lurasidone
Latuda (lurasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic that modulates dopamine and serotonin receptors. It treats schizophrenia in adults and adolescents, and depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder, alone or with mood stabilisers.
This page is based on FDA prescribing information and the EMA medicine record for lurasidone, cross-checked with MedlinePlus; the mechanism is explained in plain language, and analogies are used only where they stay accurate.
How it works
Explains what the medicine does in the body, not dosing, side effects, or safety.
An analogy
Psychosis is like a radio stuck between stations, with dopamine turned too loud in some circuits. Lurasidone turns down the D2 volume in those circuits and also adjusts two serotonin dials, 5-HT2A and 5-HT7, which helps lift the heavy fog of bipolar depression without sedating the whole system.
In simple terms
Lurasidone belongs to the atypical antipsychotic class. It blocks dopamine D2 receptors, which are overactive in psychosis, and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, which helps balance mood circuits. This combination controls hallucinations and delusions in schizophrenia and can lift depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder, with relatively low effects on weight.
In depth
Lurasidone is a benzisothiazolone antipsychotic with high affinity antagonism at D2, 5-HT2A and 5-HT7 receptors, partial agonism at 5-HT1A receptors, and negligible affinity for histamine H1 and muscarinic M1 receptors. The H1/M1 sparing profile is associated with lower sedation, weight gain and metabolic disturbance than many peers. Its efficacy in bipolar depression is thought to involve 5-HT7-mediated effects on mood and cognition.
See it in motion
A schematic animation of the mechanism — simplified for clarity, not drawn to scale.
How lurasidone's D2 / 5-HT2A / 5-HT7 profile treats psychosis and bipolar depression
- Lurasidone is a benzisothiazolone antipsychotic with high affinity antagonism at D2, 5-HT2A and 5-HT7 receptors, partial agonism at 5-HT1A receptors, and negligible affinity for histamine H1 and muscarinic M1 receptors.
- The H1/M1 sparing profile is associated with lower sedation, weight gain and metabolic disturbance than many peers.
- Its efficacy in bipolar depression is thought to involve 5-HT7-mediated effects on mood and cognition.
- This combination controls hallucinations and delusions in schizophrenia and can lift depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder, with relatively low effects on weight.
Target: Dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A/5-HT7 receptors
Brain receptors involved in psychosis and mood regulation; antagonism at D2 and 5-HT2A eases psychotic symptoms while 5-HT7 activity may contribute to effects in bipolar depression.
Approved uses
Approved uses differ by country and change over time. Always follow your local prescribing information.
Approved uses in United States
FDA- Treatment of schizophrenia in adults and adolescents 13 to 17 years
- Monotherapy of major depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (bipolar depression) in adults and children 10 to 17 years
Approved uses in European Union
EMA- Treatment of schizophrenia in adults aged 18 years and over
Official sources
The statements on this page trace back to these records.
- Latuda (lurasidone) — Summary of product characteristics and package leaflet, English version
European Medicines Agency
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: lurasidone prescribing information
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- MedlinePlus: lurasidone
MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
This page explains how the medicine works — it isn’t the patient leaflet. For anything that applies to you, read the leaflet that came with your medicine or ask your pharmacist.
MedUnfold provides educational content and is not medical advice. Always follow your local prescribing information and healthcare professional.