Lurasidone: The 2016 update on the pharmacology, efficacy and safety profile

The aim of this paper was to review the up-to-date evidence base on pharmacology and clinical properties of lurasidone. Lurasidone is an atypical antipsychotic, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar depression. Lurasidone exhibits both an antipsychotic and antidepressant action. Based on its pharmacodynamics profile, it is believed that the drug's clinical action is mediated mainly through the D2, 5-HT2A and 5-HT7 receptors inhibition. In patients with schizophrenia the recommended dose range is 40-80 mg/day. In bipolar depression broader dosage ranges (20-120 mg/day) were found to be effective. In terms of side effects, higher rates of akathisia, parkinsonism and hyperprolactinemia were observed in individuals receiving lurasidone (as compared to patients treated with other atypical antipsychotics). On the other hand, treatment with lurasidone yields relatively lower risk for developing sedation or overweight/obesity.