For some, the idea of Latuda withdrawal may seem too extreme, just as Galileo’s ideas sounded like heresy to some back in the 1500s. Coming off a drug like Latuda could be likened to coming back into the light of day — but is best done with attentive care and precision for success.
There is no doubt that for some, a prescription of antipsychotic medication might have been the most correct choice at a time of crisis. But after the crisis has passed, often a person is left on a regimen that is no longer helpful, and in fact may be making things worse instead of better.
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You may be interested in our consistently high rates of success for our clients. Our programs have been leading the way for about 20 years now, encouraging alternative pathways to improved mental wellness. It’s becoming increasingly clear that the drug-based treatment models have fallen short and left many still suffering. Our staff are uniquely qualified and passionate about helping others achieve their mental health goals using orthomolecular, non-toxic protocols that have been proven workable over many years. Whether you are presently considering Latuda withdrawal (lurasidone), or are considering whether to begin taking antipsychotic medication at all, please read on for more information that we hope will help you in your decision making process. In the latter case, be sure to check out info on antipsychotic alternatives.
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Latuda withdrawal may be a good choice for someone whose acute mental health crisis has passed. Latuda, generic lurasidone, may have been prescribed for a variety of reasons, such as depression, psychosis, schizophrenia-related, or other symptoms. This context is an important factor to consider. In many young persons, drug-induced psychosis is common with cannabis, cocaine, LSD, or other recreational drug use. Latuda may have been prescribed to treat this condition as it has a good safety profile for adolescents, but it is a relatively new medication, and researchers are still studying long-term effects of lurasidone and many other antipsychotics.4,5
If one is suffering from on-going sleep dysregulation, extreme mood swings, disturbed or disorganized thoughts, not eating properly, or other red flags, then this would most likely not be the best time to begin tapering. Other protocols could be employed to stabilize out such things first. Once these concerns have been addressed and improved, that would be a much better launch point for tapering.
But where a critical period has passed, and a person has stabilized somewhat, i.e., is no longer in acute mania or psychosis, is sleeping and eating well, and not experiencing irrational behaviors or mood swings, this would be a more opportune time to consider Latuda withdrawal. Once an antipsychotic drug has been successfully withdrawn, or at least reduced, a person can experience a resurgence in many positive aspects of life. For some, according to clinical studies, 40% of those taking antipsychotic drugs can expect to successfully eliminate the drug entirely, via gradual tapering.1
Some persons may do better to gradually reduce the drug dosage, but ultimately remain on a very low maintenance dose and in this way, they can still experience greatly improved quality of life. Working with caregivers who are familiar with these nuances of Latuda withdrawal can help design the optimum route for personal success.
With that said, there are a number of commonly experienced withdrawal symptoms that one should be aware of if considering coming off Latuda.
Withdrawal Symptoms of Latuda in Relation to Neurotransmitter Dysregulation
Antipsychotic medications are largely thought to restrict dopamine expression, but can affect many other types of neurotransmitters as well. Research by Horowitz, Keks, Hope, and others have concluded that the characteristics of antipsychotic drug withdrawal may be traced to the transmitters that have been affected.1-3 These can be loosely categorized according to the drug’s effects on dopamine, choline, serotonin, histamine, adrenaline, and others. While more research is continuing, some examples have been tabulated below, which may help to explain, or at least simplify, why these reactions occur.
Dopaminergic Latuda withdrawal symptoms can include:
Dyskinesias (drug-induced movement disorders, often irreversible) 10
Parkinson-type symptoms (symptoms that mimic Parkinson’s, i.e., muscle rigidity, tremors, impaired gait, or posture, etc.) 7
Akathisia (intense internal restlessness, compulsion to move, rock, pace, etc.) 9
Tachycardia (elevated heart rate, abnormally fast heart beat) 8
Histaminergic Latuda withdrawal symptoms can include:
Loss of appetite
Irritability
Low mood, depression
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Lethargy
Tremors
Amnesia
Cholinergic Latuda withdrawal symptoms can include:
Hallucinations
Fear, confusion, disorientation
Hypothermia (body temperature drops below normal) 11
Sweating
Insomnia
Lightheadedness
Agitation, anxiety
Depression
Muscle soreness
Diarrhea, abdominal cramps
Adrenergic Latuda withdrawal symptoms can include:
Headache
Heart palpitations (abnormal fluttering or pounding sensation of the heart)
Tachycardia (elevated heart rate when the body is at rest)
Hypertension (when blood pressure is very high, too much pressure is exerted on the artery/vessel walls) 12
Angina (pain in the heart from reduced blood flow) 13
Risk of heart attack
Tremulousness (shaking or quivering)
Timeline: Speed of Latuda Withdrawal
The watchword for antipsychotic withdrawal is always to GO SLOW. It may be that coming off an antipsychotic drug too swiftly is responsible for a lot of what is improperly called “relapse.”14
The time needed to safely come off Latuda will vary with each person, because individual profiles can differ greatly, but is best thought of in months rather than days or weeks.
Except where medical reasons dictate immediate cessation, in all other cases, and especially in many months-long, or years-long use, the importance of incremental dosage reduction cannot be overstated. Antipsychotics hold back neurotransmitter expression, like a powerful brake. In reducing the dosage, even a little, the brakes come off and the system can be overwhelmed with a flood of stimulating neurotransmitters. (For specific examples, see list of withdrawal symptoms above)
Tips to Help Ensure Safe Latuda Withdrawal
If possible, withdrawal is best done in an inpatient setting, where adequate monitoring is available as things can change rapidly. Even in an out patient setting, enlist the help of a physician who is well-versed in coming off antipsychotic medications, and who is sympathetic to your goals. Talk to your care giver about the tips given below.
Some additional recommendations for Latuda withdrawal can include:
Begin the taper when you are sleeping well and eating well, and not experiencing major symptoms
Avoid caffeine in drinks or other sources
Avoid sugars or any other sort of stimulant including chemical additives/preservatives in foods
Do not consume cannabis, alcohol, or any other recreational drugs
Ketogenic diet, focus on small protein-based meals throughout the day to keep blood sugar levels evened out 16
Helpful supplements can include omega 3’s, vitamin B6, B12, folate, vitamin C, zinc, selenium, amino acids such as serine, tryptophan, glycine, & lysine 15
Improve sleep hygiene where needed, including remove electronics, blue light sources, intrusive noises, etc. in the sleep area, proper ventilation, comfortable bedding, etc.
Avoid over-stimulating reading materials, loud or repetitive music, & visual media
A voluntarily signed “contract for safety” (sometimes called a Ulysses contract) 16 can be useful to make sure that if you (or a loved one) begin to go off the track, become resistive to the doctor’s instructions, or manifest unmanageable rebound symptoms, that you (or your loved one) voluntarily agree to hospitalization (and likely a return to a higher dosage) for safety. After stabilization has occurred, the taper can resume but at a slower pace.
Latuda Withdrawal at Alternative to Meds Center
We understand that an individual is carefully considering many various options of treatment, and may still have questions about the process and methods used at Alternative to Meds Center. Please feel free to contact us directly and we will make sure we answer all your questions to your satisfaction.
We have helped thousands of clients reach their health goals safely, in our comfortable and well-staffed residential treatment center. One of the greatest advantages of inpatient treatment with us is the amazing range of inpatient services and qualified, compassionate staff directly available on site to work with you. Your program is individually designed, and your progress is well-monitored for maximum progress. Please call us today for more information on our Latuda withdrawal protocols, and other questions you may have about insurance, accommodations, length of stay, and any others. We look forward to your call.
1. Horowitz MA, Jauhar S, Natesan S, Murray RM, Taylor D. A Method for Tapering Antipsychotic Treatment That May Minimize the Risk of Relapse. Schizophr Bull. 2021 Jul 8;47(4):1116-1129. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbab017. Erratum in: Schizophr Bull. 2023 Mar 15;49(2):533. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbac080. PMID: 33754644; PMCID: PMC8266572. [cited 2025 Mar 31]
2. Keks N, Schwartz D, Hope J. Stopping and switching antipsychotic drugs. Aust Prescr. 2019 Oct;42(5):152-157. doi: 10.18773/austprescr.2019.052. Epub 2019 Oct 1. PMID: 31631928; PMCID: PMC6787301. [cited 2025 Mar 31]
5. Azhar Y, Shaban K. Lurasidone. [Updated 2023 Jun 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. [cited 2025 Mar 31]
6. Simon LV, Hashmi MF, Callahan AL. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. [Updated 2023 Apr 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482282/ [cited 2025 Mar 31]
7. Shrimanker I, Tadi P, Schoo C, et al. Parkinsonism. [Updated 2024 Mar 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. [cited 2025 Mar 31]
8. Henning A, Krawiec C. Sinus Tachycardia. [Updated 2023 Mar 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. [cited 2025 Mar 31]
9. Patel J, Marwaha R. Akathisia. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. [cited 2025 Mar 31]
15. Aucoin M, LaChance L, Cooley K, Kidd S. Diet and Psychosis: A Scoping Review. Neuropsychobiology. 2020;79(1):20-42. doi: 10.1159/000493399. Epub 2018 Oct 25. PMID: 30359969. [cited 2025 Mar 31]
This content has been reviewed and approved by a licensed physician.
Dr. Samuel Lee
Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle. He has also been an inpatient adult psychiatrist at Kaweah Delta Mental Health Hospital and the primary attending geriatric psychiatrist at the Auerbach Inpatient Psychiatric Jewish Home Hospital. In addition, he served as the general adult outpatient psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology and has a B.A. Magna Cum Laude in Religion from Pacific Union College. His specialty is in natural healing techniques that promote the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
Diane is an avid supporter and researcher of natural mental health strategies. Diane received her medical writing and science communication certification through Stanford University and has published over 3 million words on the topics of holistic health, addiction, recovery, and alternative medicine. She has proudly worked with the Alternative to Meds Center since its inception and is grateful for the opportunity to help the founding members develop this world-class center that has helped so many thousands regain natural mental health.
Medical Disclaimer: Nothing on this Website is intended to be taken as medical advice. The information provided on the website is intended to encourage, not replace, direct patient-health professional relationships. Always consult with your doctor before altering your medications. Adding nutritional supplements may alter the effect of medication. Any medication changes should be done only after proper evaluation and under medical supervision.
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Latuda may have been prescribed to treat this condition as it has a good safety profile for adolescents, but it is a relatively new medication, and researchers are still studying long-term effects of lurasidone and many other antipsychotics.4,5
Begin the taper when you are sleeping well and eating well, and not experiencing major symptoms
We understand that an individual is carefully considering many various options of treatment, and may still have questions about the process and methods used at Alternative to Meds Center. Please feel free to contact us directly and we will make sure we answer all your questions to your satisfaction.
