Latuda and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 3, 2020

For Bipolar Disorder "I started taking Latuda a year ago for my bipolar type 1. I was so depressed, I was unable to do absolutely anything that I stopped working and had horrible social anxiety. I started with 20mg and went as high as 60 mg. I am now stable with Latuda 40mg and 10mg of Prozac. I feel like myself again. I now have the energy to do anything, my anxiety is gone, I can sleep, and I genuinely feel happy. The side effects I felt at first were restlessness, feeling extremely tired, and subtle headaches. Now, I usually get tired within 2 hours. I sometimes get panic attacks every 3 months or so. I have lost weight on the medication and finally have the energy to work out. I've lost 30 pounds since taking the medicine. Overall, this has worked for me."

• she...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 7, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I don't review medicines often, but thought this might be valuable. Love this medicine, been on everything, like most of us. I take it as monotherapy for bipolar II. No bad side effects. When first started, I had a headache for a few days. That went away completely and now it helps prevent them. I also tire a little more upon exertion, but not too much. I feel slightly shaky, but even that has improved. In the beginning, I had slightly restless sleep, but now have great sleep with pleasant dreams. I feel normal, calm, happy, and stable. I have NEVER felt this way. Definitely not manic at all. I have not gained or lost weight. I have no nausea, and my cognition is good. I hope this helps. Give this medicine a try."

• Lad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 12, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I take 60 mg of Latuda a day. Been on it for 3 months now. I’ve gained a lot of weight, and every time I take it, I get super tired two hours afterwards. Other than that, I feel AMAZING. I’ve suffered from bipolar disorder since I was 12 years old. I also have extreme paranoia with my bipolar, but with my PRN, I don’t have to fight my mind anymore. This has set my mood so straight I don’t feel like spending $200 on shoes when I need to pay bills, and I don’t sit in my house for weeks wanting my life to end. I haven’t had a mental breakdown in months, and I am so happy I found this drug. Although it’s kind of expensive and making me chunky. Lol"

• Wia...
• November 24, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I'm diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder with psychotic features. When I first started this medication about 8 months ago, I would get extremely tired soon after I took it, also nauseous. I have to take it at night. The tiredness put me in a low mood but not depressed. After steadily taking it, my doctor put me on a stimulant and that cancels out the tiredness. Honestly I'm so happy at this point in time and I've come so far. I have a job now and a 4.5 GPA and I volunteer. It really has changed my life. I also lost almost 40 pounds and I feel healthier and love life. If you take this medicine every day and stick to it, it really works. If I skip, I definitely feel very agitated and paranoid and angry. I take 40mg a night, sometimes I do still get nauseous."

• Ind...
• November 23, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been taking Latuda 40mg for a month now. I take it with meals as prescribed, but I still feel nauseated. I also take Vistaril, which helps with my stomach. I'm bipolar, severely anxious, along with manic depression, and I found that out of ALL the meds I've tried over the past 15 years, the combination I'm taking (Vistaril 25mg, Latuda 40mg, Neurontin 300 mg 3 x a day) and Topamax 200mg at night have balanced me out very well. I still have my normal social anxieties, and that's something I have to face, not a pill. If you are crying out of control, having major mood swings, feeling tired, or depressed, then Latuda will help you. If you feel sick to your stomach, make sure you eat first, then take it. I don't eat much, so that's why mine gets upset."

• Mr ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Latuda for about 6 weeks for Bipolar depression. It is one of the most effective medications that I have taken for depression, but I'm dealing with a few side effects that I hope will go away. I have the paradox of extreme tiredness followed by difficulty sleeping. If I take it during the day, I will have a few hours of fighting falling asleep. When I take it at night (which is what I do now), after the initial sleepiness wears off, I wake up several times and am somewhat restless. Hopefully, I will be able to adjust better over time. If you need something that works fast for depression, I would recommend."

• Anonymous
• September 27, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "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. The doctor told me Latuda was brand new and is used primarily for schizophrenia but is also used for Bipolar Disorder. About 5 days into treatment, I had experienced noticeable changes. There was 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."

• Anonymous
• August 17, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I started Latuda about a month ago. So far, I feel amazing. My negative thoughts (voices in my head) are not gone but more positive and not so attacking. I haven't had any urges in my body to yell, scream, or cry for no reason. I haven't yet popped off quickly like I did before, I have no feeling to even be upset. I'm feeling as if I've let go of all the bad energy I had inside me. I'm a lot more tired and restless, I'm sure I will get more used to it later, but it's helped me not wake up in a panic like I did every day before. I would truly recommend it to anyone who just wants to figure out who they truly are, someone who wants consistency with themselves, if that makes sense? I love the person I am now, and I hope to keep feeling this way. Good luck."

• Jen...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 4, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "I have bipolar 2 but was misdiagnosed with major depression for over 20 years. I underwent major stress during that time and tried many meds for depression and bipolar. I was having obsessive suicidal ideation. I was put on Latuda, and it didn't work. Over time, I got more and more lethargic. I was emotionally numb, didn't talk, and couldn't think or remember. I basically did nothing for years. I can't remember exactly how long I was a zombie, but it was at least three years. I've been off the medication for a year. I no longer have suicidal ideation, but I still have minimal emotions, low motivation, no creative inspiration to paint, less emotional connection to music, less interest in hobbies I used to have, much less appetite, both for food and sex. My memory is bad, and though I used to have a 130 IQ, I have trouble thinking and understanding things I used to get. I lost years of my life and aspects of myself and my personality that I'm not sure will ever come back."

• Sun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 23, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "So, I took Latuda for 3 years from 2013-2015, and it pulled me out of severe depression of 3 years. Started an extremely stressful job with a 1.5-hour commute one way! Terrific drug for bipolar depression! But became non-effective. Now, in 2019, and trying it again. Been on it for 2 weeks. Started at 20 mg and doing dosing pack samples, titrations up. After 2 weeks, I felt the huge difference. Like a light switch clicked on! The first two weeks, I was exhausted and slept for 13 hours a night! After 2 weeks, it went away! Work 12-hour days and actually had enough energy to run errands after work! Phenomenal!!! I even had energy to water my front yard last night! Oh my gosh!!!! Titrated up to 40 mg now for 2 days! Note, it can become non-effective just like any drug. The trick is to hang in there. This med can take up to one month to become effective the first time taking it!!! Stay on it! Do have aches in bones due to it, but sleeping well and feel human!!! Thanks, Latuda!"

• web...
• October 16, 2011

For Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Latuda now for three weeks and am quite pleased. My anger and agitation level is tolerable (great difference). My manic is still elevated but where I like it. First week I had bouts of headaches that have since passed. I can't take it at dinner because I only last about an hour and a half after taking it. Only issue I'm struggling with right now is although I get tired from the pill, I can't fall asleep."

• tha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I have bipolar II and started taking this for depression. The first two weeks I started on 20 mg, and I immediately noticed some sadness, unusual crying, feeling lethargic and unmotivated. After upping my medication to 40 mg in the third week, I am 100% certain this medicine is NOT for me. I feel more depressed and have abnormal thoughts. I definitely don't feel like myself. :("

• jen...
• March 31, 2016

For Bipolar Disorder "I have rapid cycling bipolar. I started with 20 mg of Latuda per day for 4 weeks. Tried it in the morning and felt so tired and groggy that I could barely function at work. So, I tried taking it at night with Klonazepam for sleep, and it worked perfectly, except for vivid dreams. At 20 mg, I was finally feeling happy, smiling, talking to everyone, just all around pleasant. Recently, I've bumped up to 40 mg and am feeling agitated, cranky, reluctant to talk to anyone, the opposite of where I was emotionally on 20 mg. I am going to reduce to 20 mg again and see if my positive attitude returns. Definitely take with food. Suicidal thoughts eliminated. Good medication overall!"

• Shi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 24, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "I started Latuda in 2014, which was the first time I had ever heard of it. I was given it because of my horrible bipolar depression and auditory hallucinations. I believe it was 60 or 80 mg. It worked really well. My depression was getting better, and everything was going on the right path. Then I started hearing things again, so they increased my dose to 120 mg. I never heard anything again. I was always very unmotivated and tired, lifeless, so to say. Then I moved states, and they wouldn't give me the 120 mg, so they put me on 80 mg. I was terrified voices would come back, but they never did. I had energy and motivation to do things, it was awesome! I have tried multiple medications like Abilify and Seroquel, but those literally knock me out since I am not manic."

• sad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 25, 2018

For Schizophrenia "I was experiencing auditory hallucinations (voices), extreme paranoia and anxiety to the point where I couldn't leave the house, and bipolar depression. I never tried any medications before because I'd had bad experiences witnessing other people who had taken medication for bipolar depression and schizophrenia. I couldn't take it anymore and began taking Latuda 20 mgs, and it's a miracle drug. No more voices, depression, paranoia, anxiety, or fatigue immediately. I take it with dinner around 6:00 pm every day, and it makes me tired, but I get up full of energy at 5:00 am every morning now (I used to be so tired I couldn't get up and get ready in the morning). Now I have energy and focus all day. My mood is even - calm and positive. I'm extremely focused and active now. I haven't experienced any side effects other than the tiredness in the evening after I take it. I haven't experienced any increased appetite or weight gain. My only concern is I'll be crushed if this stops working someday."

• Mrs...
• January 30, 2012

For Bipolar Disorder "7 days ago, my psych added Latuda 80 mg a night to my usual diet of 300 mg lithium and 0.5 mg Ativan (when required). The first two days, as he tapered me up to 80 mg of Latuda, I was tired, almost sedated, and super relaxed. My horrible rapid cycling has stopped, paranoia significantly lessened. I have only cried 3 times this week, and I feel amazingly like 'my old self again.' I'm almost afraid it's too good to be true and suddenly side effects are going to start. But so far, so good! The only thing I've noticed is that I am eating again. I was having so much anxiety my food was choking me. I am not gaining weight, just able to relax enough to eat. I am hoping it will continue working, and I will be able to wean off the lithium because of the side effects."

• Jil...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2019

For Bipolar Disorder "I started on Latuda 4-5 months ago for bipolar depression. I feel so much happier now. I used to get up, go to work, and then go to bed. I would stay in bed on my days off. After Latuda, I was able to get up and clean my house; I started going out with my friends again. It has been the only light at the end of the tunnel since 2012. The downsides include horrible, daily, all-day nausea. It is not controlled by Zofran. In the beginning, I would throw up unexpectedly-that has stopped. I do clench my jaw terribly and have very slight weird tongue movements. The tongue movements are pretty much controlled by taking Benadryl at night with the Latuda. Initially, I took Latuda in the morning, but it made me very, very tired to the point I was missing work. All in all, for me, the good outweighs the bad with this drug."

• Cod...
• May 10, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I started Latuda about 2 weeks ago and am taking the 80 mg. So far, I have not noticed much change at all. I feel a bit more happy during the day, but not much. However, I'm debating on if I should stop taking it due to the horrific side effects I am having. It makes me feel overtired. You know that feeling you get when you're too drunk? You want to go to sleep, but you're too dizzy and feel like throwing up? It feels like that. Also, I become very weak and can hardly pick up anything. I'm hoping these side effects will pass so I can start to understand if it is working for me or not."

• C1E...
• March 15, 2015

For Schizophrenia "My daughter is on this med. She is 23. Her doctor told her to take at dinner time 300 calories or more. She eats about 6 or 7 because it makes her a little tired. But she still loves doing things outdoors. I thank God for this med. It works for her."

• Msp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2014

For Bipolar Disorder "It's okay, I'm not suicidal anymore because of Latuda. Not too long ago, I got off of Pristiq and Lamictal, even tried getting off of Vyvanse. Everything went downhill from there, so my psych doc decided to put me on Latuda. At first, I felt restless at bedtime, but now I feel super tired and sluggish, zombie-like. Also, emotionless, so I don't know if I will keep taking it. I want to feel again. Right now, I've not been feeling like myself. So we will see what the doctor says."

• kk1...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 24, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I started taking Latuda in 2014 after I went off Lithium, and Lamotrigine just wasn't helping my depression side. Right away, I noticed a difference. I think ever since, my life has been doing well. I'm doing well in my professional life. I think of suicide very little now. I still have my ups and downs at times, though, and I think a lot of it has to do with not eating right and exercising. When I do those things and take Latuda, I feel great. The only thing I don't like about Latuda is if you don't take it with enough food (vegetables are not enough, you need something starchy, at least 350 calories), you vomit or feel really sick. It feels like something foreign in your body. And it also makes me so tired! Sometimes I actually feel a little scared."

• Anonymous
• August 28, 2011

For Schizophrenia "My daughter takes 40 mg of the Latuda. You should always take it with your dinner no later than five or you will be tired in the morning. This was told to me by her doctor. She has been on this medicine for about 7 months. She sleeps well at night."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on so many medications since I was 13 I couldn't possibly remember nor list them all. One was Abilify. I hated it. It made me extremely tired and fatigued. Latuda is by far the best medication I have ever been on. Too bad it is so expensive."

• Jen...
• June 24, 2015

For Bipolar Disorder "I've been on Latuda for around 8 months now. I have a Dr. appointment next week, and I am going to ask to switch to something else or add another med to it. I am tired all the time. I can barely stay awake within an hour of taking it. I am emotionless. Never feel better than a 5 out of 10. Don't feel happiness. No joy in any activities. It's definitely good at evening you out...too good. It has not conquered my depression. I find it hard to focus, and it is starting to affect my job. I just want to feel happy again."

• Cak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 11, 2016

For Schizophrenia "40 mg for schizoaffective disorder: Somewhat improved my paranoia, insomnia, and intrusive thoughts. However, it made my body feel extremely tense and agitated. I can hardly describe how horrendous this feeling was, like every cell in my body was screaming, like I needed to physically explode. I would try to pace around to relieve it, but nothing worked, and I felt exhausted at the same time, so I would lie down, but the feeling was unbearable, so I would get right back up again. It was maddening. My pdoc gave me a beta blocker to make it go away, but that didn't work. After a month on this med, I just quit it cold turkey as I was terrified of it, felt like I could not handle one more night of feeling that way."