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What is the mechanism of action for Caplyta?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on March 25, 2025.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Caplyta (lumateperone) affects neurotransmitter activity in the brain, helping to regulate dopamine, serotonin, and glutamate—chemicals linked to mood and schizophrenia symptoms.

  • Serotonin: Caplyta blocks serotonin reuptake and acts as a 5-HT2A receptor antagonist, increasing serotonin levels, which may help with depressive symptoms.
  • Dopamine: It functions as a pre-synaptic partial agonist and post-synaptic antagonist at dopamine D2 receptors, helping balance dopamine levels in areas of the brain where excessive dopamine release contributes to schizophrenia.
  • Glutamate: Caplyta enhances glutamate activity by targeting NMDA receptors, addressing the low glutamate levels often seen in schizophrenia.

Is Caplyta a Mood Stabilizer or an Antipsychotic?

Caplyta is classified as an atypical antipsychotic. It is used to treat:

  • Schizophrenia in adults.
  • Depressive episodes associated with bipolar I and II disorder, either alone or in combination with mood stabilizers like lithium.

Related questions

Should Caplyta Be Taken with Food?

Caplyta can be taken with or without food. The standard dosage is 42 mg once daily. If you have moderate to severe liver impairment, your doctor may adjust the dose to 21 mg once daily.

What Are the Common Side Effects of Caplyta?

In clinical studies, common side effects included:

  • Sleepiness (somnolence or sedation)
  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Dizziness

This is not all the information you need to know about Caplyta (lumateperone) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Brisch, R., et. al. (2014). The Role of Dopamine in Schizophrenia from a Neurobiological and Evolutionary Perspective: Old Fashioned, but Still in Vogue. In: Frontiers in Psychiatry. Accessed 05/31/2024 at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4032934/


Caplyta [package insert]. (2023). Intra-Cellular Therapies, Inc. Accessed 05/31/2024 at: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=db730b06-6351-47fd-8183-e61e61bbead5

Cooper, D., et. al. (2023). Lumateperone. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Accessed 05/31/2024 at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560844/

Edinoff, A., et. al. (2020). Lumateperone for the Treatment of Schizophrenia. In: Psychopharmacology Bulletin. Accessed 05/31/24 at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7511146/

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