Alcohol and Latuda Interactions and Side Effects

Some symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thoughts, not wanting to be around other people, a lack of motivation, and problems speaking clearly. It’s possible that Latuda can help with these symptoms.

Latuda can be used to treat depression as well during depressive episodes in those with bipolar disorder. Depending on the individual, a doctor may prescribe just Latuda, or they may prescribe it in conjunction with something like Lithium.

There are quite a few warnings and advisements that come with the use of Latuda. For example, the FDA issued a black box warning about using it to treat older people who have dementia. There has been research showing that older people with dementia are at a higher risk of dying when they take an anti-psychotic like Latuda. It can also increase the chances of a stroke or mini-stroke.

There is the potential for Latuda to cause tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia is a possible side effect of using Latuda for an extended period of time.  Other side effects can include weight gain, dizziness or fainting.

Other common side effects of Latuda are agitation or anxiety, weakness, fatigue, shaking, a shuffling walk, nausea, vomiting, problems falling asleep, and a decreased sexual ability.

Rarer but more severe side effects of Latuda may include swelling, shortness of breath or breathing problems, seizures, fever, sore throat, or uncontrollable movements of the face or body.

Along with the alcohol and Latuda interactions and side effects, what else is important to know about this drug? First, you shouldn’t miss doses, and you should follow your physician’s dosing instructions. It’s important people on Latuda don’t stop taking it without talking to their doctor, even if they begin to feel better or feel their symptoms are subsiding.

There are potential alcohol and Latuda interactions and side effects, but other interactions are possible with Latuda as well.

For example, you shouldn’t eat grapefruit or have grapefruit juice while taking Latuda, and you should wait until you know how it will affect you before operating machinery because it can cause drowsiness.

People are warned to avoid the use of alcohol when they take Latuda. If you drink while on Latuda it can decrease the activity of the nervous system and it can lower blood pressure to a dangerous level.

Some of the alcohol and Latuda interactions and side effects can include intense drowsiness, dizziness, concentration problems, and impaired judgment and thinking.

Along with the direct alcohol and Latuda interactions and side effects, there’s something else to consider as well. Latuda is prescribed for the treatment of two very serious mental health conditions, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

If you have either of these and you consume alcohol, particularly at excessive levels, it can make the symptoms much worse.

People with a history of mental health problems are at a higher risk of developing a substance use disorder, most likely because people want to self-medicate to help deal with their symptoms. If you do drink when you are dealing with bipolar or schizophrenia, you’re more likely to experience a relapse of symptoms, and it can put you at mental and physical health risks.

Also, if you drink you may be less likely to take your medicine as prescribed, which can also lead to very serious problems.

So,  what are the alcohol and Latuda interactions and side effects?

The direct alcohol and Latuda interactions and side effects are primarily symptoms of slow nervous system activity, such as extreme drowsiness. Indirectly, however, people  taking Latuda should be very careful with their use of alcohol because of the risk of becoming dependent, or experiencing a relapse or worsening of the symptoms Latuda is used to treat.