind. Research shows that regular exercise improves cognition and memory in people with schizophrenia. Regular exercise can also prevent weight gain, which is a Latuda side effect.
  • Sticking to your provider’s instructions – It sounds simple, but it can’t be overstated. “Follow the instructions your prescriber gives you about how to taper and discontinue [antipsychotic] medications,” Dr. Weeks said. “This will reduce the chances of any side effects from reducing the dosage.” If you do experience unpleasant side effects, he recommends reaching out to your healthcare provider to discuss if slower tapering may help.

Patients quitting Latuda may also benefit from symptom-specific natural remedies:

  • Nausea remedies include staying hydrated, getting fresh air, drinking herbal tea, and trying breathing exercises.
  • Diarrhea treatments include eating bland foods and drinking plenty of fluids—but not grapefruit juice, which can interact with some drugs.
  • Headache remedies include good hydration, acupressure, cold compresses, and getting enough sleep. 
  • Vertigo may improve with specific exercises, good hydration, and aromatherapy with peppermint, lemon, or lavender essential oils. 
  • Dry-mouth treatments include avoiding caffeine and tobacco, chewing sugar-free gum, and staying hydrated.

Long-term effects of Latuda withdrawal

“There are no long-term effects of quitting Latuda,” said Dr. Khurana. “But there can be a relapse of the conditions it is being used to treat.”

Discontinuing an antipsychotic like Latuda can have a significant impact on mental health and daily functioning if the lack of treatment causes a schizophrenia or bipolar disorder relapse. 

The Department of Psychiatry at UNC School of Medicine offers a list of early warning signs of relapse:

  • Unexplained changes in sleep or eating habits
  • Failing to stick to the treatment plan (e.g., skipping doses of other medications or missing therapy appointments)
  • General agitation and irritability
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Feeling apathetic, hopeless, or sad
  • Uncontrollable crying
  • Restlessness or anxiety
  • Social withdrawal
  • Hygiene indifference (forgetting to shower or change into clean clothes)
  • Unusual or disturbing thoughts

Bottom line: How to navigate a safe Latuda withdrawal 

It is possible to safely quit taking Latuda under the guidance of a healthcare provider. However, serious side effects may occur if a person quits too quickly, especially if their use of Latuda has been long-term. Anyone with schizophrenia or bipolar depression should discuss long-term treatment plans with their team of medical providers, including their pharmacist. Anyone tapering off Latuda who experiences severe adverse reactions, including suicidal thoughts, should seek urgent medical attention. Always consult a healthcare provider before stopping Latuda or adjusting the dosage, as discontinuing this drug is linked to an increased risk of mental health condition relapse.