Latuda vs Seroquel: A Patient’s Guide

Category: Prescription Related Questions

Author Scott

Posted on March 26, 2024

Scott is passionate about health and wellness, and enjoys writing on various topic surrounding these fields. Scott lives in Seattle and spends his free time restoring old furniture and playing pickleball with his friends.

Bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are two different mental health conditions affecting a combined 64 million adults. These conditions share in common that their symptoms can be debilitating without medication.

Latuda and Seroquel are commonly prescribed antipsychotics for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, there are important differences that affect how doctors prescribe them.

In this guide, we are comparing Latuda vs Seroquel to help you better understand your options. Read on to learn more about Latuda, Seroquel, and the distinctions between them.

What Is Latuda?

Latuda is a brand-name atypical antipsychotic prescription medication that contains the active ingredient lurasidone. Lurasidone functions by reducing the activity of the neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain.

What Is Latuda Used For?

Latuda is used for bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia. Doctors may recommend it for adults and children over 10 with bipolar disorder and children over 13 with schizophrenia.

Bipolar disorder is a mood condition featuring alternating episodes of mania or hypomania and depression. Latuda is specifically used for the depressive episodes characteristic of bipolar disorder.

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition that can significantly alter the way someone interprets or experiences reality. It commonly features symptoms like delusions and hallucinations.

Though Latuda is not approved to treat bipolar II disorder, doctors may prescribe it for off-label purposes. Other off-label uses for this medication are depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and sleep.

Latuda Side Effects

Doctors do not prescribe Latuda unless they believe the potential benefits outweigh the risks. However, Latuda commonly features some mild side effects. It rarely causes more serious side effects.

Common mild side effects of Latuda may include but are not limited to the following:

Trouble thinking clearly
Difficulty with decision-making
Challenges in coordinating muscle movement
Restlessness
Muscle stiffness
Nasal congestion
Insomnia
Weight gain
Tiredness
Nausea

The serious side effects of Latuda are uncommon. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor or seek medical care as soon as possible if it feels like an emergency:

High blood sugar
High cholesterol
Weight gain
Amenorrhea
Lactating when not breastfeeding
Gynecomastia
Erectile dysfunction
Changes in breathing or heart rate
Confusion, fever, muscle stiffness, or severe sweating
Low white blood cell count
Seizure
Sudden or rapid changes in blood pressure
Confusion, dehydration, dizziness, or nausea
Trouble swallowing
Allergic reaction
Tardive dyskinesia
Suicidal ideation or behaviors

Older adults experiencing dementia-related psychotic symptoms should use caution when taking Latuda. In rare cases, this medication can increase the risk of death in this patient population.

What Is Seroquel?

Seroquel is a brand-name atypical antipsychotic prescription medication that contains the active ingredient quetiapine.

Quetiapine primarily functions by reducing the activity of dopamine in the brain. It has secondary effects on other neurotransmitters, including serotonin.

What Is Seroquel Used For?

Seroquel is used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is also FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). Doctors prescribe Seroquel for adults and children over 10 (for bipolar disorder) or 13 (for schizophrenia).

This medication can help with acute depressive and manic symptoms of bipolar II disorder. In the long term, this medication can treat bipolar disorder symptoms in conjunction with lithium or valproate.

Seroquel Side Effects

Seroquel is not recommended unless a doctor believes it will offer more benefits than potential side effects. The most common side effects people experience on Seroquel are mild and may include the following:

Constipation
Drowsiness
Upset stomach
Sleepiness
Weight gain
Blurry vision
Dry mouth
Dizziness and lightheadedness, especially after starting Seroquel

More severe side effects some people experience on Seroquel include constipation featuring abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, restlessness, shakiness, trouble swallowing, low appetite, jaundice, sleep apnea, and difficulty urinating.

Rare but very serious side effects are uncommon but possible when taking this medication. Schedule an appointment with your doctor or seek immediate medical care if it's an emergency for the following side effects:

Fainting
Seizure
Severe dizziness
Tardive dyskinesia
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Increased prolactin, featuring amenorrhea and abnormal lactation in women and gynecomastia and erectile dysfunction in men
Painful or prolonged erections
Severe allergic reactions

People with chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disorders should talk to their doctor before taking Seroquel. This drug has been known to cause high blood sugar, weight gain, and increased cholesterol in some people.

Latuda vs Seroquel: Which Is Right for You?

Latuda and Seroquel are both prescription atypical antipsychotics. They are available for children and adults who have bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

However, these medications also have important differences, which can help you determine which is right for you.

Uses

Latuda and Seroquel have different uses for bipolar disorder.

The FDA has only approved Latuda for the treatment of depressive episodes in children and adults with bipolar I disorder. Seroquel is approved to treat short- and long-term mania and depression in adults and children with bipolar I.

Format

Seroquel is available in immediate-release oral tablets as well as extended-release formulations. Latuda is only available as an immediate-release oral tablet.

Dosage

Doctors typically prescribe 40 mg of Latuda per day. Seroquel is typically prescribed in a much higher dose, ranging from 150 mg to 300 mg per day.

Latuda also has a longer half-life, which is the amount of time it takes the body to eliminate half the drug from your body. That means it will be effective for your symptoms at a lower dose and for longer than Seroquel.

Cost

Latuda is more expensive than Seroquel. However, Latuda and Seroquel are both available as generics, which may significantly decrease the cost of your medication.

Looking to Lower Your Prescription Costs?

Comparing Latuda vs Seroquel can help you understand your options for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder symptoms. Keep this guide handy when you discuss your options for medication for these two mental health conditions.

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