The new medication Caplyta is primarily used to treat schizophrenia and depression associated with bipolar 1 and 2. At Lightfully, we’ve also had success using it to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). These are off-label uses, so Caplyta isn’t officially FDA approved for these uses. However, many of our clients with MDD, PTSD and OCD have found Caplyta to be helpful. It’s effective at targeting symptoms without some of the tough side effects, such as weight gain, that often come with other medications.
Caplyta is the brand name for the generic medication lumateperone. It’s an atypical antipsychotic that helps regulate dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about how Caplyta is used to treat these conditions, what effects people are noticing and what else you should know before taking it.
What conditions can be treated with Caplyta?
Caplyta may be prescribed alone or with other medications to treat depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar 1 or 2. For instance, it’s sometimes prescribed with lithium or valproate. Caplyta is proven to provide significant relief from symptoms of bipolar depression in adults at six weeks. People taking it for schizophrenia may notice results even sooner.
Some symptoms that Caplyta can help with include:
- Low mood
- Low energy or fatigue
- Lack of motivation
- Self-isolation
- Inability to feel pleasure
- Loss of interest in life activities
- Feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness
- Changes in appetite or sleep
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Physical discomfort
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Hallucinations or delusions (psychosis)
- Emotional blunting
- Disorganized thoughts, speech and behavior
How does Caplyta work?
Researchers don’t know exactly how Caplyta works. It’s thought to regulate levels of dopamine, glutamate and serotonin in the brain. Most selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) may regulate serotonin and/or norepinephrine. When all three of these neurotransmitters are balanced, depression symptoms and other mental health symptoms subside.
What are the potential side effects of Caplyta?
You may notice some mild side effects during the first few weeks when you start taking Caplyta. These usually go away once your body gets used to the medication. Other antidepressants are known to cause weight gain and movement disorders such as feelings of restlessness or the need to move around (akathisia). People who took Caplyta during clinical trials noticed fewer of these symptoms compared to the average.
There’s always a risk of increased suicidal ideation when taking antidepressants, and young adults who take Caplyta should be especially vigilant. Let your prescriber know about any sudden changes in mood.
The most common side effects of Caplyta include:
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
These are not the only side effects that are possible with Caplyta. If you have more severe side effects such as difficulty swallowing, seizures, agitation, muscle stiffness, fever or other severe symptoms not listed, tell your doctor right away.
What conditions and medications may interact with Caplyta?
Caplyta has some potential interactions with other conditions and medications, including some used to treat mental health conditions. Caplyta should not be taken with bupropion or certain anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines and sedatives. Let your doctor know about past or present medical conditions as well as medications and supplements you’re taking before you start taking Caplyta.
Caplyta isn’t approved for use in people who are pregnant or older people experiencing dementia-related psychosis. If you have diabetes, high blood sugar, liver problems, kidney problems, or history of high blood pressure or heart disease, let your doctor know before taking Caplyta.
What else should I know about Caplyta?
Only take Caplyta as prescribed by your doctor. It takes time for most antidepressants to start working, and they affect each person differently. You may need to try a few different combinations to determine what works best for you. You should work closely with a psychiatrist or prescribing physician when taking antidepressants. Let your prescriber know about any side effects you notice.
There are a few more things you should know about Caplyta:
- Taking Caplyta increases your risk of overheating. Stay hydrated when taking this medication, and don’t exercise too much or spend too much time in the sun. You should also avoid driving or using heavy machinery until you know how Caplyta affects you.
- Taking high doses of Caplyta or taking it for long periods may increase your risk of developing a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia.
- Your doctor may do some blood tests during your first few months of taking Caplyta.
- Caplyta’s cost is covered for approximately 90% of people with commercial insurance. With a Caplyta Savings Card, eligible individuals may pay as little as $0 for their first two fills and $15 for subsequent fills. A Drugs.com discount card can save you up to 80% of the price of Caplyta.
- Caplyta was approved by the FDA for the treatment of bipolar 1 and 2 in 2019 and for adults with schizophrenia in 2021.
Get comprehensive treatment including medication management at Lightfully
If your mental health symptoms are interfering with your daily life, you should reach out to a licensed clinical care provider. There are treatments that can help. Most people need a balance of psychotherapy and medication to manage moderate or severe mental health symptoms. Caplyta is just one of many medications that may help. The most important factors are your trust in your care provider and your treatment plan.
At Lightfully, we get to know our clients as people first and work together to create personalized treatment plans. Your plan will include a blend of evidence-based treatments and medication management sessions. Our programs offer a tranquil environment where you’re surrounded by plenty of supportive care providers and attending several hours of psychotherapy per day while you find medications that work for you.
Are you ready to start managing your symptoms more effectively? We can help. Contact us to learn more or reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team.
