What is Caplyta: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Apr 16, 2022

Caplyta is a brand-name prescription antipsychotic. The manufacturer primarily promotes it as a treatment for bipolar depression, though it is FDA-approved as a schizophrenia treatment, as well. The active ingredient in Caplyta is lumateperone. It primarily works by slowing down nerve activity in the brain but has antidepressant properties, as well. Doses are taken by mouth once daily.

Caplyta overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Caplyta

Generic Names:

  • Lumateperone

Uses:

  • Treats schizophrenia and bipolar I or II depression

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antipsychotic

Forms:

  • Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Caplyta used for?

Although FDA-approved for both schizophrenia and bipolar depression, Caplyta is almost exclusively marketed as a treatment for bipolar depression. For bipolar disorder, Caplyta can be used alone or in combination with a mood stabilizer such as valproic acid or lithium.

What form(s) does Caplyta come in

  • Capsule

    • 10.5 mg

    • 21 mg

    • 42 mg

What are common Caplyta doses?

  • For schizophrenia or bipolar I or II depressive episodes: 42 mg tablet taken once daily

Common Caplyta prescriptions

  • Caplyta
    30 capsules box

  • Caplyta
    10.5mg capsule

  • Caplyta
    21mg capsule

  • Caplyta
    42mg capsule

How to take Caplyta

  • Take Caplyta as directed. Do not change the dose without talking to the prescriber. 

  • Please read the medication guide that comes with this medicine.

  • Take Caplyta only once per day.

  • Caplyta capsules can be taken with or without food.

  • Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water.

  • Store Caplyta capsules at room temperature in a closed container out of the reach of children.

What to do if you miss a dose of Caplyta

  • Ask the prescriber what to do if a dose of Caplyta is missed.

Caplyta contraindications

  • Caplyta is not right for everyone.

  • Do not use Caplyta if you have had an allergic reaction to the drug.

Caplyta warnings

  • Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

  • Your doctor may need regular visits and lab tests to monitor Caplyta’s effectiveness and safety. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

    • Kidney problems

    • Liver problems

    • Heart problems

    • A history of stroke

    • High or low blood pressure

    • A family history of diabetes or high blood sugar

    • High cholesterol

    • A history of seizures

    • Low white blood cell counts

  • Caplyta can cause serious side effects and complications, including: 

    • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a potentially life-threatening complication of antipsychotic medications

    • Involuntary facial and other movements

    • Seizures

    • Elevated blood sugar levels

    • High cholesterol and triglycerides

    • Low blood pressure when standing up or changing position

    • Increased risk of falls and injuries

    • Increased risk of infections due to low white blood cell counts

    • Weight gain

    • Difficulty swallowing and increased risk of aspirating food or drink

  • Lumateperone can worsen mental or emotional problems and increase the risk of suicide in children, adolescents, and young adults. Talk with the prescriber right away if thoughts or behavior changes are concerning. 

  • This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or fuzzy. It can cause lightheadedness and fainting when changing one’s position, such as standing up. Do not drive or do any other potentially hazardous activities until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly to avoid lightheadedness, fainting, or falling.

  • Lumateperone can alter the body’s ability to regulate temperature, making people prone to overheating and dehydration. Be careful when you exercise or are outside in hot or humid weather, and drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. The prescriber will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • Keep Caplyta securely out of the reach of children.

Caplyta interactions

  • To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements in use before starting Caplyta.

  • Tell other healthcare providers you are using Caplyta before they prescribe new medications.

  • Many drugs can either increase the risk of Caplyta side effects or make Caplyta less effective. The prescriber may need to avoid these drugs or change the Caplyta dose. Some common examples of these drugs include:

    • The antipsychotic medications clozapine and haloperidol

    • The anti-seizure drugs carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, and phenobarbital

    • The antibiotics rifampin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin

    • The antifungal drugs ketoconazole and itraconazole

    • Amiodarone, atazanavir, clindamycin, darunavir, dexamethasone, nefazodone, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir

  • Avoid grapefruit juice, St. John’s wort, and curcumin supplements when taking Caplyta. These foods may make Caplyta less effective.

Caplyta side effects

Serious side effects

Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:

  • Thoughts of hurting yourself, suicide attempts, depressed mood, impulsive behaviors, insomnia, unusual behaviors

  • Anxiety, agitation, irritability, restlessness, panic attacks, trouble sleeping

  • High fever, uneven heartbeat, racing heartbeats, rapid breathing, muscle stiffness, mental changes, confusion

  • Involuntary muscle movements, involuntary jerking, involuntary facial grimacing

  • Unusual tiredness or sleepiness

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, falling

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Seizures

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Less serious side effects

  • Sedation

  • Sleepiness

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea

  • Dry mouth

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