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Latuda vs Saphris
Introduction
For patients with schizophrenia or bipolar depression, certain antipsychotic medications that alter the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain can help stabilize mood swings and manage symptoms. Latuda (lurasidone) and Saphris (asenapine) are two such drugs that are commonly prescribed. Both impact several neurotransmitters in the brain but have different primary targets which contribute to their therapeutic effects.
Latuda is classified as an atypical antipsychotic, acting primarily on dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors by blocking them, it also possesses high affinity for serotonin 7 (5-HT7) receptors which contributes to its antidepressant properties.
Saphris also falls within the class of atypical antipsychotics, however, it works by antagonizing a slightly broader range of neurotransmitter receptors including dopamine D1-D4 , serotonin 5-HT2A/6/7 among others offering a wider spectrum activity.
Despite these differences both medications serve to regulate imbalances in neurotransmitters thus aiding symptom control in those suffering from conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
What is Latuda?
Lurasidone (the generic name for Latuda) is a modern atypical antipsychotic drug known as a second-generation antipsychotic, which signifies significant advancement compared to the first generation of these drugs. Lurasidone was first approved by the FDA in 2010. Its primary mechanism involves blocking dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, thereby helping to rebalance these neurotransmitters in the brain. It's commonly prescribed for treating schizophrenia and bipolar depression. While Lurasidone selectively blocks specific receptors with minimal influence on other neurotransmitter systems, it tends to have fewer side effects than older antipsychotics that interact more broadly.
Asenapine (the generic name for Saphris), another second-generation antipsychotic, also works by antagonizing various subtypes of dopamine and serotonin receptors but has additional antagonist activity against norepinephrine and histamine receptors which could result in different therapeutic benefits or side-effects profile compared to lurasidone.
What conditions is Latuda approved to treat?
Latuda is approved for the treatment of several psychiatric disorders:
- Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents aged 13-17 years
- Bipolar depression (also known as manic-depressive illness) in adults and children aged 10-17 years when used alone or with lithium or valproate.
How does Latuda help with these illnesses?
Latuda aids in managing symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar depression by affecting the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, namely serotonin and dopamine. It does this by blocking specific receptors on neurons where these chemicals normally bind to exert their effects. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in reward, motivation, memory, attention and even regulating body movements while serotonin impacts mood, social behavior, appetite and digestion, sleep patterns among other things. In individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, there are often imbalances in these neurotransmitters. By modulating the activity at these receptors, Latuda can help minimize psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations or manic episodes associated with these conditions thereby helping patients manage their condition better.
What is Saphris?
Saphris, also known as Asenapine, is an atypical antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It works by reducing abnormal excitement in the brain through its action on multiple neurotransmitters including dopamine and serotonin. Saphris was first approved by the FDA in 2009. Unlike Latuda which specifically targets serotonin-dopamine activity, Saphris has a broader spectrum of action blocking both types of receptors along with adrenergic receptors. This broad effect can lead to a different side-effect profile than seen with typical antipsychotic drugs like Latuda. Notably, Saphris is less likely to cause extrapyramidal symptoms (movement disorders common with older generation antipsychotics) but may be associated with weight gain and metabolic changes such as increased blood sugar levels - common concerns for those taking atypical antipsychotics.
What conditions is Saphris approved to treat?
Saphris is an antipsychotic medication that has been approved by the FDA for managing the following conditions:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar I disorder, specifically for both manic and mixed episodes.
It's worth mentioning that Saphris is also used as adjunctive therapy along with either lithium or valproate in adults suffering from bipolar disorder.
How does Saphris help with these illnesses?
Saphris, like Latuda, is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Saphris works by influencing dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, two neurotransmitters that are commonly out of balance in individuals with these disorders. Unlike Latuda which can be taken orally once daily without regard to meals, Saphris is often prescribed as a sublingual tablet (dissolved under the tongue) twice daily and must not be swallowed or chewed. This different mode of administration can make it more suitable for certain patients who struggle with swallowing pills or maintaining a consistent medication schedule aligned with meals. By adjusting dopamine and serotonin levels, Saphris helps alleviate some of the psychological symptoms associated with these conditions.
How effective are both Latuda and Saphris?
Both lurasidone (Latuda) and asenapine (Saphris) are atypical antipsychotics primarily used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with their FDA approval coming only a year apart. They function by affecting different neurotransmitters in the brain, meaning they may be prescribed under varying circumstances depending on patient's specific symptoms. A direct comparison of their effectiveness in managing schizophrenia was undertaken in a double-blind clinical trial; both drugs exhibited similar efficacy in controlling psychotic symptoms along with comparable safety profiles.
A 2013 meta-analysis on lurasidone highlighted its effectiveness as an antipsychotic from the initial stages of treatment. It reported that lurasidone has a favorable side effect profile compared to many other antipsychotics and is generally well-tolerated across diverse population groups including elderly patients. Lurasidon also appears to have less risk for weight gain, a common concern with many antipsychotic medications.
Asenapine demonstrated promising results according to a 2015 review and meta-analysis indicating it outperformed placebo treatments for schizophrenia and showed similar efficacy when compared with other common atypical antipsychotics. However, like bupropion, asenapine is often reserved until after first-line treatments have proved insufficient or unsuitable due to its unique pharmacology making it suited for those who didn't respond adequately or experienced intolerable side effects from other treatments.
At what dose is Latuda typically prescribed?
Oral dosages of Latuda range from 20-120 mg/day, with studies indicating that a starting dose of 40 mg/day is effective in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar depression in adults. Adolescents aged between 13-17 years may be started on a lower dosage of 20 mg/day for the same conditions. For both populations, if there is no significant response after several weeks, the dosage can be adjusted accordingly under medical supervision. However, it's crucial to note that any dosage above 120 mg/day should not be exceeded under any circumstance.
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At what dose is Saphris typically prescribed?
Saphris treatment typically begins at a dosage of 5 mg, taken orally twice per day. This dose may be increased gradually to 10 mg twice daily if necessary and tolerated by the patient. The doses should be spaced approximately 12 hours apart. If there's no significant improvement in symptoms after a few weeks, the maximum dose of Saphris is sometimes tested, which is 20 mg/day divided into two doses of 10 mg each and spaced approximately 12 hours apart. It's important that patients take this medication as directed by their healthcare provider for optimal effectiveness.
What are the most common side effects for Latuda?
Common side effects of Latuda and Saphris may include:
- Anxiety, restlessness
- Insomnia or somnolence (difficulty sleeping or excessive sleepiness)
- Asthenia (general weakness and fatigue)
- Tremor (uncontrolled shaking)
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea, upset stomach
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Dry mouth
- Weight gain
- Dizziness upon standing up too quickly from a sitting position
-Decreased libido (sex drive) in some cases.
-Some people may experience skin reactions such as rash.
-Increased sweating due to changes in body temperature regulation.
-In rare instances, one might have unusual dreams.
-A few individuals could experience symptoms similar to those of the flu. -People with certain conditions can develop pharyngitis or sinusitis, which are inflammations in the back of the throat or inside the nasal cavities respectively.
Remember that everyone's reaction to medication is unique. If you notice any new symptoms after starting either Latuda or Saphris, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider immediately.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Latuda?
While both Latuda and Saphris are used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, they each have potential side effects that need consideration. For Latuda, lookout for:
- Increased thoughts about suicide or self-harm
- Signs of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- High blood sugar - increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth
- Uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking)
- Severe nervous system reaction - very stiff (rigid) muscles; high fever; sweating; confusion; fast or uneven heartbeats
With Saphris on the other hand:
- Serious allergic reactions can occur leading to hives; difficult breathing; swelling in your face or throat
- High blood sugar - symptoms including dry mouth and skin rashes
- Low white blood cell count – sudden weakness/ill feeling & fever with chills/sore throat/mouth sores/red/swollen gums -Severe nervous system reaction - very stiff (rigid) muscles; high fever; sweating; confusion; fast or uneven heartbeats.
In case you notice any of these symptoms after taking either drug , it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional immediately.
What are the most common side effects for Saphris?
When comparing Latuda to Saphris, it's important to note that Saphris has its own set of potential side effects. Some people who take Saphris might experience:
- Dry mouth and throat discomfort
- Nasal congestion
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Visual disturbances or blurry vision
- Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, decreased appetite or constipation
- Sleep irregularities like insomnia
- Trembling, excessive sweating and feelings of anxiety or nervousness
- An unusually fast heartbeat
- Mental confusion, agitation or hostile behaviour
- A skin rash may appear
- Weight loss could occur
-Increased frequency of urination -A heady feeling accompanied by dizziness
-Pain in muscles and joints
Are there any potential serious side effects for Saphris?
While Saphris is widely used and well-tolerated, it can occasionally cause severe side effects. If you notice any of the following signs, consult with your healthcare provider:
- Allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue.
- Changes in mood or emotions such as feelings of high energy (mania), thoughts about suicide or dying; attempts to commit suicide; new or worsening depression; new anxiety attacks; feeling very agitated or restless; panic attacks.
- Seizures (convulsions)
- Confusion, unusual changes in behavior
- Vision problems including blurred vision and eye pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Symptoms that could indicate a stroke like sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body
If you experience these symptoms after taking Saphris it's crucial that you contact your medical professional immediately for advice.
Contraindications for Latuda and Saphris?
Both Latuda and Saphris, like other antipsychotic medications, may worsen symptoms of depression in some people. If you notice your depression worsening, or an increase in suicidal ideation, thoughts, or behavior after starting either drug treatment, seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Latuda nor Saphris should be taken if you are taking or have recently taken inhibitors such as certain antiarrhythmics (medications to control heart rhythm), antibiotics or antifungal medicines. Always inform your physician about all the medications you are currently taking; these inhibitors will require a period of about 5 weeks to clear from the system to prevent dangerous interactions with both Latuda and Saphris.
How much do Latuda and Saphris cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price for 30 tablets of Latuda (40 mg) averages around $1300, which works out to about $43–86/day, depending on your dose.
- The price for 60 sublingual tablets of Saphris (5 mg) averages around $1000, working out to approximately $33/day.
Thus, if you are in the higher dosage range for Latuda (i.e., 80 mg/day or higher), then brand-name Saphris is less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. Please note that cost should not be a primary consideration in determining which of these drugs is right for you.
Currently there are no generic versions available for either Latuda or Saphris. As such, prices remain relatively high compared to many other medications. Always consult with your healthcare provider and pharmacist about potential ways to reduce medication costs while ensuring an effective treatment plan.
Popularity of Latuda and Saphris
Lurasidone, available under the brand name Latuda, was prescribed to about 2.3 million people in the USA in 2020. Lurasidone accounted for around 5% of atypical antipsychotic prescriptions in the US but has been increasing gradually since its introduction to the market.
On the other hand, Asenapine, which is better known by its brand name Saphris, saw approximately half a million prescriptions filled during this same time frame. In terms of overall atypical antipsychotic prescriptions within America, asenapine constituted just over 1%. Its prevalence has remained relatively stable over recent years without much fluctuation or notable increase.
Conclusion
Both Latuda (lurasidone) and Saphris (asenapine) are atypical antipsychotics used in the management of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. They have both demonstrated effectiveness in clinical studies, with some patients responding better to one drug over the other due to their different binding profiles. For instance, Latuda primarily acts by blocking dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors while Saphris has a broader receptor-binding profile.
In certain cases, these drugs may be combined or used as adjunctive therapy with mood stabilizers or antidepressants, but this requires careful consideration due to potential interactions.
Latuda is typically taken once daily with food while Saphris is taken twice daily sublingually (under the tongue). Both medications offer generic options that provide cost savings for patients.
The side effect profiles of Latuda and Saphris are similar, though there can be individual variation. Common side effects include drowsiness, weight gain, nausea among others; however, it's important to note that Latuda seems less likely than many other atypical antipsychotics to cause significant weight gain.
As with any psychiatric medication treatment plan, it's essential for patients taking either drug to closely monitor their mental health status especially when initiating therapy or modifying dosage - if you notice worsening symptoms or new thoughts about self-harm or suicide seek immediate medical attention.