Luraprex

Luraprex Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Luraprex is a brand name. Its generic name is Lurasidone.

Introduction

Luraprex is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010 for the management of schizophrenia. It acts on serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine receptors in the brain and has anti-inflammatory, anti-psychotic, and mood-stabilizing effects.

Uses for

Luraprex is used for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. It can also be used for the prevention of mania or depression in bipolar disorder and the prevention of suicidal thoughts in major depressive disorder (MDD).

Mechanism of Action

Luraprex acts on serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine receptors in the brain. It works by blocking the action of both serotonin and dopamine, which are both neurotransmitters involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric disorders. By blocking these neurotransmitters, the medication helps reduce the symptoms associated with these disorders. Additionally, lurasidone binds to the serotonin and dopamine receptors in the brain, which can help regulate mood.

How long does it take to work?

Luraprex usually takes 4-6 weeks to work. Depending on the patient's individual response, this may be longer or shorter. During this time, patients may experience symptom relief, but it is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed by a doctor.

Absorption

Luraprex is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma concentrations occurring about 1-3 hours after administration. The bioavailability of lurasidone is approximately 90%, so very little is lost in the process of absorption.

Route of Elimination

Luraprex is eliminated primarily through the kidney, with about 65% excreted unchanged in the urine. The remainder is metabolized to several active metabolites. The elimination half-life of lurasidone is about 20 hours.

Dosage and Administration

The recommended starting dose of lurasidone is 20-40 mg taken orally once a day. The dose can be increased up to 160 mg per day if needed for symptom control. Taking more than the recommended amount of lurasidone can lead to increased side effects and even toxicity.

Side Effects

Common side effects of lurasidone include weight gain, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, and constipation. Some of these side effects can be serious and require immediate medical attention. Other less common side effects include headache, fatigue, drowsiness, insomnia, and akathisia (restlessness).

Toxicity

Luraprex has a low risk of toxicity due to its low systemic bioavailability. However, patients should be cautious if they are taking other medications that may increase the risk of toxicity, such as MAOIs, or if they have underlying conditions that could increase the risk of toxicity.

Precaution

Patients taking lurasidone should be monitored for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, hives, or breathing difficulties. Patients should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking lurasidone, as it could increase the risk for side effects.

Interactions

Luraprex may interact with other medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, seizure medications, and antipsychotic medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before starting lurasidone.

Disease Interactions

Patients with heart failure, QT prolongation, liver or kidney disease, or narrow-angle glaucoma should use lurasidone with caution. Patients with these conditions should discuss with their doctor whether they should start lurasidone or not.

Drug Interactions

Luraprex may interact with other medications, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, seizure medications, and antipsychotic medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking before starting lurasidone.

Food Interactions

There are no known food interactions with lurasidone. However, it is best to take lurasidone on an empty stomach.

Pregnancy Use

Luraprex should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Women of childbearing age should be advised to use effective contraception while taking lurasidone.

Lactation Use

It is not recommended to use lurasidone during breastfeeding due to potential risks to the infant.

Acute Overdose

An overdose of lurasidone can be fatal. Symptoms of an lurasidone overdose include drowsiness, coma, agitation, seizures, and respiratory depression. If an overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or seek emergency medical attention.

Contraindication

Luraprex is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to lurasidone or any of its components.

Directions for Use

Luraprex should be taken orally once daily with or without food. The tablets should be swallowed whole and should not be chewed, crushed, or broken. The starting dose of lurasidone is 20-40 mg per day, and the dose can be increased up to 160 mg per day if needed.

Storage Conditions

Luraprex should be stored at room temperature in a dry, dark place. Do not store in the refrigerator.

Volume of Distribution

The volume of distribution of lurasidone is about 10 L/kg.

Half-Life

The half-life of lurasidone is about 20 hours.

Clearance

The clearance of lurasidone is about 1 L/h/kg.

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