Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Dr P. E. Pancoast, MD
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Latuda (Lurasidone hydrochloride) is a prescription drug for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.1 Its desired effects include:
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Medical professionals often prescribe this medication orally, to be taken once daily with food.
A specific dosage typically depends on the following:
Healthcare providers prescribe Latuda for the following:
Latuda is generally available in the following doses:
According to professional medical advice, Latuda should not be cut or crushed.
Some people respond positively to Latuda within 1 to 3 weeks, while most see significant improvement by the 6th week.
You should not take Latuda if you have or are under the following circumstances:
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According to studies, alcohol is not known to interact with Latuda directly. However, it can worsen potential side effects, especially sleepiness.
Most alcohol and Latuda interactions remain unknown, so you must not drink alcohol when taking Latuda to prevent severe health consequences.
In addition, someone with an alcohol use disorder is less likely to take their prescription of Latuda as prescribed. Around 33% of people with schizophrenia struggle with alcohol use, furthering the risks associated with Latuda and possible interactions with alcohol.3
Other factors like supplements, food, and even lab tests can cause potential interactions with Latuda.
You should avoid drinking alcohol if prescribed Latuda. Alcohol often inhibits clarity when thinking, resulting in people making undesirable decisions. It rarely improves a person’s cognition and thinking abilities.
Typical alcohol and Latuda interactions lead to drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.2
If you partake in heavy alcohol use concurrent with mental health conditions, disclose this information to your doctor, who can prescribe an appropriate dose or recommend alternative treatments.
Because both Latuda and alcohol are central nervous system depressants, mixing them can cause or exacerbate the following side effects:
Mixing alcohol with Latuda can also cause orthostatic hypotension or a shift in blood pressure when changing positions; these falls can potentially lead to injury.
These side effects also make it especially dangerous for driving individuals, as excessive alcohol use impairs hand-eye coordination.
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Because bipolar disorder entails significant mood changes over short periods, someone with that diagnosis may feel inclined to drink alcohol to boost their mood.4
An over-dependence on alcohol can eventually lead to alcohol abuse, making it difficult for someone with bipolar disorder to manage their symptoms.
Common antipsychotic drugs prescribed to people with bipolar disorder include the following:
When taken with benzodiazepines, Latuda can exacerbate side effects.5 Like alcohol, benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants, which can slow breathing and lower blood pressure.
With antipsychotic medication taken alongside Latuda, certain drug interactions like sleepiness and involuntary movements are more common.
People who drink alcohol while taking medications to treat bipolar disorder may experience adverse effects, such as the following:
Mixing alcohol and Latuda can lead to severe consequences, and you should take immediate action. Here are some steps to consider:
If you cannot reach the nearest hospital, dial 911 and request emergency services. Inform your healthcare provider so they can provide the appropriate guidance.
While it may seem intuitive, you should avoid vomiting in case of additional complications.
If you struggle to stay awake, ask someone you trust for help. They can help you stay alert and responsive.
Don’t wait for serious physical or mental warnings, even if your symptoms seem mild. Call your local emergency number immediately, especially if you experience suicidal thoughts.
Alcohol can intensify bipolar depression because it leads to profound sedation.6 Alcohol intake can also significantly increase the occurrence of mania.
Mania is a state of extreme mood elevation, often leading to risky behaviors like self-harm and other mental health problems.
People with bipolar disorder must take extra precautions, as alcohol addiction and depression typically concur.
Overall, consuming alcohol on Latuda and other antipsychotic drugs can cause destabilization, which can result in major depressive episodes.
You can stay safe when undergoing Latuda treatment by taking the following precautions:
It’s best to avoid alcohol entirely when treating bipolar disorder.
When starting Latuda treatment, review your healthcare provider’s instructions. Do not modify your dosage unless explicitly instructed.
While over-the-counter medications like painkillers (ibuprofen) are safe to take with Latuda, you should disclose other medications you’re prescribed to your doctor in case of adverse drug effects.
Pay attention to changes in mood, behavior, and physical symptoms, and relay any shifts to your doctor. Stop taking Latuda immediately if you experience an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor about your health history, including movement disorders, high or low blood pressure, allergies, etc. Doctors typically advise against prescribing Latuda for older adults with dementia-related psychosis.
Latuda impacts the body’s ability to regulate temperature, so drink plenty of water.
Grapefruit juice contains organic compounds that block the enzyme that breaks down Latuda and other drugs. When this enzyme becomes blocked, it can exacerbate the side effects associated with Latuda.
Fruits that may cause other interactions include pomelo, lime, and Seville oranges.
If you tend to abuse substances or develop an alcohol dependency during treatment, seek professional help immediately.
While there is a need for more research regarding the potential drug interactions between alcohol and Latuda, it’s best to refrain from heavy alcohol use and take a holistic approach to recovery.
Latuda is intended to help clarify thinking and improve a person’s grasp of reality, and alcohol typically does exactly the opposite. Drinking alcohol while taking Latuda will likely remove the beneficial effects of the medication through the common side effects of alcohol.
The best way to prevent interactions other than abstinence is to educate yourself regarding the potential consequences of taking Latuda while drinking alcohol and provide your doctor with a detailed medical history.
If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol use disorder, seek help from a medical professional.
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