Seroquel vs. Latuda

See how Seroquel and Latuda compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Seroquel and Latuda are both atypical antipsychotics for schizophrenia and bipolar depression, but only Seroquel is FDA-approved for bipolar mania.

  • Latuda is a once-daily pill with no titration needed, while Seroquel usually requires a multi-day dose increase and more frequent dosing.

  • Generic quetiapine is one of the least expensive antipsychotics available, while brand-name Latuda costs far more before a generic or savings card is applied.

Seroquel vs. Latuda Drug Summary

Seroquel

Seroquel (quetiapine) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, manic and depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder, and as an add-on for major depressive disorder. It is usually started at a low dose and increased over several days, then taken once to three times daily depending on the indication and formulation.

Latuda

Latuda (lurasidone) is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and the depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder, in adults and children as young as 10. It is taken once daily with food, does not require a multi-day dose titration, and can start at its effective dose from the first day.

Seroquel vs. Latuda Side Effects

Seroquel

Most common
Somnolence (up to 18%)
Dizziness (up to 11%)
Dry mouth (up to 9%)
Constipation (up to 8%)

Latuda

Most common
Somnolence (up to 17%)
Extrapyramidal symptoms (up to 14%)
Akathisia (up to 13%)
Nausea (up to 10%)

Seroquel vs. Latuda Dosage

Seroquel

Dosage
Dosage Table
STAGE DOSE WHEN
Starting dose 25 mg twice daily Day 1
Maximum dose 400-800 mg/day If needed
Dose changes 4 increases Every day

Latuda

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Seroquel vs. Latuda Indications

Seroquel

Seroquel is FDA-approved for a wide range of mood and psychotic conditions. It treats schizophrenia in adults and adolescents, both manic and depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder, and can be added to an antidepressant for major depressive disorder that has not responded well enough on its own.

  • Schizophrenia (adults and adolescents 13-17)

  • Bipolar I disorder, manic episodes (alone or with lithium/divalproex)

  • Bipolar I disorder, depressive episodes

  • Bipolar I disorder, maintenance treatment (adjunct therapy)

Latuda

Latuda is FDA-approved for a narrower set of conditions than Seroquel. It treats schizophrenia in adults and adolescents, and depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults and in children as young as 10, but it does not carry an approval for manic episodes.

  • Schizophrenia (adults and adolescents 13-17)

  • Bipolar I disorder, depressive episodes, alone (adults)

  • Bipolar I disorder, depressive episodes, with lithium or valproate (adults)

  • Bipolar I disorder, depressive episodes, alone (children 10-17)

Seroquel vs. Latuda Pros and Cons

Seroquel

Seroquel has decades of clinical use and an inexpensive, widely available generic, but its metabolic side effect profile is more pronounced than some newer atypicals. Coverage for generic quetiapine is typically straightforward, though the sedation and multi-day titration can be a hurdle for some patients.

Pros

  • Approved for bipolar mania, which Latuda is not

  • Can be taken with or without food

  • Generic quetiapine typically costs $10 to $150 per month without insurance, depending on dose

  • Offered in immediate-release and extended-release forms

Cons

  • Carries a higher risk of weight gain and metabolic changes (blood sugar, cholesterol) than Latuda

  • Needs a multi-day dose titration before reaching an effective dose

  • Usually dosed more than once a day in immediate-release form

  • More sedating overall, which can limit daytime use

Latuda

Latuda's simpler once-daily dosing and lighter metabolic footprint appeal to patients switching from more sedating antipsychotics, but the brand-name product can be a real coverage and cost challenge without a generic fill. It also carries a meaningful risk of akathisia and other movement-related side effects that rise with dose.

Pros

  • Once-daily dosing with no titration schedule required

  • Lower risk of significant weight gain and metabolic changes than Seroquel

  • Less sedating at typical doses than Seroquel

  • Approved for bipolar depression in children as young as 10

Cons

  • Must be taken with a meal of at least 350 calories for full absorption

  • Higher rates of akathisia and movement-related side effects than Seroquel

  • Not approved for manic episodes of bipolar disorder

  • Brand-name list price can run $1,400 to $1,800 per month without insurance, before generic lurasidone or savings programs

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