What it means
An atypical antipsychotic. Compared with some drugs in its class it causes less weight gain, but it can cause drowsiness, restlessness (akathisia), nausea and movement problems. Like all antipsychotics, it raises the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis, and like antidepressants it carries a warning about suicidal thoughts in young people.
For the nurse
Give it with food (at least 350 calories), because absorption is much lower on an empty stomach. Watch for restlessness and mood changes, and check weight, blood glucose and lipids over time.
At a glance
| Drug class | antipsychotic (second generation, atypical) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Latuda |
| Also written | Latuda |
Related terms
bipolar disorder
A mental health condition with periods of very high mood and energy (mania) and, often, periods of depression.
hallucination
Hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling or tasting something that is not really there.
paliperidone
A second-generation antipsychotic drug, taken as a daily tablet or given as a long-acting injection.