Alcohol & Latuda: Risks, Side Effects & Treatment

Mixing alcohol and Latuda—a medication used to manage bipolar disorder and schizophrenia—can be dangerous. While it can help stabilize mood and manage symptoms, combining Latuda and alcohol may diminish the effects of the medication and worsen its side effects. 

Anyone taking this medication should know the risks of drinking on Latuda, as well as how it interacts with alcohol. This page highlights the side effects and potential dangers of mixing alcohol and Latuda. You will also discover how to get effective treatment for addiction or mental health issues. 

What is Latuda?

Latuda, known generically as lurasidone, is a prescription medication mainly used to treat mental health conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia [1]. Classified as an atypical antipsychotic, Latuda works by adjusting levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. This adjustment helps balance mood and reduce symptoms like severe mood swings, hallucinations, or feelings of extreme sadness or excitement.

The medication is prescribed for individuals aged 13 and older with schizophrenia and those aged 10 and older with bipolar disorder. Latuda may be prescribed alone or alongside mood stabilizers like lithium or valproate for bipolar. It’s taken once daily with food—ideally with a meal of at least 350 calories—to improve how well the body absorbs it. The dosage usually starts low and may be increased by a healthcare provider based on individual needs and treatment response.

People using Latuda often notice some symptom improvement within a few weeks, although it may take longer to feel the full effects. It is essential to continue taking Latuda even if symptoms improve, as it helps maintain a more stable mental state over time. That said, Latuda can trigger side effects, such as:

• Drowsiness
• Weight gain
• Restlessness
• Nausea 

Due to the risk of side effects and possible interactions with other substances, those prescribed Latuda should discuss their lifestyle and any other medications or supplements they take with their healthcare provider. 

Latuda and Alcohol

Mixing Latuda and alcohol is not recommended because of the risks it poses to physical and mental health [2]. Latuda can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and dulled thinking and reactions. A combination of Latuda and drinking alcohol can intensify these effects, increasing the risk of confusion, accidents, and overdose. Alcohol is a CNS (central nervous system) depressant that slows brain function. Since Latuda can also have sedating effects, mixing Latuda with alcohol can lead to extreme drowsiness and significantly slow breathing, putting individuals at risk of severe health complications if they combine these substances.  

Additionally, alcohol can disrupt how well Latuda works in managing mental health symptoms. For those with schizophrenia or bipolar, alcohol can inflame symptoms like irritability, mood swings, or hallucinations. Many people with these mental health disorders are more sensitive to alcohol’s effects. Latuda and alcohol effects may make symptoms harder to control. 

There are also dangers to physical health when mixing alcohol and Latuda. The Latuda and alcohol interaction can cause blood pressure to drop suddenly upon standing—orthostatic hypotension—leading to dizziness or fainting [3]. Over time, alcohol abuse can strain the liver, which is also responsible for breaking down Latuda. This can lead to higher levels of Latuda in the body, raising the risk of side effects. Those taking the medication should avoid alcohol and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider. 

Alcohol and Latuda Side Effects

Combining Latuda and alcohol can intensify some side effects, making daily activities risky and potentially impacting physical and mental health. While Latuda can effectively manage the symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar, adding alcohol into the mix can provoke serious and potentially life-threatening side effects. These include: 

• Increased sedation and drowsiness: One of the most immediate effects of mixing Latuda and alcohol is heightened drowsiness. Both substances have sedative properties, which are amplified when combined, increasing the risk of falls and accidents.
• Impaired judgment and slowed reflexes: Alcohol can slow reflexes and impair judgment, and Latuda may cause similar effects. When combined, these effects become more intense, leading to poor decision-making and delayed reactions.
• Dizziness and lightheadedness: Latuda may cause dizziness or lightheadedness as a side effect, especially when standing up quickly. Alcohol can induce the same effect. When Latuda and alcohol are taken together, the likelihood of severe dizziness or fainting increases. This can be particularly dangerous for seniors or anyone with a health condition that affects blood pressure, as it heightens the risk of falls and injuries.
• Confusion and disorientation: Both Latuda and alcohol impact brain function, and together they can lead to disorientation and confusion. This may make it hard to follow conversations, remember, or think. This mental cloudiness is concerning for individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar, as confusion may inflame their symptoms and increase isolation, anxiety, or frustration.
• Nausea and stomach issues: Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, causing nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux. Latuda may prompt nausea or upset stomach. Combining Latuda and alcohol can increase stomach-related side effects, leading to discomfort and making it harder for people to keep the medication down. Over time, consistent nausea can lead to dehydration, poor nutrition, and other complications.
• Increased risk of liver strain: Latuda and alcohol are processed by the liver, which is responsible for breaking down and eliminating these substances from the body. When alcohol is consumed, the liver has to work harder to break both down, which can strain this vital organ. Over time, this strain increases the risk of liver damage. For those with liver concerns, mixing Latuda and alcohol can accelerate liver problems and make it harder for the body to process the substances safely.
• Mental health risks and worsening of mood: Alcohol can negatively impact mood, often worsening feelings of irritability or sadness. For individuals with mental health conditions, alcohol may exacerbate symptoms like anxiety, depression, or mania. Since Latuda is often prescribed to manage these conditions, alcohol can counteract the benefits of the medication, potentially triggering irritability, mood swings, or a relapse of symptoms. This can disrupt progress and make it more difficult to achieve stability.
• Danger of overdose: Mixing Latuda and alcohol increases the risk of an overdose, particularly if someone consumes a large amount of alcohol or has taken a higher dose of Latuda than prescribed [4]. Symptoms of an overdose include confusion, extreme drowsiness, shallow breathing, slow heart rate, seizures, and loss of consciousness. An overdose is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical help.                                                            

To avoid these dangerous side effects, people taking Latuda are advised to avoid alcohol entirely. Discussing any questions or struggles related to alcohol use with a healthcare provider can help people make more informed decisions and manage their health effectively. 

Alcohol and Latuda Interactions

Mixing alcohol with Latuda can create powerful interactions that affect the body and mind. These interactions can increase the risk of side effects and decrease the effectiveness of Latuda in managing symptoms. Here are some ways Latuda and alcohol interact in the body: 

• CNS (central nervous system) depression: Latuda and alcohol both affect the CNS—the brain and spinal cord. Latuda helps control mood and reduce symptoms like hallucinations by adjusting brain chemicals. Alcohol, by contrast, is a CNS depressant, slowing brain activity and reaction times, and impairing clear thinking. When combined, the CNS can slow too much, resulting in extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, and trouble staying awake.
• Increased blood pressure: Latuda may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up. Alcohol can also cause blood pressure to drop or fluctuate, especially when consumed in large amounts. Together, they may cause abrupt changes in blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting. This effect can be more pronounced in people with blood pressure or heart conditions.
• Liver metabolism overload: Both Latuda and alcohol are broken down by the liver, which can only process a limited amount of substances, leading to a buildup of Latuda in the bloodstream. This can intensify the medication’s effects, risking a toxic reaction and liver damage.
• Reduced effectiveness of Latuda: Alcohol can interfere with how Latuda works in stabilizing emotions and managing mood, making it harder for the medication to effectively control the symptoms of schizophrenia or bipolar.
• Higher risk of dehydration: Alcohol is dehydrating—it causes the kidneys to expel more water. Dehydration can worsen some of the side effects of Latuda like confusion and dizziness. This also makes it harder for the body to process medications, leading to increased levels of Latuda in the bloodstream.
• Potential for mental health instability: Alcohol can negatively impact mood and mental health, particularly for those managing mental health conditions. Alcohol use can worsen anxiety or sadness, negating the benefits of Latuda. For those taking the medication to control mood swings or prevent manic or depressive episodes, alcohol use can lead to mood instability, making it challenging to maintain a stable emotional state. This can lead to difficulties in managing symptoms and achieving long-term recovery goals.
• Long-term strain on mental health: Alcohol can have long-term effects on mental health, which can run counter to the goals of Latuda treatment. In individuals with bipolar, alcohol can worsen symptoms gradually, diminishing the effectiveness of the medication. Alcohol can impair judgment, increase irritability, and intensify anxiety and mood swings.
• Possible withdrawal effects: People who drink alcohol may experience withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop drinking while on Latuda [5]. This is because the body adjusts to alcohol over time, and removing it can cause symptoms like tremors, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. Since Latuda is used to stabilize mood, alcohol withdrawal can complicate recovery by introducing new symptoms that are hard to manage. A healthcare provider can offer guidance for reducing alcohol use safely while on Latuda, ensuring a safe and smooth adjustment period.

The safest approach is to avoid alcohol while taking Latuda to minimize interactions and allow the medication to work effectively. Consulting a healthcare provider about medication and alcohol use can help ensure a treatment plan that supports both physical and mental health. 

Get Effective and Compassionate Addiction Treatment at a Premier California Rehab

If you need help with addiction or mental health issues, reach out to California Detox. We can help you get back on track at our luxury facility in Laguna Beach, CA. 

If you need help with alcohol withdrawal, you can access medications and continuous clinical care with medical detox at our beachside rehab. After about a week, you can transition to ongoing inpatient treatment. 

When you address addiction or mental health issues at California Detox, you will get a personalized treatment plan with therapies that may include: 

• Counseling
• Motivational therapies
• Talk therapies
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Family therapy
• Group therapy
• Holistic treatments
• Aftercare 

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Sources

[1] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a611016.html 

[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11051375

[3] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2013/200603lbls10s11.pdf

[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11051375/

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441882/