New schizophrenia drug lurasidone (Latuda) does not cause significant weight gain

Lurasidone (Latuda) was approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults in October 2010. Lurasidone acts as a D2, 5-HT2A, 5-HT7, and α2C-adrenergic receptor antagonist, and 5-HT1A receptor agonist.

Once-daily lurasidone did not cause significant weight gain, a common side effect of other schizophrenia drugs. Possible treatment side effects do include drowsiness, agitation, tremors, and nausea.

Lurasidone will carry a boxed warning - required of all atypical antipsychotics - about the increased risk for stroke and death when used off-label to treat dementia-related psychosis in older patients.

Other severe but rare side effects include neuroleptic malignant syndrome and tardive dyskinesia.

References:
New Schizophrenia Drug Approved. Journal Watch.

Image source: Lurasidone, Wikipedia, public domain.