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
Latuda
Seroquel vs. Latuda Dosage
Seroquel
Latuda
| 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 |
| 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
| 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
| 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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