Latuda vs. Geodon
See how Latuda and Geodon compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Latuda and Geodon are both atypical antipsychotics used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but Geodon carries a stronger warning for QT interval prolongation and irregular heart rhythms.
Latuda is taken once daily and does not require food to work, while Geodon must be taken twice daily with a substantial meal to absorb properly.
Latuda has FDA approval for bipolar depression, while Geodon is approved for acute mania and as an add-on for bipolar maintenance, not depression.
Latuda vs. Geodon Drug Summary
Latuda
Latuda (lurasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic approved for schizophrenia in adults and teens, and for depressive episodes linked to bipolar I disorder, either alone or with lithium or valproate. It is taken once a day as a tablet, generally with a meal.
Geodon
Geodon (ziprasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic approved for schizophrenia, acute manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder, and as an add-on to lithium or valproate for bipolar maintenance. It is taken as a capsule twice daily with food, and a short-term injectable form exists for acute agitation in schizophrenia.
Latuda vs. Geodon Side Effects
Latuda
Geodon
Latuda vs. Geodon Dosage
Latuda
Geodon
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 40 mg once daily | Day 1 |
| Maximum dose | 20-80 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20-80 mg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Latuda
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 40 mg once daily | Day 1 |
| Maximum dose | 20-80 mg/day | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Geodon
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 20 mg twice daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 20-80 mg twice daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | As tolerated |
Latuda vs. Geodon Indications
Latuda
Latuda is FDA-approved for schizophrenia in adults and adolescents 13 and older. It is also approved for depressive episodes tied to bipolar I disorder, used alone or added to lithium or valproate.
Schizophrenia (adults and teens 13+)
Bipolar I depression, monotherapy
Bipolar I depression, add-on to lithium or valproate
Once-daily oral tablet
Geodon
Geodon is FDA-approved for schizophrenia in adults, for acute manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder on its own, and as an add-on to lithium or valproate for longer-term bipolar management. A short-acting injectable form is approved for acute agitation in schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia in adults
Acute bipolar mania or mixed episodes, monotherapy
Bipolar maintenance, add-on to lithium or valproate
Acute agitation in schizophrenia (injection)
Latuda vs. Geodon Pros and Cons
Latuda
Latuda's once-daily dosing and lack of a strict food-timing requirement can make it easier to fit into a routine. It does not carry a QT-prolongation warning, which matters for people with heart rhythm concerns or on other QT-affecting drugs.
Pros
Once-daily dosing, no titration needed for schizophrenia
FDA-approved specifically for bipolar depression
No boxed QT-prolongation warning
Approved for adolescents with schizophrenia
Cons
Typically costs more than Geodon at list price, roughly $1,400 to $1,800 per month without insurance, before savings programs
Not approved for acute bipolar mania
No injectable option for acute agitation
Akathisia and extrapyramidal symptoms are common at higher doses
Geodon
Geodon offers flexibility with both an oral capsule and a short-term injection for acute agitation, and it is approved for acute mania, not just depression. Its main trade-off is a stricter administration requirement and a more significant heart-rhythm warning.
Pros
Available as an injection for acute agitation in schizophrenia
FDA-approved for acute bipolar manic or mixed episodes
Lower end of list price can run cheaper than Latuda, roughly $930 to $1,900 per month without insurance, before savings programs
Considered lower risk for significant weight gain among atypical antipsychotics
Cons
Must be taken twice daily with a substantial meal (at least 500 calories) for proper absorption
Boxed warning for increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
Greater capacity to prolong the QT interval than several other antipsychotics
Not FDA-approved for bipolar depression
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