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In this short Q&A with Founder of the Alternative to Meds Center, the Top Questions about Latuda are discussed.
Latuda is an atypical antipsychotic that is prescribed for bipolar, sometimes schizophrenia, sometimes schizoaffective, depression...Definitely something where you want to consider the risk/benefit of taking a drug like this.
"It's a pretty heavy hitting drug" - Lyle Murphy
Questions covered during the interview include:
1. What does Latuda do to the brain?
Latuda holds back excitatory neurochemicals. Dopamine and Glutamate are both excitatory neurochemicals. Latuda holds back the nervous systems ability to get excited about things.
"Too much excitement with Dopamine looks like mania, looks like psychosis. Too little looks like you can't move, life has no reward, and you are slumped over kind of drooling on yourself" - Lyle Murphy
2. What are the side effects of Latuda?
The main side effect is the medication strips the person of their reward in life. On a medication like this it's hard to have any type of reward, or even to have a job. Trying to have a relationship, or go shopping, most anything can be challenging for someone suffering from Latuda side effects.
3. What are the benefits of Tapering Latuda?
"The benefit is to have access to ones spirit, to have access to the amount of reward we all need in order to feel that life is worth being part of" - Lyle Murphy
4. I want to taper off Latuda, what are the challenges?
The real challenge with any antipsychotic is determining "Is this an underlying symptom, or just Latuda Withdrawal?" The most pragmatic way to figure that out is to just go slow.
Be cautious of increased symptoms, or severe symptoms like tardive dyskinesia or akathisia
"The last thing you want to do is end up in the hospital again" - Lyle Murphy
5. Should I discontinue Latuda without tapering?
Not a good idea...what could have been done in a reasonably safe with a good strategy, and have worked, will easily turn into a complete train wreck if the process goes too fast. Remember to go slow, and always contract a licensed professional for assistance prior to adjusting medications.
6. Can Latuda cause Akathisia?
The CYP2D6 genetic polymorphism that exists in roughly 10-20% of the population may be a factor...It is believed that those with the CYP2D6 polymorphism lack the enzyme to break down Latuda , and may be at a greater risk of developing severe withdrawal symptoms such as akathisia or tardiv dyskinesia.
7. Can Latuda cure me of schizophrenia?
Latuda could potentially help with the symptoms, but the underlying causes of the symptoms will not be addressed by Latuda.
8. Is Latuda the best medication for bipolar depression?
No, a lot of times the proper diet, nutrition, blood sugar control, and other tweaks to a persons lifestyle, will have a much more positive effect on symptoms like depression, versus taking Latuda. Working with a licensed Naturopathic Doctor or Integrative Psychiatrist would be wise, prior to attempting to taper Latuda, or begin a regimen of Latuda.
9. Since taking Latuda my depression has gotten much worse. It killed my Libido. All I want to do now is sleep. Is this a Latuda Side Effect?
Yes, this drug is going to take away a persons libido. It will cause a person to be tired all the time, and lack a reward in life. This is due to the Latuda holding back Dopamine.
"Latuda is NOT an antidepressant, it is NOT going to give someone a lift to make it through their day" - Lyle Murphy
People come to Alternative to Meds Center in Sedona, Arizona in order to safely navigate the complexities of medication withdrawal. With a success rate of over 70% in helping people safely taper Latuda, Alternative to Meds is a leader in the Inpatient Mental Health field.
To learn more about the Alternative to Meds Center program for tapering Latuda visit:
www.alternativ...
To Learn more about the CYP2D6 genetic polymorphism please visit:
en.wikipedia.o....
To speak with an admissions counselor at Alternative to Meds please call 1-888-984-9667