{"id":628913,"date":"2024-07-10T12:56:35","date_gmt":"2024-07-10T16:56:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628913"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:51:27","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:51:27","slug":"latuda-vs-lamictal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/latuda-vs-lamictal\/","title":{"rendered":"Latuda vs. Lamictal: Differences, similarities & side effects"},"content":{"rendered":"

Latuda and Lamictal are brand-name prescription drugs that may be used to treat <\/span>bipolar disorder<\/span><\/a>. A healthcare provider may prescribe Latuda or Lamictal alongside other medications to manage and control symptoms. While they may be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for bipolar disorder, they differ in various ways, including how they work, potential costs, and side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

Latuda vs. Lamictal: Key differences<\/span><\/h2>\n

Latuda is a brand-name drug that contains the active ingredient lurasidone. It is classified as an <\/span>atypical antipsychotic<\/span><\/a> that works by balancing levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. <\/span><\/p>\n

Lamictal is also a brand-name drug but contains the active ingredient lamotrigine. It is classified as an <\/span>anticonvulsant<\/span><\/a>, or anti-seizure, medication. It works by calming the electrical activity in the brain, which helps control seizures and keeps mood more stable.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dosage and dosage forms<\/span><\/h3>\n

Latuda is available as an oral tablet typically <\/span>taken once daily<\/span><\/a>. The dosage may vary depending on the condition being treated but generally ranges from 20 milligrams (mg) to 160 mg per day.<\/span><\/p>\n

On the other hand, Lamictal comes three forms: oral tablets to swallow whole, orally disintegrating tablets to be placed under the tongue, and oral suspension tablets to be either swallowed whole, chewed, or dispersed in liquid. It is generally started at a low dose and gradually increased depending on the condition being treated and other medications being taken. For children, the dosage is typically <\/span>based on weight<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Latuda vs. Lamictal key differences<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nLatuda<\/b><\/td>\nLamictal<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/b><\/td>\nAntipsychotic <\/span><\/td>\nAnticonvulsant<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/b><\/td>\nBrand <\/span><\/td>\nBrand <\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/b><\/td>\nLurasidone<\/span><\/td>\nLamotrigine<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/b><\/td>\nOral tablet<\/span><\/td>\nOral tablets<\/span><\/p>\n

Tablets for oral suspension<\/span><\/p>\n

Orally disintegrating tablets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

What is the standard dosage?<\/b><\/td>\nSchizophrenia in adults: <\/span><\/p>\n

40 to 160 mg per day<\/span><\/p>\n

Schizophrenia in adolescents (13 to 17 years old):<\/span><\/p>\n

40 to 80 mg per day<\/span><\/p>\n

Bipolar depression in adults: 20 to 120 mg per day<\/span><\/p>\n

Bipolar depression in children and adolescents (10 to 17 years old): 20 to 80 mg per day<\/span><\/td>\n

Epilepsy in children 2 to 12 years old: Varies based on weight<\/span><\/p>\n

Epilepsy in children and adolescents 12 years and older: 25 mg every other day to 300 to 500 mg per day in two divided doses<\/span><\/p>\n

Bipolar disorder in adults: 25 mg every other day up to 400 mg per day in divided doses<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

How long is the typical treatment?<\/b><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term<\/span><\/td>\nShort-term or long-term<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/b><\/td>\nAdults, adolescents, and children 10 years and older, depending on the condition being treated<\/span><\/td>\nAdults, adolescents, and children 2 years and older, depending on the condition being treated<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Latuda vs. Lamictal: Conditions treated<\/span><\/h2>\n

Latuda is FDA approved to treat schizophrenia in adults and teenagers ages 13–17 years old. It is also approved to manage depressive symptoms in people with bipolar I disorder. For bipolar disorder, it can be used by itself (as monotherapy) in children 10 to 17 years old. In adults with bipolar disorder, it is recommended alongside a <\/span>mood stabilizer<\/span><\/a> called lithium or an anticonvulsant called valproate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lamictal, on the other hand, is approved to treat <\/span>epilepsy<\/span><\/a> and bipolar disorder. For epilepsy, it helps reduce the frequency of seizures. When it comes to bipolar disorder, Lamictal is used to help prevent the extreme mood swings that characterize the condition, and it is particularly effective in <\/span>delaying depressive episodes<\/span><\/a> in people with bipolar disorder. Unlike Latuda, Lamictal can be used by itself in all patients without needing to be combined with other medications like mood stabilizers or anticonvulsants.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Latuda vs. Lamictal conditions treated<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Condition<\/b><\/td>\nLatuda<\/b><\/td>\nLamictal<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Schizophrenia<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nOff-label<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Bipolar disorder<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Epilepsy<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Is Lamictal better than Latuda?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Clinical studies have shown that Lamictal and Latuda are effective medications. The better treatment option will depend on different factors like the patient’s age and overall condition. <\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>meta-analysis<\/span><\/a> of placebo-controlled clinical trials compared different antipsychotics and mood stabilizers for treating bipolar disorder. Lurasidone (Latuda) with lithium or valproate was effective in reducing both depressive episodes and overall mood episode relapse. Meanwhile, lamotrigine (Lamictal) was effective in reducing depressive episodes but did not significantly outperform placebo for preventing manic episodes.<\/span><\/p>\n

A healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate option depending on your symptoms and response to treatment. For example, if you experience seizures and also have bipolar disorder, Lamictal may be a better option than Latuda. If you experience symptoms of psychosis in addition to bipolar depression, your healthcare provider may prescribe Latuda. <\/span><\/p>\n

Latuda vs. Lamictal: Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/span><\/h2>\n

Latuda and Lamictal are brand-name drugs that are widely available in generic versions. Both medications are generally covered by most commercial insurance and Medicare plans. However, the out-of-pocket costs can vary based on the insurance coverage. <\/span><\/p>\n

Without insurance, the retail cost of these medications may differ based on the pharmacy location and quantity prescribed, among other factors. The average retail cost of Latuda is around $1,859 for 30, 40 mg tablets, which is a month’s supply. The <\/span>average retail cost of Lamictal<\/span><\/a> is $766 for 30, 200 mg tablets. <\/span><\/p>\n

Prescription discount programs like SingleCare may help reduce the retail costs of these medications. SingleCare offers <\/span>Latuda<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Lamictal<\/span><\/a> coupons that can be used at participating pharmacies across the nation. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Latuda vs. Lamictal cost & coverage<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nLatuda<\/b><\/td>\nLamictal<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Quantity<\/b><\/td>\n40 mg (30 tablets)<\/span><\/td>\n200 mg (30 tablets)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SingleCare cost*<\/b><\/td>\n$24 (for generic lurasidone)<\/span><\/td>\n$6 (for generic lamogitrine)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
*Cost at time of publishing. Drug prices vary by pharmacy.<\/span><\/em><\/h5>\n

Latuda vs. Lamictal side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n

Both Latuda and Lamictal can cause sedation or drowsiness in addition to gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth. These symptoms occur with similar frequency for both medications. Diarrhea is also a side effect of Latuda but not Lamictal, while constipation is seen with Lamictal. <\/span><\/p>\n

Latuda can cause <\/span>extrapyramidal symptoms<\/span><\/a>, which are movement disorders that can include restlessness (akathisia) and involuntary muscle movements. Some symptoms may even resemble that of Parkinson’s disease (parkinsonism). On the other hand, Lamictal does not cause these types of movement symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Latuda vs. Lamictal side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

<\/td>\nLatuda<\/b><\/td>\nLamictal<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side effect<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nFrequency*<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/b><\/span><\/td>\nFrequency*<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nausea<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n14%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n14%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vomiting<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n4%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n5%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dry mouth<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n5%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n6%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Diarrhea<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n4%<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Constipation<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n–<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n5%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Common cold symptoms<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n4%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n5%–7%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Urinary tract infection<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n2%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n3%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Back pain<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n2%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n8%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Extrapyramidal symptoms<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n7%<\/span><\/td>\nNo<\/span><\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drowsiness<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n11%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n9%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Anxiety<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n4%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n5%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Insomnia<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n5%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n10%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rash<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n1%<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n7%<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
Source: DailyMed (<\/span>Latuda<\/span><\/a>), DailyMed (<\/span>Lamictal<\/span><\/a>)<\/span><\/h5>\n
*Frequency is not based on data from a head-to-head trial. This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your healthcare provider to learn more.<\/span><\/i><\/h5>\n

Latuda and Lamictal drug interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n

Latuda and Lamictal are medications that can interact with other drugs, which may require dosage changes. Latuda may need to be used with caution with certain antifungals and antibiotics, as these can act as CYP3A4 enzyme inhibitors or inducers that can increase or decrease Latuda levels in the body. <\/span>Grapefruit<\/span><\/a> and grapefruit juice should be avoided with Latuda, as grapefruit can increase the levels of Latuda in the blood, potentially leading to an increased risk of side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lamictal levels can be affected by other drugs that either speed up or slow down its breakdown. For instance, drugs like carbamazepine and rifampin can reduce Lamictal levels, while valproate can increase them. Because of these interactions, healthcare providers may need to adjust the Lamictal dose to ensure it remains effective and safe.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare Latuda vs. Lamictal drug interactions<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Drug<\/b><\/td>\nDrug class<\/b><\/td>\nLatuda<\/b><\/td>\nLamictal<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nizoral (ketoconazole) <\/span><\/p>\n

Vfend (voriconazole)<\/span><\/td>\n

Antifungal<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Biaxin (clarithromycin)<\/span><\/p>\n

Ery-Tab (erythromycin)<\/span><\/p>\n

Rifadin (rifampin)<\/span><\/td>\n

Antibiotic<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Norvir (ritonavir)<\/span><\/p>\n

Reyataz (atazanavir)<\/span><\/td>\n

Antiretroviral<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dilantin (phenytoin)<\/span><\/p>\n

Tegretol (carbamazepine)<\/span><\/td>\n

Anticonvulsant<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Luminal (phenobarbital)<\/span><\/td>\nBarbiturate<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
St. John’s wort<\/span><\/td>\nHerbal<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tikosyn (dofetilide)<\/span><\/td>\nAntiarrhythmic<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\nYes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
Consult a healthcare professional for other possible drug interactions.<\/span><\/i><\/h5>\n

Latuda and Lamictal drug warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n

Latuda and Lamictal carry certain warnings for their use. For example, both medications may cause an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.  <\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, Latuda has the following warnings:<\/span><\/p>\n