Latuda (lurasidone) is a brand-name prescription drug. It’s used to treat schizophrenia and depressive episodes related to bipolar disorder in adults and certain children.*

As with other medications, Latuda can interact with certain other drugs. It can also interact with some supplements and foods. An interaction occurs when one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected.

For details about Latuda’s interactions, keep reading. For additional information about Latuda, including details about its uses, see this article.

In some cases, factors or conditions could prevent your doctor from prescribing Latuda due to the risk of harm. These are known as contraindications. The contraindications of Latuda include:

Taking medications called strong CYP3A4 blockers

Latuda is removed from your body by an enzyme (a type of protein) called CYP3A4. Some medications called strong CYP3A4 blockers may prevent this enzyme from working properly. As a result, the level of Latuda may rise in your body, which can increase your risk of side effects. (To learn more about the side effects of Latuda, refer to this article.)

Due to this risk, doctors typically won’t prescribe Latuda if you’re taking a strong CYP3A4 blocker.

Your doctor or pharmacist can review the medications you take to see if any are strong CYP3A4 blockers. Examples include:

If you’re taking a strong CYP3A4 blocker, tell your doctor before starting Latuda treatment. They can help determine the right treatment plan for you.

Taking medications called strong CYP3A4 inducers

Latuda is removed from your body by an enzyme called CYP3A4. Some substances called strong CYP3A4 inducers may cause this enzyme to work faster than usual. This can decrease the level of Latuda in your system, which may make it less effective.

Due to this risk, doctors typically won’t prescribe Latuda in combination with a strong CYP3A4 inducer.

If you’re not sure whether you’re taking any strong CYP3A4 inducers, your doctor or pharmacist can help you. Examples include:

If you’re taking a strong CYP3A4 inducer, tell your doctor before beginning Latuda treatment. They can recommend a suitable treatment plan.

Having had an allergic reaction to Latuda or any of its ingredients

If you have had an allergic reaction to Latuda or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Latuda. Taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.

Note: Before you start treatment with Latuda, it’s important to tell your doctor if any of these contraindications apply to you. They can determine whether to prescribe Latuda. In some cases, your doctor may be able to recommend what you can take instead of Latuda.

There aren’t any known interactions between Latuda and alcohol. However, both Latuda and alcohol cause some of the same side effects. So if you drink during Latuda treatment, your risk of these side effects could increase.

Both Latuda and alcohol may cause:

  • sleepiness
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • slow movements

If you’d like to consume alcohol while you’re taking Latuda, talk with your doctor about how much, if any, is safe for you.

* To learn more about the side effects of Latuda, refer to this article.

Before you start treatment with Latuda, tell your doctor and pharmacist which prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Here’s a chart of drugs that can interact with Latuda. Keep in mind that this chart doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with Latuda. Some of these interactions are described in detail just below in “Drug interactions in depth.”

Drug type or drug nameDrug examplesInteraction result with Latuda
strong CYP3A4 blockers*ketoconazole (Nizoral)
clarithromycin
• ritonavir (Norvir)
• voriconazole (Vfend)
can increase the risk of side effects from Latuda†
moderate CYP3A4 blockersdiltiazem (Cardizem CD)
• atazanavir (Reyataz)
• erythromycin (Eryc)
fluconazole (Diflucan)
verapamil (Verelan)
• fluoxetine (Prozac)
can increase the risk of side effects from Latuda†
strong CYP3A4 inducers*• rifampin (Rimactane)
phenytoin (Dilantin)
carbamazepine (Tegretol)
can decrease the effectiveness of Latuda
moderate CYP3A4 inducers• bosentan (Tracleer)
• efavirenz (Sustiva)
• etravirine (Intelence)
• modafinil (Provigil)
• nafcillin
can decrease the effectiveness of Latuda
opioidsfentanyl (Fentora)
tramadol (Conzip)
oxycodone (Roxicodone)
can increase the risk of side effects from Latuda† and opioids
antihistamines• diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
hydroxyzine (Vistaril)
• doxylamine (Unisom)
can increase the risk of side effects from Latuda† and antihistamines
blood pressure medicationsamlodipine (Norvasc)
carvedilol (Coreg)
losartan (Cozaar)
• lisinopril (Zestril)
can increase the risk of side effects from Latuda† and blood pressure medications
benzodiazepines• alprazolam (Xanax)
• clonazepam (Klonopin)
• lorazepam (Ativan)
can increase the risk of side effects from Latuda† and benzodiazepines
certain stimulant drugs• lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse)
• amphetamine salts (Adderall)
can decrease the effectiveness of both Latuda and stimulant drugs
other antipsychotics• cariprazine (Vraylar)
• aripiprazole (Abilify)
haloperidol (Haldol)
can increase the risk of side effects from Latuda† and other antipsychotics
sedatives or hypnotics• zolpidem (Ambien)
• suvorexant (Belsomra)
eszopiclone (Lunesta)
can increase the risk of side effects from Latuda† and sedatives or hypnotics
bupropion (Wellbutrin SR)can increase the risk of side effects from Latuda† and bupropion

* For more information, refer to the “When to avoid Latuda” section above.
† To learn more about the side effects of Latuda, refer to this article.

Here’s a closer look at certain drug interactions of Latuda.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are drugs typically used to treat anxiety or seizure disorders.

Interaction result. Taking a benzodiazepine and Latuda together may increase your risk of side effects from both drugs. These include breathing problems and low blood pressure. (To learn more about the side effects of Latuda, refer to this article.)

Interaction explained. Both Latuda and benzodiazepines can cause central nervous system depression. This may cause side effects, such as a slower breathing rate, low blood pressure, or drowsiness. Because both Latuda and benzodiazepines can cause these effects, taking these drugs together may increase your risk of these side effects further.

Examples of benzodiazepine drugs. Here are some benzodiazepines that may interact with Latuda:

Steps you or your doctor may take. Before starting Latuda treatment, tell your doctor if you take any benzodiazepines. They can help determine whether the combination is safe.

If your doctor prescribes Latuda in combination with a benzodiazepine, they’ll likely monitor you more often than usual. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a different treatment option for you.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin SR)

Bupropion (Wellbutrin SR) is used to treat depression or to help quit smoking.

Interaction result. Taking bupropion with Latudamay increase your risk of seizures.

Interaction explained. In rare cases, Latuda and bupropion can cause seizures. If the drugs are taken together, the risk could increase further.

Steps you or your doctor may take. If you take bupropion, tell your doctor before starting Latuda treatment. They can help decide if it’s safe for you to take these drugs together.

If your doctor prescribes Latuda with bupropion, they may have you start bupropion treatment at a lower dose.* Then, they may increase your dose slowly over time. This is to give your body time to adjust to the medication. Your doctor will also likely monitor you throughout your treatment with both Latuda and bupropion.

* To learn about Latuda’s dosages, refer to this article.

Other antipsychotics

Antipsychotic drugs are used to treat certain mood conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Latuda is a type of antipsychotic.

Interaction result. Taking Latuda with other antipsychotics may increase your risk of side effects from both drugs. These include sleepiness or involuntary movements. (To learn more about the side effects of Latuda, refer to this article.)

Interaction explained. Both Latuda and other antipsychotics can cause side effects such as sleepiness or involuntary movements. So, taking a combination of these drugs can increase the risk of these side effects further.

Examples of other antipsychotic drugs. Here are some other antipsychotics that may interact with Latuda:

Steps you or your doctor may take. Before taking Latuda, tell your doctor if you take any other antipsychotics. They can advise whether taking these drugs together is safe.

If you need to take multiple antipsychotics to treat your condition, your doctor may monitor you for side effects more often. If you experience side effects, they may recommend lower doses of your medications. Talk with your doctor to determine what the best treatment plan for you may be.

Latuda may have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. You’ll find details below. Keep in mind that the following information does not include all other possible interactions with Latuda.

Latuda interactions with supplements

Before you start treatment with Latuda, tell your doctor and pharmacist which supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Latuda interactions with herbs

Doctors will usually recommend avoiding St. John’s wort when taking Latuda. St. John’s wort is an herb that’s sometimes used to ease depression.

Latuda may interact with St. John’s wort. Latuda is removed from your body by an enzyme (a type of protein) called CYP3A4. St. John’s wort may cause this enzyme to work faster than usual. This could cause the level of Latuda in your body to drop, which may make it less effective.

If you have questions about taking certain herbs with Latuda, talk with your doctor.

Latuda and vitamins

There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with Latuda. However, it’s possible that interactions with vitamins could be recognized in the future. Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamin product with Latuda.

Latuda interactions with food

Latuda can interact with grapefruit and grapefruit juice. In fact, doctors will typically recommend avoiding grapefruit and grapefruit juice while you’re taking Latuda.

Latuda is removed from your body by an enzyme called CYP3A4. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can prevent this enzyme from working properly. As a result, the level of Latuda can build up in your system, possibly increasing your risk of side effects. (To learn more about the side effects of Latuda, refer to this article.)

If you have questions about what foods and drinks you can have with Latuda, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Latuda and vaccines

There aren’t any known interactions between Latuda and vaccines. Your doctor or pharmacist can talk with you about any vaccines you need.

Latuda and lab tests

There aren’t any known interactions between Latuda and lab tests. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor.

LATUDA INTERACTION WITH CANNABIS OR CBD

Cannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have been specifically reported to interact with Latuda. Cannabis can cause increased or decreased levels of Latuda in your body. This can lead to an increased risk of side effects from Latuda or a decrease in the drug’s effectiveness.

Before you start treatment with Latuda, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you use cannabis. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions.

Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many U.S. states to varying degrees.

Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with Latuda. Before you take this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Latuda may not be the right treatment option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.

Health conditions or factors that might interact with Latuda include:

  • Mood conditions, including suicidal thoughts or behaviors. It’s possible for Latuda to increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young people taking depression medications.* (Latuda is used to treat depression.) Children and young adults ages 24 years and younger may have an increased risk of this side effect. Before taking Latuda, tell your doctor if you’ve ever had mood conditions or suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
  • Older adults with psychosis due to dementia. Latuda can increase the risk of death in older adults (65 years and older) who have psychosis due to dementia.* This risk is specific to this group of adults who take antipsychotic drugs, such as Latuda. If you’re an older adult with psychosis related to dementia, your doctor may recommend a different treatment option for you.
  • Heart problems. Tell your doctor if you have heart problems or if you’ve ever had a stroke. Antipsychotic drugs, such as Latuda, can increase the risk of heart problems or stroke. If you have or have had such conditions, Latuda may worsen them. In this case, your doctor can determine if Latuda may be safe for you.
  • Blood pressure problems. If you have high or low blood pressure, tell your doctor before taking Latuda. This medication can cause high or low blood pressure. If you already have one of these conditions, Latuda may worsen them. Your doctor can help determine whether Latuda may be safe for you.
  • Diabetes. Before taking Latuda, tell your doctor if you have diabetes or high blood sugar. It’s possible for antipsychotic drugs, such as Latuda, to increase your blood sugar. If you already have diabetes or high blood sugar, Latuda may make them worse. In this case, your doctor may recommend monitoring your blood sugar more often throughout your treatment.
  • High cholesterol or triglycerides. If you have high cholesterol or triglycerides, talk with your doctor before taking Latuda. Latuda can increase your cholesterol or triglyceride levels. And if you already have high cholesterol or triglyceride levels, Latuda may raise them further. In this case, your doctor may monitor your levels with blood tests more often than usual.
  • High prolactin levels. It’s possible for Latuda to increase the levels of a hormone called prolactin. If you already have high prolactin levels, taking Latuda can make your condition worse. In this case, your doctor can help determine if Latuda is right for you.
  • Low white blood cell levels. If you have low white blood cell levels, tell your doctor before taking Latuda. This medication may cause low white blood cell levels. If you already have low levels, Latuda may reduce them further. Your doctor may monitor your blood cell levels throughout your treatment. In some cases, they may recommend a different drug for you.
  • Seizures. It’s possible for Latuda to increase your risk of seizures. If you’ve ever had seizures, taking Latuda could increase the risk further. In this case, your doctor can help determine if Latuda is a safe treatment option for you.
  • Kidney problems. In rare cases, Latuda may cause kidney problems. Before starting Latuda treatment, be sure to tell your doctor about any kidney problems you have. Your doctor can help determine if Latuda is right for you. In some cases, they may adjust your dose of Latuda.†
  • Liver problems. If you have a liver problem, talk with your doctor before taking Latuda. Some liver conditions may impact how your body responds to the medication. In some cases, your doctor may decrease your dose of Latuda.† They’ll prescribe the right dose of Latuda for you.
  • Parkinson’s disease or Lewy body dementia. Tell your doctor if you have Parkinson’s disease or Lewy body dementia. If you have either of these conditions and take Latuda, you may have an increased risk of side effects from the drug. Your doctor may monitor you more often than usual or recommend a different treatment option for you.
  • Pregnancy. It’s not known if Latuda is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking Latuda.‡
  • Breastfeeding. It’s unknown if Latuda is safe to take while breastfeeding. If you’re breastfeeding or considering it, talk with your doctor before starting Latuda treatment.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Latuda or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Latuda. To learn more, see “When to avoid Latuda” above.

* Latuda has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more information, refer to “Boxed Warnings” at the top of this article.
† To learn about Latuda’s dosages, refer to this article.
‡ For details about Latuda and pregnancy, refer to this article.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Click here for more links and local resources.

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Here are some frequently asked questions about Latuda and possible interactions.

Can I take Latuda with over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen?

Yes, you can usually take Latuda with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Examples of OTC pain medications may include naproxen (Aleve) and acetaminophen (Tylenol).

However, it’s important to note that other pain medications, such as opioid drugs, may interact with Latuda. (To learn more, refer to the “Latuda interactions with other medications” section above.)

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see what medications may be safe for you to take with Latuda.

What antidepressants do not interact with Latuda and work well with it?

It’s likely safe to take certain antidepressants with Latuda. (Antidepressants are drugs that are typically used to help treat depression.) For example, there aren’t any known interactions between Latuda and the following antidepressants:

However, it’s possible for Latuda to interact with other antidepressants, such as fluoxetine (Prozac). (To learn more, refer to the “Latuda interactions with other medications” section above.)

Your doctor can help determine whether any antidepressants you’re taking may interact with Latuda.

If your doctor recommends you start taking an antidepressant during Latuda treatment, they can tell you which ones may work well with Latuda.

Does Latuda interact with Lamictal?

No, Latuda is not known to interact with lamotrigine (Lamictal). Lamotrigine is a drug that’s used to treat seizure disorders or bipolar disorder. It’s likely safe to take Latuda along with lamotrigine.

If you have any questions about taking Latuda with lamotrigine, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with Latuda. Your doctor and pharmacist are key resources, so reach out to them before starting treatment. For example, you should plan the following:

  • Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
  • Tell them about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
  • Create a medication list, which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out.

It’s also important to read the Latuda label and other paperwork that may come with the drug. The label may have colored stickers that mention an interaction. And the paperwork, sometimes called the medication guide or patient package insert, may contain details about interactions. If Latuda doesn’t come with paperwork, you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy. If you have questions about this information, including what you cannot take with Latuda, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You can also help prevent interactions with Latuda by taking it exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Besides learning about interactions, you may want to find out more about Latuda. These resources might help:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.