Latuda for Bipolar Disorder User Reviews (Page 5)

• aries...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 13, 2014

"Although I am totally stable on this medication, feel great in fact, I have gained weight (40 pounds to be exact). I take 40 Mg, for about two months now. I'd give it a 10 but for the weight gain (never been overweight in my life!) which is driving me crazy, especially since my appetite is way down. My dr is adding Wellbutrin to it. I am bipolar II. Been on almost everything else, bad side effects, especially on Abilify. Good luck. I had hoped to lose weight, but it looks like I'm predisposed to weight gain."

• Anonymous
• September 27, 2011

"I've been on Latuda for 3 months after being on Lithium for Bipolar Disorder and have experienced nothing but great results. Lithium which I was on for 10 years began to rot my teeth because of dry mouth so I asked for a new medicine and the Doctor told me Latuda was brand new and is used primarily for schizophrenia but is used for Bipolar also. About 5 days into treatment I had experienced noticeable changes. They were a sense of calm without the "tunnel vision" and tiredness. I am a little more manic but not bad it's more like just being awake more not bouncing off the walls. I sleep about 3 hours less but because of the awake aspect of the medicine you can't really notice. So, I say it's an excellent medicine and is worth a try."

• hoods...
• April 3, 2016

"I am 50ish and have had 'issues' since 20ish and never written a review. Diagnosis is 'bi-polar II' (not sure I agree) but, I also have sleep apnea, hypothyroid & seem to have ADD (only H is my non-stop brain). I have taken Wellbutrin, Prozac, geodon, abilify, seroquel, lamictal, cymbalta, zyprexa, lithium & others all at ridiculously high clinical doses - stopped each one cold turkey w/o issue. Lamictal worked a little at a point - Latuda (80mg) is the ONLY drug that has given me hope of feeling normal (along with ADD & thyroid). Working on the c-pap and hoping Latuda keeps working. This brain stuff is a lot of guessing & @ 30 yrs in, I was about to give up on ever feeling ok again - this is awesome! I remember being me & love it ; )"

• sobei...
• May 7, 2014

"I was diagnosed five years ago as being bipolar and long term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I have taken many medicines. I felt so much better when adding Latuda that I went from 80 mg to 120 mg. I totally crashed. I was extremely depressed. I went off the medicine for six weeks. I started again taking 80 mg. I have been stable for five weeks. I also take lithium, Xanax, and Klonopin. I stay on a strict schedule of exercise. I am taking it day by day. This is one of my most expensive medicines."

• Ssano
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 8, 2019

"I began taking Latuda several years ago and it has been the best treatment for my bipolar depression. It keeps my mood up without causing mania. However, the key for me was in the dosing. I have always been more sensitive to drugs than other people, side effects are stronger, some drugs knock me out, with surgeries, anesthesia always makes me vomit, etc. I take 40 mg of Latuda and it works best. My doctor increased it to 60 mg because it's closer to the "therapeutic dose". That was too much for me. I was jittery, couldn't sit still, felt like a racing in my chest, it was a strange sensation. But when I went back down to 40mg, I was fine, and it's enough to treat my mood. If you're like me be careful of taking too much and find a doctor who is willing to listen about lowering doses. It works so well for me, my doctor gives me samples since I can't afford the high copays."

• minnewt
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 12, 2013

"I started taking 40mg of Latuda alone about 6 weeks ago now. Before that, I was wondering day-to-day if I would make it. Now, aside from being sleepy (that is the biggest side effect, but who doesn't like a nice mid-day nap) I am much more productive, I can get out of bed in the morning, I don't cry uncontrollably, and best of all I don't have those same impulses I did before with shopping and drinking/etc. This really is a miracle in a way. I am on Klonopin now too help sleep, as by the time I go to bed I am all worked up, and they help. They also help for meltdowns although I am going to talk to my psych to see if upping Latuda to 80mg is wise to prevent the meltdowns altogether. 23 and happy now, who would have ever guessed."

• Landry
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 30, 2020

"I was prescribed this medication to treat bipolar depression. At first it seemed to improve the mood swings but from day one I experienced severe akathisia and anxiety. I would take it at night and every time I did it would ruin my night. I tried to be patient with it for months but it ultimately landed me in the ER with the first panic attack I've ever had in my life. Even the ER told me to stop taking it immediately. I'm glad I did as I've felt much better since being off of it and trying something else. It's also insanely expensive which makes it even more frustrating."

• Deerf...
• November 12, 2016

"I am 58 with diagnosis received over 15 years ago. I have tried several antidepressants and antianxiety medication with little if any relief. Upon expressing frustration with my doctor, it was suggested to try latuda. I am on day 8 of 20 mg. Almost immediately felt calmer, clearer thinking, interest in my forgorgotten enjoyments. I am in good health physically. So far, no signs of any side affects and no weight gain at all (I gain weight easily) and gained over 20 lbs over the years using celexa and other antidepressants. My diagnosis was changed after 14 years to bipolar 1 same doctor all these years. I was afraid of medicines but deep depression forced me to try again. I'm happy so far with latuda. Good luck and God bless."

• scoop
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 27, 2013

"Began taking 20mg Latuda daily about ten days ago. About five days ago I noticed that I'm a lot less anxious - a lot less "catastrophising" - think more clearly, most definitely happier. My appetite is back as well. Suffering far less psychomotor retardation. Actually feel motivated to do some things! Genuine laughter! Also taking Aplenzin 522mg daily. Best I've felt in recent memory. It's my experience only. "

• Kat
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2015

"I've been on Latuda going on two months now and it's just not working. I'm still depressed crying all the time, and have even been violent towards my boyfriend. Also very angry. The side effects are very bad for me since I don't have an appetite. But I was dealing with it. I tried and nothing. Desperately have to try something else."

• tiffy...
• September 22, 2015

"For anyone setting on the fence about latuda please give it a try. Its new and has least side effects. After trying geodon, tegretol, abilify and others this past year and one other which suddenly made hair loss which was a side effect plus it really wasn't the best, I tried latuda, first week I felt confused etc. So I stopped taking it less than a week. Iam med sensitive big time, everyone suggested to try again for one month and I did and confused and forgetfulness etc passed in a weeks time and a month no side effects and I began to be my old self finally after two years. I'm happy and feel great. No anxiety or depression now. Very clear and focused and not forgetful. Concentration is great.20mg pm. Cymbalta am 60mg. Hope I helped"

• Sanit...
• November 10, 2011

"I am diagnosed with Bipolar 2 and ADHD. I take Straterra for ADHD, which stopped the anxiousness, and I just started Latuda two days ago. It has been a dream! Since I have had such difficultly responding to several bipolar medicines that were prescribed, it is so refreshing to have found a medicine that makes me feel like myself without the moods. I am so grateful! However my only struggle with Latuda has affected my sleep slightly, I am a bit more restless when I sleep, but I have been compensating this issue with taking melatonin.. not a big issue for the amount of positives I am experiencing! Hopefully it will improve with continued use."

• LS1
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 2, 2016

"This is the best medication I've taken for a mood stabilizer. It takes about 3 months to work at peak, but the benefits have been amazing. While some medications seem to drag you to feeling better, this one just nudges me. I feel as if My Real personality can show through. I'm stable and thinking more rationaly, without losing the ability to feel my emotions. Plus, I lost a few pounds."

• unhap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 23, 2014

"Never been so sick, flu like symptoms and no help with depression. I experienced anxiety and panic attacks while taking it. 3 weeks was all I could take. Back to the doctor for a medicine change. Thank God I had some Xanax to help along the way. Hope others have better luck with it than I did."

• Jegat...
• April 13, 2014

"I've had mostly positives with it. I do have some difficulty moving quickly at the gym because it causes dizziness, but this is a small inconvenience. It does raise my sugar, but weight loss counteracts this. It is really expensive, so I'm glad my insurance pays for it."

• Tj232
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2013

"Been on 20mg for only 2 weeks now and have noticed a good improvement in my mood. My dose has now been upped to 40 mg once a day. This drug so far has worked better than any antidepressant I have taken (Wellbutrin, Prozac, Effexor XR, Mirtazapine) and better than any antipsychotic I have taken (Zyprexa, Risperidone, Thorazine, Seroquel) All antipsychotics I have taken so far have caused weight gain EXCEPT THIS ONE. Since taking it for 2 weeks I have LOST 3lbs without any major exercise BUT I have dropped calorie intake to around 1000-1200 a day). The only negative side effect I have had is staying asleep for longer than 5-6 hrs . I also have social anxiety but this medication hasn't helped with that (so far if possible) Highly recommend."

• Jungr...
• February 26, 2017

"This is the best drug I have taken for bipolar. I took many drugs for bipolar and this one seems to be the only one to work. Zero side effect medication. It's like haldol, but without side affects. Take it, trust me. It's great for bipolar. Decreases your appetite, unlike other medication. You will lose weight and sleep well. Start off at a high dose, because lower doses don't affect you well enough. I'm 25 in June and definitely, highly, recommend this medication for anyone with any type of bipolar."

• Bipol...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2016

"I've been taking Latuda for about 3 months now for Bipolar II disorder. At first, I started out at 20 mg, and gradually increased to 80 mg. I was in a deep depression, so even within weeks of taking Latuda, I didn't feel that much better. Once my doc switched me to 80 mg, I slowly started climbing out of my depression. It was a slow recovery, but it worked. I am now 80% depression-symptom free and I feel like I'm back to my old self. I am able to function much better at work and life in general. I had restlessness as a side-effect for some time, but it slowly went away. I usually take Latuda before bedtime and haven't experienced any other side effects."

• cspong
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 9, 2015

"I have just started Latuda and I am so happy with it (I will update after I've been on it for a while). I switched from Olanzapine and the difference is incredible. Olanzapine had me feeling groggy and tired. Latuda, from day one, has had my brain feeling clear and I've had my my energy back! My apartment is finally clean and I'm not losing everything all the time (seriously - I lost my phone daily before) The only "side effect" is that I am super drowsy when I take it, which has to be with dinner, so the whole night I'm tired. I see this as a positive, because I used to be up all night on olanzapine. Plus, I wake up in the morning and I'm wide awake! Latuda has been amazing!"

• Laney
• July 8, 2016

"Been on latuda 20mg for almost 3 weeks now. I definitely notice a difference in my mood. I dont feel so heavy and down. Im glad to finally have some relief. I also notice that my anxiety is not as high and im not angry all the time. I hope things go up from here. Im very positive about this medicine."

• JDell
• September 28, 2019

"I was already (And still am) prescribed Seroquel XR 400 mg for Bipolar 1 Disorder. Seroquel XR has been mostly a Godsend as it keeps me stable and prevents manic and racing thoughts, but only slightly affective with my Bipolar Depression. After playing with the Seroquel dosage and trying a bunch of antidepressants and Lamictal that made things worse, my doctor suggested adding on Latuda. I started on 20 mg of Latuda in August 2019 along with my Seroquel XR and didn’t notice much. Then, about a month ago, she upped my dose of Latuda to 40 mg. That increase has made a HUGE difference in my life!! I am no longer thinking about my own death, and I’m even reaching out to old friends whom I’ve been avoiding. The nice thing about Latuda is it treats my depression without making me manic!!!! Latuda is truly a miracle drug for me. Since I’m also taking the Seroquel XR, in my opinion, these two meds together have made me able to function and leave the house!!!!!!! Thank you!!"

• julieb
• September 18, 2013

"Great! Slow start but kicks in well and helps with high mania and low depression. On 160mg daily. Makes me sleepy at night so I take 1 and 1/2 at night and half in morning. No weight gain. Getting smarter. "

• Carly...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 18, 2019

"I took Latuda for about 8 months for Bipolar. In that time I gained 30 pounds and became suicidal. I was depressed before I took it, but it brought me to a whole new level. I had to get Electroconvulsive Therapies to come out of my depression with this drug. I am only now two years later losing all the weight I gained on Latuda, and am struggling immensely to keep it off. It messes with your metabolism a lot and permanently, and doesn’t help bipolar symptoms. It makes them worse."

• BP1...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 23, 2016

"For me, latuda is the best drug available and so far I've lost 25lbs. My emotions are in check, paranoia and hallucinations are gone. I feel real and as close to normal than I've been in a really, really long time. Other than a slight tremor, I've noticed no other side effects I'd highly recommend trying this medication."

• Psych...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 15, 2016

"I used to be at a mental state where everyday I would lie on my bed for about 3 hours because I didn't want to do anything. I had severe suicidal thoughts for 2 years and kept switching medications because they caused weight gain. After about a week of taking the medication my weight started dropping and my grades shot up to b's instead of c's. Now I'm doing great. I've never had higher grades and haven't felt this good for years. I'd really recommend it. I haven't had side effects yet and probably won't."