I'm bi-polar 1 and have been on 20mg of Latuda for 1 yr. Things have been going OK lately so I decided to stop Latuda. It's been two weeks and things are not going well. First it was OK, but then depression (some intense bouts) started happening. I'm trying to figure out if this is real depression coming back or still withdrawal from Latuda. Anyone have a similar experience or can shed some light?
How long can withdrawal from Latuda last?
Question posted by VTCountry on 30 Sep 2014
Last updated on 21 July 2023
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Answers Page 2
Uncle Roy
17 Jan 2017
I was on Latuda for about 2 years and gained 60lbs. It seemed to work okay for mania but did little for depression. I decided to stop taking the drug due to weight related health issues. The drug made me feel like I a fat, lethargic, irritable old man. The withdrawal from this drug is an absolute nightmare. The longer you take it, the worse it is. Please read all of the effects of withdrawal because you can expect most if not all of them and they last a long time. You need to taper off of this drug. Even that is no joke. But the real fun starts about a week after your last dose. Please make sure you have some Xanax if you plan to discontinue, you're gonna need it.
Barbara Poolos
17 Sep 2021
I have extremely dry mouth, burping, and GERD.
kaismama
30 Sep 2014
Why do you people do that? Things were ok because you were on it, get back on it fast. You should never stop it unless your dr tells you to.
VTCountry
30 Sep 2014
Well because I only go into depression every 10-12 years. So according to your experience I should be on this chemical forever? Not only did you not attempt to answer my question you come across as being arrogant and ill-tempered.
kaismama
30 Sep 2014
I did answer your question, you should not have stopped it without talking to your dr. Obviously you still need it. And there many many of us who would argue with that depression stays forever. It is supposed to be taken to prevent it, you don't just stop it on your own, and I do get ill tempered when people come after doing something dumb, then don't like the answer.
VTCountry
30 Sep 2014
You said I hadn't asked my doctor - I didn't. FYI she is monitoring the situation but had very little relevant information in regards to how long withdrawal would take - as apparently you don't either.
If anyone has some "personal experience" with the amount of time the withdrawal symptoms of Latuda take to disappear I would greatly appreciate hearing from you.
windshawne1
17 May 2015
My insurance will be the only thing stopping me from taking the Latuda. I have stopped other meds over the years and always relapse. I hate taking pills, but the alternative is much worse.
MeggieGirl
18 Jan 2017
Sorry, but the way you posted it, Kais is right (maybe a little off putting, though) ;0)
I'm bipolar - I'm stable on meds, so I decided to stop. Now I'm not stable. I think it's just withdrawal from the medication, so how long does that last?
There are millions of people who don't think they need their medication anymore because they're doing well, and decide to play Doctor. It's very frustrating, because it seems obvious to others that they were on the medication for a reason... and if they decided to make a change, it should be done with the advice and supervision of their prescribing Doctor, but rarely is.
You mentioned only having a depressive break about once a decade in a follow-up comment, but your main question says that you're bipolar. Unfortunately, bipolar can't be treated with therapy (or anything like that), because it truly is a chemical imbalance.
Is there something you may not have liked about taking Latuda? Aside from things just going well, maybe there was something that was causing you to want to quit it like symptoms?
I quit Latuda overnight, but I also started a new bipolar medication that night, which might have kept me from having any withdrawal symptoms. I was on 60mg and moved over to Abilify. Hope to hear from you again. Ultimately, people really do just want to see you happy and healthy. :0)
JACW
15 March 2017
I was on Latuda for 5+ years. Went off 8 months ago. If you are bipolar and there is ANY way you can take Lithium, do it. It has yucky side-effects yes, but the gentleman who spoke of withdrawal "nightmares" from Latuda is exactly right. It was a nightmare--and my doctor told me it could take years to resolve. Stopped Latuda because it caused severe akathisia--BUT, insidiously, it also masks symptoms of akathisia, so when you finally figure out that your "illness" is not getting worse, in fact, the side-effects are even worse than the illness--but by then, it's too late. When you come off, you get hit full-force with it. Benzos don't help with akathisia--it is not anxiety, it's an extrapyramidal side-effect that is a neurological movement disorder, presenting both physically and emotionally. It's doubtful your doctor even knows about akathisia in its true stae, or even how Latuda w/d are. Doctors do not know. Period.
I now have: acute, tardive akathisia (inner, outer) tardive dyskinisia, and dystonia. I have impaired speech, my walking (gait) has been affected, and there is no treatment, no cure for it. A study done just lat year reports: Latuda is THE #1 culprit for akathisia among the "new" AAPs. I was a pure believer in medications once upon a time. I am not a "do hot yoga and eat gluten-free and your ills will go away" kind of person. I am very fact-science-knowledge based. Saw a neurologist yesterday--one of the top movement disorder specialists in the state. She said, "Yes, you have tardive akathisa, and tardive dyskinisia, and yes, the medication you were on caused it. Yes, akathisia is the worst movement disorder there is because it is so painful and causes so much siffering. I'm sorry, but other than giving you a drug that will not only not work, but have horrific side-effects of its own, I can't do anything for you." There it is. But I'm lucky in comparison. Most neurologists will tell you its all in your head. At least SHE knew what I had, and acknowledged what caused it.
Go off Latuda as slowly as you can. Even if it seems ridiculous, 5mg. drop every month slow. Your doctor does not know about the w/d nor does she/he know about akathisia in the ways he or she should. I won't comment why, but they don't have the information. For a reason. I'll leave it there and I wish you way more than luck. Studies show Lithum is the least likely to cause akathisia. Going off Latuda is going to ramp up the akathisia and other side-effect and w/d symptoms. Prepare for that. Some (like the above) will say "See? You're better ON the drug, duh!" Don't listen. The drug masks, then as it becomes permanent, it can't mask it. There is no treatment for it. Benzos help only a little with w/d. Weirdly, I smoked cigarettes when the headache and nausea were the worst. I am NOT a smoker. However, something in the cigarette quelled the flu symptoms. Good luck. If you have a therapist, go--as often as you can. Therapy works as well or better--and no side-effects. Peace to you.
soulnomad2
18 June 2017
what makes you think her Dr didn't OK it?? You have a bad bad attitude!!!
Kelly038
2 Oct 2017
Not all anti depressants are good for people. That is why there are so many out there. Yes you should talk to your doctor about it but there is always another one that can be tried.
Kelly038
2 Oct 2017
Not all anti depressants are good for people. That is why there are so many out there. Yes you should talk to your doctor about it but there is always another one that can be tried.
Temperne
24 April 2018
LOL.. This person is clearly just a medication advocate. The good came from you taking something no one knows the long term effects of for long term. Never stop taking a medication for a symptom that only arises every few years because reasons. Latuda can also forever destroy your sexuality.
windshawne1
23 May 2018
I stopped almost a year ago due to moving to another state and insurance not covering. Took about a month but I can say I do not have any problems at all. Yes I'm quick tempered still, but I have found a wonderful man who is patient with me and who helps. Only thing I take now is Lexapro and trazodone-and it was lowered to 100mg. My goal is to be med free although I doubt that's reality. So yes to answer your question, took me about a month. Keep in mind everyone is different. Good luck to you!
Chilidog
11 Jan 2019
First “you people” now days offends everyone. First mistake. Second you don’t take this dangerous crap so keep your two cents out and applaud her for trying. We are experimenting with cbd oil that seems to work better with no ill affects so get your facts straight first.
twinkie62
11 Sep 2019
And sometimes you should never do it just because your Dr tells you to. I'm 5 years in and just like JACW. I've got all 3 of the TD's. My vision is blurry, hair is falling out, gum disease, veins popping out all over my legs and feet. And they're swollen and red all the time..I have been in constant pain for the last year. Like electric shocks everywhere the last few months. I was slowly taking myself off Latuda. It was bad. Then my Dr. said to stop the last 40mg. So I did. When I came back in 3 months to see the Dr. again I was in full blown withdrawal. Seeing and hearing things. Spending the days in the bathroom talking to myself in the mirror. Laughing uncontrollably at everything. I was losing it. My Dr. just looked at me and asked if I was drinking or taking drugs. She never mentioned it was the Latuda. And she never offered any meds to help with the side effects in 5 years. Dr.s just aren't to trustworthy these days.
Related topics
bipolar disorder, withdrawal, latuda
Further information
- Latuda uses and safety info
- Latuda prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Latuda (detailed)
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