Bipolar Disorder: Medication Options and the Role of Lurasidone

Bipolar disorder is a complex condition to treat, primarily because it involves mood swings that can range from extreme highs (mania) to deep lows (depression). Managing these fluctuations requires a multi-faceted approach, which includes a combination of therapies and medications. Medications play a critical role in stabilizing moods, reducing impulsivity, irritability, anxiety, and depression, but it is essential to understand that not all medications are suitable for everyone.

This blog aims to educate patients about their treatment options and encourage open conversations with healthcare providers about medications that may work best for them. One such medication is Lurasidone, which falls into the class of drugs often labeled as "antipsychotics." However, recent trends in psychiatry suggest moving away from this terminology because it can be misleading or even stigmatizing. In this post, we will explore how Lurasidone works, its potential side effects, and why it may be an option for certain patients with bipolar disorder.

Talk to your provider about your symptoms.

What is Lurasidone?

Lurasidone is a medication used to help treat mood disorders, including bipolar disorder. It works by regulating two important chemicals in the brain—dopamine and serotonin—both of which play key roles in mood stabilization. These neurotransmitters are critical in managing the emotional extremes of bipolar disorder.

Instead of referring to Lurasidone as an "antipsychotic," which may carry negative connotations, it’s more accurate to describe it as a 5HT2A agonist. This means it acts on specific serotonin receptors to help restore balance in the brain's chemical signaling (Stahl, 2021). This approach allows for better mood regulation without some of the stigmas associated with older classes of psychiatric medications.

How to Take Lurasidone

To ensure Lurasidone works effectively, it must be taken with 350 calories of carbohydrates. This is important because the absorption of the medication is optimized when it is consumed with a meal containing carbohydrates. This requirement should be kept in mind when planning your meals to avoid missing doses or affecting the medication’s effectiveness.

Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, Lurasidone can cause side effects. Some of the potential adverse effects include:

• Sedation: Some individuals may feel drowsy or experience a general sense of tiredness, especially when first starting the medication.

• High blood sugar: This medication can elevate blood sugar levels, so it’s important to monitor glucose levels, especially in individuals with preexisting conditions like diabetes.

• Low blood pressure: Lurasidone can lower blood pressure, which may cause dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly when standing up quickly.

• Seizures: In rare cases, Lurasidone has been associated with seizure activity, so it’s important to be vigilant about any changes in physical health.

• Movement Disorders: These include symptoms such as Akathisia (a feeling of restlessness) or Tardive Dyskinesia (involuntary, repetitive movements).

• Suicidal Ideation: As with many psychiatric medications, there may be an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, particularly in younger patients. It is vital to monitor for any changes in mood or behavior.

While the side effects listed above may sound concerning, not everyone will experience them. Your healthcare provider will closely monitor your health to adjust the dosage if necessary, or to explore other treatment options if side effects become problematic.

Talk to Your Provider

If you are considering starting Lurasidone or are already taking it, it is important to maintain an ongoing dialogue with your provider. Be sure to discuss any concerns, symptoms, or potential side effects you may be experiencing. Effective treatment hinges on the patient-provider relationship, and clear, open communication is vital.

It’s essential to be transparent with your provider about how you’re feeling—both physically and emotionally. If you experience any side effects or changes in mood, notify your healthcare team as soon as possible. They may adjust your dosage, suggest lifestyle changes, or recommend another treatment altogether.

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder treatment is a highly individualized process, and the medication options available today are designed to give doctors and patients a range of choices for managing symptoms. Lurasidone is one such option that may be helpful for some patients. Understanding how it works, how to take it, and what side effects to watch for can help you make an informed decision about whether it's right for you.

Always engage in open and honest conversations with your provider. Bipolar disorder treatment is not one-size-fits-all, and finding the best approach requires collaboration, patience, and transparency.

Remember, your health and well-being are the top priority, and you have the right to ask questions and explore your options.

Reference

Cleveland Clinic. (2025). Lurasidone tablets. Retrieved January 16, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19890-lurasidone-tablets

Stahl, S. M. (2021). Shahls essential psychopharmacology (5th ed.). Cambridge University Press; 5th edition (August 19, 2021).