How long does it take Caplyta to work?

Q: How long does it take Caplyta to work?

Patient with schizophrenia started to show improved Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total scores after one week of treatment with Caplyta (lumateperone), according to the results of a phase III trial. PANSS is a scale used to measure the severity of schizophrenia symptoms. Symptoms continue to improve the longer you take the drug.

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on March 31, 2025.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

While some benefits of Caplyta may be noticeable within the first weeks, it takes time for the medication to reach its full effect.

Schizophrenia

Patients with schizophrenia may begin to see symptom improvement as early as one week after starting Caplyta (lumateperone), according to a phase III clinical trial measuring Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores. PANSS is a standardized scale used to assess schizophrenia severity.

Initial improvements may include reduced hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and delusions within 1–2 weeks.
Social motivation and overall engagement may take longer, typically 2–3 weeks.
Full therapeutic effects can take 2–3 months with continued treatment.

Bipolar Depression

In a Phase III trial, patients with bipolar depression showed early symptom improvement within the first few weeks of Caplyta treatment.

By the end of the 6-week trial, patients taking 42 mg daily had significantly greater symptom relief compared to those on placebo.

Everyone responds differently to medications. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, consult your healthcare provider.

References

Correll CU, Davis RE, Weingart M, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Lumateperone for Treatment of Schizophrenia: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2020;77(4):349–358. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.4379.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Lumateperone (Caplyta). September 2020. Available from: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Lumateperone-(Caplyta). [Accessed April 21, 2021].
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Caplyta. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/209500s009lbl.pdf. [Accessed May 5, 2022].

What is the mechanism of action for Caplyta?

Caplyta (lumateperone) is thought to work by changing the activity of certain chemicals called neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters include dopamine, glutamate, and serotonin. Continue reading

Caplyta savings card: Do I qualify and how much can I save?

To be eligible for the Caplyta Savings Card, you must be 18 years of age or older, have a prescription for Caplyta, and have private commercial insurance. It cannot be used with federal or state health programs. If you qualify, you may pay as little as $0 for the first two fills of a 30-day supply of Caplyta, up to the maximum lifetime benefit which is based on the current list price of a 30-day supply. After that, you pay $15 for fills up to a 90-day supply (maximum benefit $600). Continue reading

Does Caplyta cause weight gain?

Caplyta (lumateperone) treatment is not associated with the weight gain that some other antipsychotic drugs are. Caplyta is an atypical antipsychotic that is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar depression in adults. Continue reading

Drug information

Caplyta Information for Consumers
Caplyta prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
Side Effects of Caplyta (detailed)
Caplyta user reviews (184)

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