Does Latuda cause hair loss? 

Does Latuda cause hair loss? 

Latuda may or may not cause hair loss. This side effect was not reported during the clinical trials of the medication. However, some people may see a decline in their hair growth and quality. 

If you’re losing hair on Latuda, talk to your healthcare provider. As it is not a common side effect and is considered a rare possibility, there isn’t much to explain how and why this medication causes hair loss. 

However, hair loss is considered reversible and you will most likely go back to your regular hair growth once the drug is discontinued, but that’s not something you should do on your own. If your doctor thinks Latuda is unsafe to be used any further, he/she will suggest a safe way to stop it. 

Research studies on Latuda and hair loss

There is limited research on the effects of Latuda on hair growth and it is not generally considered a common side effect of his medication. 

According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 1.1% of Latuda-using patients experienced hair loss. However, participants taking a placebo saw a similar incidence of hair loss (0.8%). 

Given that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups, the study concluded that hair loss with Latuda is uncommon and possibly not directly related to the drug.

Although hair loss is not a common side effect of Latuda and it is frequently reported, it is still important to apprise your doctor about any odd symptoms or side effects. They can assess your symptoms and choose the best course of action for your particular case.

When to consult your doctor

If you notice extreme hair loss while taking Latuda, and there is no other change in your lifestyle or you don’t take any other medication besides Latuda, reach out to your healthcare provider. 

It is a known fact that people respond differently to medication and they may experience rare and unusual side effects. If that’s the case with you, your doctor will determine the next step to prevent hair loss while maintaining symptoms associated with your mental health condition. 

Latuda is an antipsychotic medication which alters the amount of certain chemicals in your brain and such meds should never be stopped abruptly. 

If Latuda causes side effects, don’t skip the doses to ‘prevent’ them, as this can affect your health in worse ways than causing just hair loss. If your doctor believes that Latuda should not be continued in your case, he/she will safely switch you to another antipsychotic medication.

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References

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PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 213046, Lurasidone; [cited 2022 Nov. 11]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Lurasidone