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Lurasidone for schizophrenia: what's different?
Joshua T Kantrowitz1, Leslie Citrome
1Nathan S Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA. jkantrowitz@nki.rfmh.org
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics
|February 28, 2012
Summary
Lurasidone is an effective antipsychotic for schizophrenia, showing minimal weight gain and no significant metabolic or cardiac changes. Further head-to-head studies are needed to compare its efficacy against other treatments.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Lurasidone is a U.S. FDA-approved antipsychotic for schizophrenia treatment.
- Phase II and III studies confirm lurasidone's efficacy compared to placebo.
- Limited head-to-head trials exist for direct efficacy comparisons with other antipsychotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and tolerability profile of lurasidone.
- To highlight its metabolic and cardiovascular safety compared to other antipsychotics.
- To discuss optimal dosing and administration guidelines for lurasidone.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing Phase II and III clinical trial data.
- Analysis of product labeling and pharmacokinetic information.
- Synthesis of comparative data regarding metabolic and cardiovascular effects.
Main Results:
- Lurasidone demonstrates efficacy in schizophrenia treatment.
- It is associated with minimal weight gain and no clinically significant alterations in glucose, lipids, or QT interval.
- Recommended dosage is 40-80 mg/day with food; higher doses may increase adverse effects like somnolence, though not consistently observed.
Conclusions:
- Lurasidone offers a favorable metabolic and cardiovascular safety profile.
- Optimal administration involves taking the medication once daily with a meal containing at least 350 calories.
- Further research, including direct comparative efficacy studies, is warranted.
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