Latuda (lurasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic for schizophrenia in adults and adolescents aged 13 and older, and for bipolar I depressive episodes in adults and children as young as 10. Combining Latuda with alcohol is strongly discouraged due to significant risks.
Why Alcohol and Latuda Don’t Mix
Both alcohol and Latuda affect the central nervous system (CNS). Latuda influences neurotransmitters to regulate mood and thoughts; alcohol is a CNS depressant that slows brain activity. Combining these substances amplifies their effects.
This interaction intensifies Latuda’s sedative properties, like drowsiness. Alcohol also interferes with Latuda’s therapeutic actions. It can disrupt the balance of brain chemicals Latuda aims to restore, making the medication less effective for schizophrenia or bipolar depression.
Alcohol consumption impairs judgment, decision-making, and impulse control, posing risks for those managing mental health conditions. This impairment can worsen the disorder or impede treatment progress. The combination compromises medication efficacy and reduces safe navigation of their condition.
Specific Risks and Side Effects
Combining Latuda with alcohol leads to severe side effects due to exacerbated CNS depression. Profound drowsiness and dizziness significantly impair daily functioning and increase accident risk. This heightened sedation makes activities requiring mental alertness, like driving or operating machinery, extremely hazardous.
The interaction also causes impaired coordination, difficulty concentrating, and slowed thinking and movements. These effects elevate the risk of falls, head injuries, or other physical harm. Latuda can cause orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when changing positions), and alcohol can worsen this, potentially leading to fainting.
Beyond physical risks, alcohol can undermine the mental health stability Latuda provides. Alcohol consumption exacerbates depression and anxiety symptoms, and may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially in younger individuals. This is concerning for those with bipolar depression, where mood stability is a primary treatment goal. The combination intensifies mental health symptoms, making effective treatment more challenging.
What to Do if You’ve Drunk Alcohol
If alcohol has been consumed while taking Latuda, the course of action depends on symptom severity. For severe symptoms like extreme dizziness, profound sedation, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, seek immediate medical attention. Contact emergency services or the nearest emergency room.
For less severe symptoms, such as increased drowsiness or mild dizziness, inform your prescribing doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. Open communication with healthcare providers about alcohol consumption is crucial. This allows them to assess the situation, monitor for adverse effects, and provide tailored guidance.
Healthcare professionals offer strategies for managing alcohol use, including referrals to support groups or therapy, if ongoing struggles are present. Discussions with a doctor ensure the medication remains effective and safe while addressing concerns about alcohol consumption. Prioritizing safety and seeking professional guidance are important when alcohol and Latuda have been combined.