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Latuda (lurasidone) is a prescription drug used to treat depressive symptoms related to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It is an atypical antipsychotic that works by balancing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood and sense of reality, reduce hallucinations, and stabilize emotions. While it has been shown to be effective, it can also cause several side effects, including muscle pain and stiffness. This paragraph will explore the topic of muscle pain as a potential side effect of taking Latuda.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Muscle Pain | Muscle rigidity, muscle spasms, neck muscle spasm, torticollis, trismus, muscle stiffness, tremors, shaking, uncontrolled muscle movements, muscle twitching, jerking |
| Other Side Effects | Agitation, irritability, abnormal behavior, suicidal thoughts, seizures, difficulty breathing, high fever, high or low blood pressure, increased sweating, loss of bladder control, pale skin, tiredness, confusion, double vision, headache, inability to move arms, legs, or facial muscles, slow speech, trouble speaking, thinking, or walking, convulsions, high blood sugar, high prolactin levels, infertility, osteoporosis, breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, weight gain, anxiety, drowsiness, burping |
| Treatment | Consult a doctor immediately if any of the above symptoms are observed. Do not use Latuda if you are allergic to lurasidone. |
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What You'll Learn
Muscle stiffness and spasms
Latuda (lurasidone) is a prescription drug used to treat depressive symptoms related to bipolar 1 and schizophrenia. It belongs to a group of medications called antipsychotics, which work by balancing the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain to improve mood, behaviours, and thoughts.
Like all medications, Latuda can cause side effects, including muscle stiffness and spasms. These may be signs of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). EPS is a serious muscle movement reaction that can cause uncontrolled and repetitive body movements, muscle stiffness or spasms, tremors or shaking, loss of balance or coordination, restlessness, and a shuffling walk. NMS, on the other hand, is a rare but serious condition that can be life-threatening.
If you experience muscle stiffness along with a high fever, increased sweating, confusion, a fast or irregular heartbeat, and other symptoms, it could be a sign of NMS, and you should stop taking Latuda and seek medical help immediately. Additionally, if you experience any uncontrolled muscle movements in your lips, tongue, eyes, face, arms, or legs, it could be a sign of EPS or a severe nervous system reaction, and you should consult your healthcare provider.
It is important to monitor your body for any side effects when taking Latuda and to seek medical advice if you have any concerns.
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Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)
Latuda (lurasidone) is a prescription drug used to treat depressive symptoms related to bipolar 1 and schizophrenia. It is an antipsychotic medication that works by balancing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain. While it can be highly effective in treating bipolar and schizophrenia, like all medications, there are potential side effects when taking it.
EPS can manifest in various ways, including acute dystonic reactions, akathisia, parkinsonism, and tardive movements. Acute dystonia occurs within 48 hours of drug exposure in 50% of cases and within 5 days in 90% of cases. It presents as painful muscular spasms of the neck, jaw, back, extremities, eyes, throat, and tongue, with the highest risk in young men. Oculogyric crisis, a type of acute dystonic reaction, involves the prolonged involuntary upward deviation of the eyes. Akathisia is characterised by a feeling of internal motor restlessness that can manifest as tension, nervousness, or anxiety. Parkinsonism includes symptoms such as rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and tremors. Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a movement disorder characterised by abnormal movements of the mouth, tongue, face, limbs, and trunk. It develops in 10-20% of patients on antipsychotics for more than a year.
The treatment for EPS varies depending on the type of symptom but may involve anticholinergic agents such as procyclidine, benztropine, diphenhydramine, and trihexyphenidyl. If EPS are induced by an antipsychotic, reducing the dose or switching to an atypical antipsychotic may help mitigate the symptoms.
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Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
NMS was first described in 1960 by French clinicians who observed the condition in patients treated with high-potency antipsychotics. The syndrome is believed to be caused by dopamine D2 receptor antagonism, which results in increased muscle rigidity and tremors. The condition can also be triggered by the rapid withdrawal of dopaminergic drugs, which are often used to manage Parkinsonian diseases. The abrupt decrease in dopaminergic activity in the brain can lead to NMS.
The first symptoms of NMS usually include muscle cramps and tremors, fever, unstable blood pressure, and sudden changes in mental status such as agitation, delirium, or coma. Other symptoms may include sweating, trouble swallowing, incontinence, and mutism. These symptoms can progress rapidly and reach peak intensity in as little as three days. The median duration of symptoms, with treatment, is nine days.
NMS is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Treatment involves discontinuing the offending agent, providing aggressive supportive care, and pharmacologic therapy in severe cases.
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Allergic reactions
Lurasidone, sold under the brand name Latuda, is a prescription drug used to treat depressive symptoms related to bipolar 1 and schizophrenia. It belongs to a group of medications called antipsychotics, which work by balancing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood, behaviours, and thoughts.
Like all medications, Latuda can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious and even life-threatening in some cases. Here are some of the possible allergic reactions and side effects associated with Latuda:
- Skin rash, itching, and hives: If you experience any skin-related symptoms, such as a rash, itching, or hives, it is important to stop taking Latuda and seek medical help right away.
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat: This can indicate a severe allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock, which requires immediate medical attention.
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia): Side effects such as increased thirst, increased urination, unusual weakness or fatigue, and blurry vision may indicate high blood sugar.
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): Antipsychotic medicines like Latuda can, in rare cases, cause NMS, a rare but serious condition that can lead to death. Stop taking Latuda and contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience symptoms such as high fever, stiff muscles, increased sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, and confusion.
- High Prolactin Levels (Hyperprolactinemia): Latuda may increase the level of the hormone prolactin in your blood, which can lead to fertility issues or bone problems. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms such as breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, or enlarged breasts in males.
- Blood Disorders: Latuda can cause blood disorders such as low white blood cell levels (leukopenia, neutropenia, or agranulocytosis). Stop taking Latuda and seek medical help if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, or cough.
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High prolactin levels
Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It plays an important role in the healthy functioning of the body, particularly in breast development and lactation. While prolactin is essential, insufficient or excessive levels of it may cause health issues.
If you are experiencing high prolactin levels, there are several treatment options available. Medications called dopamine agonists can help regulate prolactin levels and are effective in shrinking prolactinoma tumours. Surgery may be required if medication is not effective in shrinking the tumour. Radiation therapy is a rare third option if other methods do not work. If a medication is causing high prolactin levels, a healthcare provider may prescribe an alternative that does not affect prolactin levels as much.
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Frequently asked questions
Latuda (lurasidone) is a prescription drug used to treat depressive symptoms related to bipolar 1 and schizophrenia.
Side effects of Latuda include drowsiness, anxiety, burping, weight gain, and allergic reactions. It can also cause muscle stiffness or spasms, tremors, and uncontrolled muscle movements.
Yes, Latuda can cause muscle stiffness or spasms, which may lead to muscle pain. It can also cause uncontrolled muscle movements, especially in the lips, tongue, eyes, face, arms, or legs.
If you experience muscle pain or other side effects while taking Latuda, consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. Stop taking Latuda and seek medical help immediately if you experience severe muscle stiffness or uncontrolled muscle movements.
Yes, Latuda can cause serious side effects such as high fever, increased sweating, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, and suicidal thoughts or actions. It may also increase the risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of taking Latuda with your doctor before starting the medication.
