There are many types of medication for individuals with schizophrenia, and with the advancement of medical technology, these medications are becoming more streamlined. Lurasidone is a type of antipsychotic medication approved for schizophrenia treatment in 2010 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Despite being out for a decade, many still are not sure of the drug’s effectiveness. By looking at studies on lurasidone, we can begin to understand its usefulness and effectiveness in treating patients with schizophrenia.
What Is Lurasidone?
Lurasidone is a medication that is known as an atypical antipsychotic or second-generation antipsychotic (SGA). It was approved in October 2010 by the FDA to treat patients with schizophrenia. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), it does so by rebalancing dopamine and serotonin to improve a person’s mood, behavior, and thinking.
Is Lurasidone Effective?
If you consider changing your psychiatric medications due to unintended side effects of weight gain, lurasidone might be a good choice for you. A study from CNS Spectrums noted that “there was no signal for clinically relevant adverse changes in body weight, lipids, glucose, insulin, or prolactin” following a six-month, open-label study of treatment with lurasidone. The study concluded that treatment with lurasidone was “generally well-tolerated with sustained improvement” among those participating in the study.
Is Lurasidone Right for Me?
With knowing that this drug is both effective and safe for patients with schizophrenia, you may wonder if it could help your treatment. It is best to contact your psychiatrist to discuss if lurasidone is right for you, but you can consider some general things. For example, lurasidone is only approved for adults and children 13 years of age and older. It also has side effects that could become worse when mixed with other medications. By talking to your doctor, an informed decision can be made on if lurasidone could help in your schizophrenia treatment.
Treating schizophrenia involves a combination of antipsychotic medications and therapy. One such medication used is lurasidone, but many are unsure of its effectiveness and safety. Luckily, research studies have been done to test these aspects of lurasidone, and the results have been positive. If you are seeking treatment for schizophrenia, Alta Loma Transformational Services can help you navigate medications and more. We treat men with schizophrenia using various methods to ensure they are set up for success in recovery. Call us today to learn more about lurasidone and other schizophrenia treatments at (866) 457-3843.
