Lurasidone for Bipolar Disorder User Reviews (Page 5)

• Landry
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2020

Latuda (lurasidone) "I was prescribed this medication to treat bipolar depression. At first, it seemed to improve the mood swings, but from day one, I experienced severe akathisia and anxiety. I would take it at night, and every time I did, it would ruin my night. I tried to be patient with it for months, but it ultimately landed me in the ER with the first panic attack I've ever had in my life. Even the ER told me to stop taking it immediately. I'm glad I did, as I've felt much better since being off of it and trying something else. It's also insanely expensive, which makes it even more frustrating."

• Anonymous
• September 27, 2011

Latuda (lurasidone) "I've been on Latuda for 3 months after being on Lithium for Bipolar Disorder and have experienced nothing but great results. Lithium, which I was on for 10 years, began to rot my teeth because of dry mouth, so I asked for a new medicine. The doctor told me Latuda was brand new and is used primarily for schizophrenia but is also used for Bipolar Disorder. About 5 days into treatment, I had experienced noticeable changes. There was a sense of calm without the 'tunnel vision' and tiredness. I am a little more manic, but not bad; it's more like just being awake more, not bouncing off the walls. I sleep about 3 hours less, but because of the awake aspect of the medicine, you can't really notice. So, I say it's an excellent medicine and is worth a try."

• hoods...
• April 3, 2016

Latuda (lurasidone) "I am 50ish and have had 'issues' since 20ish and never written a review. Diagnosis is 'bi-polar II' (not sure I agree) but, I also have sleep apnea, hypothyroid & seem to have ADD (only H is my non-stop brain). I have taken Wellbutrin, Prozac, geodon, abilify, seroquel, lamictal, cymbalta, zyprexa, lithium & others all at ridiculously high clinical doses - stopped each one cold turkey w/o issue. Lamictal worked a little at a point - Latuda (80mg) is the ONLY drug that has given me hope of feeling normal (along with ADD & thyroid). Working on the c-pap and hoping Latuda keeps working. This brain stuff is a lot of guessing & @ 30 yrs in, I was about to give up on ever feeling ok again - this is awesome! I remember being me & love it ; )"

• sobei...
• May 7, 2014

Latuda (lurasidone) "I was diagnosed five years ago as being bipolar and long-term Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I have taken many medicines. I felt so much better when adding Latuda that I went from 80 mg to 120 mg. I totally crashed. I was extremely depressed. I went off the medicine for six weeks. I started again taking 80 mg. I have been stable for five weeks. I also take lithium, Xanax, and Klonopin. I stay on a strict schedule of exercise. I am taking it day by day. This is one of my most expensive medicines."

• minnewt
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2013

Latuda (lurasidone) "I started taking 40mg of Latuda alone about 6 weeks ago now. Before that, I was wondering day-to-day if I would make it. Now, aside from being sleepy (that is the biggest side effect, but who doesn't like a nice mid-day nap) I am much more productive, I can get out of bed in the morning, I don't cry uncontrollably, and best of all I don't have those same impulses I did before with shopping and drinking, etc. This really is a miracle in a way. I am on Klonopin now to help sleep, as by the time I go to bed I am all worked up, and it helps. It also helps for meltdowns, although I am going to talk to my psych to see if upping Latuda to 80mg is wise to prevent the meltdowns altogether. 23 and happy now, who would have ever guessed."

• Anonymous
• August 17, 2016

Latuda (lurasidone) "I started Latuda about a month ago. So far, I feel amazing. My negative thoughts (voices in my head) are not gone but more positive and not so attacking. I haven't had any urges in my body to yell, scream, or cry for no reason. I haven't yet popped off quickly like I did before, I have no feeling to even be upset. I'm feeling as if I've let go of all the bad energy I had inside me. I'm a lot more tired and restless, I'm sure I will get more used to it later, but it's helped me not wake up in a panic like I did every day before. I would truly recommend it to anyone who just wants to figure out who they truly are, someone who wants consistency with themselves, if that makes sense? I love the person I am now, and I hope to keep feeling this way. Good luck."

• Deerf...
• November 12, 2016

Latuda (lurasidone) "I am 58, with a diagnosis received over 15 years ago. I have tried several antidepressants and antianxiety medications with little if any relief. Upon expressing frustration with my doctor, it was suggested to try Latuda. I am on day 8 of 20 mg. Almost immediately felt calmer, clearer thinking, interest in my forgotten enjoyments. I am in good health physically. So far, no signs of any side effects and no weight gain at all (I gain weight easily) and gained over 20 lbs over the years using Celexa and other antidepressants. My diagnosis was changed after 14 years to bipolar 1, same doctor all these years. I was afraid of medicines, but deep depression forced me to try again. I'm happy so far with Latuda. Good luck and God bless."

• Ssano
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 8, 2019

Latuda (lurasidone) "I began taking Latuda several years ago, and it has been the best treatment for my bipolar depression. It keeps my mood up without causing mania. However, the key for me was in the dosing. I have always been more sensitive to drugs than other people, side effects are stronger, some drugs knock me out, and with surgeries, anesthesia always makes me vomit, etc. I take 40 mg of Latuda, and it works best. My doctor increased it to 60 mg because it's closer to the 'therapeutic dose.' That was too much for me. I was jittery, couldn't sit still, felt like racing in my chest, it was a strange sensation. But when I went back down to 40 mg, I was fine, and it's enough to treat my mood. If you're like me, be careful of taking too much and find a doctor who is willing to listen about lowering doses. It works so well for me, my doctor gives me samples since I can't afford the high copays."

• scoop
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2013

Latuda (lurasidone) "Began taking 20mg Latuda daily about ten days ago. About five days ago I noticed that I'm a lot less anxious - a lot less 'catastrophizing' - think more clearly, most definitely happier. My appetite is back as well. Suffering far less psychomotor retardation. Actually feel motivated to do some things! Genuine laughter! Also taking Aplenzin 522mg daily. Best I've felt in recent memory. It's my experience only."

• Kat
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2015

Latuda (lurasidone) "I've been on Latuda going on two months now, and it's just not working. I'm still depressed, crying all the time, and have even been violent towards my boyfriend. Also very angry. The side effects are very bad for me since I don't have an appetite. But I was dealing with it. I tried, and nothing. Desperately have to try something else."

• Jenna
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 4, 2023

Latuda (lurasidone) "I have bipolar 2 but was misdiagnosed with major depression for over 20 years. I underwent major stress during that time and tried many meds for depression and bipolar. I was having obsessive suicidal ideation. I was put on Latuda and it didn't work. Over time I got more and more lethargic. I was emotionally numb, didn't talk, and couldn't think or remember. I basically did nothing for years. I can't remember exactly how long I was a zombie but it was at least three years. I've been off the medication for a year. I no longer have suicidal ideation but I still have minimal emotions, low motivation, no creative inspiration to paint, less emotional connection to music, less interest in hobbies I used to have, much less appetite, both for food and sex, my memory is bad, and though I used to have a 130 IQ, I have trouble thinking and understanding things I used to get. I lost years of my life and aspects of myself and my personality that I'm not sure will ever come back."

• tiffy...
• September 22, 2015

Latuda (lurasidone) "For anyone setting on the fence about latuda please give it a try. Its new and has least side effects. After trying geodon, tegretol, abilify and others this past year and one other which suddenly made hair loss which was a side effect plus it really wasn't the best, I tried latuda, first week I felt confused etc. So I stopped taking it less than a week. Iam med sensitive big time, everyone suggested to try again for one month and I did and confused and forgetfulness etc passed in a weeks time and a month no side effects and I began to be my old self finally after two years. I'm happy and feel great. No anxiety or depression now. Very clear and focused and not forgetful. Concentration is great.20mg pm. Cymbalta am 60mg. Hope I helped"

• unhap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 23, 2014

Latuda (lurasidone) "I've never been so sick, flu-like symptoms and no help with depression. I experienced anxiety and panic attacks while taking it. Three weeks was all I could take. Back to the doctor for a medicine change. Thank God I had some Xanax to help along the way. Hope others have better luck with it than I did."

• Sanit...
• November 10, 2011

Latuda (lurasidone) "I am diagnosed with Bipolar 2 and ADHD. I take Strattera for ADHD, which stopped the anxiousness, and I just started Latuda two days ago. It has been a dream! Since I have had such difficulty responding to several bipolar medicines that were prescribed, it is so refreshing to have found a medicine that makes me feel like myself without the moods. I am so grateful! However, my only struggle with Latuda has affected my sleep slightly. I am a bit more restless when I sleep, but I have been compensating for this issue by taking melatonin. Not a big issue for the amount of positives I am experiencing! Hopefully, it will improve with continued use."

• LS1
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 2, 2016

Latuda (lurasidone) "This is the best medication I've taken for a mood stabilizer. It takes about 3 months to work at peak, but the benefits have been amazing. While some medications seem to drag you to feeling better, this one just nudges me. I feel as if my real personality can show through. I'm stable and thinking more rationally, without losing the ability to feel my emotions. Plus, I lost a few pounds."

• Jegat...
• April 13, 2014

Latuda (lurasidone) "I've had mostly positives with it. I do have some difficulty moving quickly at the gym because it causes dizziness, but this is a small inconvenience. It does raise my sugar, but weight loss counteracts this. It is really expensive, so I'm glad my insurance pays for it."

• Debbie
• Taken for 10 years or more
• June 25, 2022

Latuda (lurasidone) "I was diagnosed with bi polar when I was 27. I am now 55. I was one of the worst case of bi polar with severe depression. I have been on every medication out there or at least a lot of them. I was already on trileptal and wellbutrin, and seroquel it helped some. The last episode I had which was at least 15 years ago. I was put on Latuda. I have not had one episode with bipolar symptoms or depression since I started this medication. It was like a miracle. I have a life. I don’t try to hurt myself nor do I get depressed. Nothing brings me down to that dark level. I even lost my daughter who was 27. Don’t get me wrong it tore my heart into. But I never thought for one second it would be easier to be dead. It took me a few months to handle things. But before I would have only seen darkness. Now I see the light. The beautiful trees, the beautiful sky. With Gods help and this medication I’ve been able to function in away I never thought possible."

• Tj232
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2013

Latuda (lurasidone) "Been on 20mg for only 2 weeks now and have noticed a good improvement in my mood. My dose has now been upped to 40 mg once a day. This drug so far has worked better than any antidepressant I have taken (Wellbutrin, Prozac, Effexor XR, Mirtazapine) and better than any antipsychotic I have taken (Zyprexa, Risperidone, Thorazine, Seroquel). All antipsychotics I have taken so far have caused weight gain EXCEPT THIS ONE. Since taking it for 2 weeks, I have LOST 3 lbs without any major exercise, BUT I have dropped calorie intake to around 1000-1200 a day. The only negative side effect I have had is staying asleep for longer than 5-6 hrs. I also have social anxiety, but this medication hasn't helped with that (so far, if possible). Highly recommend."

• Carly...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 18, 2019

Latuda (lurasidone) "I took Latuda for about 8 months for Bipolar. In that time I gained 30 pounds and became suicidal. I was depressed before I took it, but it brought me to a whole new level. I had to get Electroconvulsive Therapies to come out of my depression with this drug. I am only now two years later losing all the weight I gained on Latuda, and am struggling immensely to keep it off. It messes with your metabolism a lot and permanently, and doesn’t help bipolar symptoms. It makes them worse."

• Jungr...
• February 26, 2017

Latuda (lurasidone) "This is the best drug I have taken for bipolar. I took many drugs for bipolar, and this one seems to be the only one to work. Zero side effect medication. It's like Haldol, but without side effects. Take it, trust me. It's great for bipolar. Decreases your appetite, unlike other medications. You will lose weight and sleep well. Start off at a high dose, because lower doses don't affect you well enough. I'm 25 in June and definitely, highly recommend this medication for anyone with any type of bipolar."

• Bipol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2016

Latuda (lurasidone) "I've been taking Latuda for about 3 months now for Bipolar II disorder. At first, I started out at 20 mg and gradually increased to 80 mg. I was in a deep depression, so even within weeks of taking Latuda, I didn't feel that much better. Once my doc switched me to 80 mg, I slowly started climbing out of my depression. It was a slow recovery, but it worked. I am now 80% depression-symptom free, and I feel like I'm back to my old self. I am able to function much better at work and life in general. I had restlessness as a side effect for some time, but it slowly went away. I usually take Latuda before bedtime and haven't experienced any other side effects."

• julieb
• September 18, 2013

Latuda (lurasidone) "Great! Slow start but kicks in well and helps with high mania and low depression. On 160 mg daily. Makes me sleepy at night, so I take 1 and 1/2 at night and half in the morning. No weight gain. Getting smarter."

• cspong
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2015

Latuda (lurasidone) "I have just started Latuda, and I am so happy with it (I will update after I've been on it for a while). I switched from Olanzapine, and the difference is incredible. Olanzapine had me feeling groggy and tired. Latuda, from day one, has had my brain feeling clear, and I've had my energy back! My apartment is finally clean, and I'm not losing everything all the time (seriously - I lost my phone daily before). The only 'side effect' is that I am super drowsy when I take it, which has to be with dinner, so the whole night I'm tired. I see this as a positive because I used to be up all night on Olanzapine. Plus, I wake up in the morning, and I'm wide awake! Latuda has been amazing!"

• Laney
• July 8, 2016

Latuda (lurasidone) "Been on Latuda 20 mg for almost 3 weeks now. I definitely notice a difference in my mood. I don't feel so heavy and down. I'm glad to finally have some relief. I also notice that my anxiety is not as high, and I'm not angry all the time. I hope things go up from here. I'm very positive about this medicine."

• TheMa...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 16, 2024

Latuda (lurasidone) "I will be honest. Starting this medication sucked. I always felt sick and nauseous. I never wanted to eat, I got dizzy to the point of almost falling over. I was also taking buspirone 3 times a day with it. I went from 250 lbs all the way down to 160 lbs in the span of 6 months. I could barely carry a grocery basket, I was so weak. But then my mania stopped, my depressive episodes stopped, and I stopped overthinking. My moods were stabilized, I stopped being angry and irritated all the time. Then my stomach issues cleared up, and I could eat again. I ate, I mean I ate. I went from 160 to 280 in a span of a year, I am not even being sarcastic. I really don't know if it's because I no longer feel excessive worry about what I eat. I'm on my way to losing weight now. I'm now losing weight again at 255 lbs and 6 ft 1. Still heavy but not so bad. I guess what I'm trying to say is it took time, it was hard but I stayed consistent. I improved! (Take with food before bed so you don't get sick! With 350 kcal)"