Caplyta (lumateperone) is a prescription drug used to treat schizophrenia in adults. It does not come as a generic drug.

Caplyta comes as an oral capsule. The active ingredient in Caplyta is lumateperone. It belongs to a group of drugs called atypical antipsychotics.

Caplyta is also used in adults to treat depressive episodes related to bipolar disorder. To learn more about Caplyta, including all its approved uses, see this in-depth Caplyta article.

Caplyta has boxed warnings. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “What should I know before taking Caplyta?” section.

Schizophrenia is a mental health condition that causes people to experience distortions in reality. It’s a chronic (long-term) condition without a clear cause, although researchers think it could be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

While there currently isn’t a cure for schizophrenia, treatments such as Caplyta can help manage symptoms and allow someone with the condition to experience a fulfilling and productive life.

What are the symptoms of schizophrenia?

Symptoms of schizophrenia are usually classified into one of three categories:

  • “positive” symptoms
  • “negative” symptoms
  • cognitive symptoms

‘Positive’ symptoms

When describing schizophrenia, “positive” symptoms refer to additional actions or thoughts that people without the condition typically don’t experience. These symptoms include:

  • delusions, which are strongly held false beliefs about one’s self or the world despite evidence to the contrary
  • hallucinations, which are experiences caused by false perceptions in the brain (such as seeing or hearing things that aren’t actually there)
  • paranoia, which is defined by unusually strong distrust of others, or beliefs that you’re being persecuted or followed

‘Negative’ symptoms

“Negative” symptoms of schizophrenia refer to the absence of typical behaviors seen in individuals without the condition. Negative symptoms include:

  • displaying a lack of expressions or emotions, or having odd emotional responses
  • difficulty experiencing pleasure
  • a lack of interest in or passion for life
  • social isolation

Cognitive symptoms

Cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia refer to symptoms that show trouble with cognitive or mental functions, such as thinking or organizing information. Cognitive symptoms include:

  • disorganized speech, such as using made-up words or rapidly changing topics
  • disorganized thinking, such as difficulty paying attention or focusing
  • difficulty learning and retaining information
  • trouble understanding information and making decisions

Who is Caplyta prescribed for?

For treating schizophrenia, Caplyta is prescribed for adults.

If you’d like to learn more about how schizophrenia is diagnosed, talk with your doctor.

Caplyta is approved for treating schizophrenia in adults. If you’re prescribed Caplyta for this use, you may wonder how it works to treat your condition.

How does Caplyta work?

Researchers aren’t sure what causes schizophrenia, which makes it difficult to know how medications like Caplyta work to treat it. But it’s thought that Caplyta works by blocking the actions of the neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) dopamine and serotonin in certain parts of the nervous system:

  • Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in motivation and reward. It’s believed that people with schizophrenia have increased dopamine activity in certain parts of the brain. Caplyta blocks dopamine from attaching to dopamine 2-like (D2) receptors, which may help manage “positive” symptoms of schizophrenia.
  • Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a major role in how you process emotions, among helping with many other bodily functions. Caplyta blocks serotonin from attaching to 5-HT2A receptors, which may help manage “negative” symptoms of schizophrenia.

Is Caplyta used in children?

No, Caplyta is not used in children. It’s only approved for use in adults. Clinical studies of Caplyta did not include people under age 18 years. So it’s not known if Caplyta is safe or effective for treating schizophrenia in children. (Schizophrenia is most often diagnosed in people in their late teens or early 20s, but symptoms do sometimes occur at younger ages.)

Caplyta has boxed warnings, including a warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults and children. To learn more about this warning, see the “What should I know before taking Caplyta?” section.

Using Caplyta for schizophrenia may cause side effects in some people. These side effects can be mild or serious.

The lists below include some of the main side effects that have been reported in people using Caplyta. For information about other possible side effects of this medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

You can also learn more from the Caplyta side effects article or from Caplyta’s prescribing information.

Note: Caplyta is also approved to treat other conditions. It’s important to note that mild side effects from Caplyta may slightly differ depending on the condition it’s being used to treat.

What are Caplyta’s mild side effects?

Caplyta may cause mild side effects in some people. These include:

In many cases, mild side effects from the drug can be temporary. Some side effects may be easy to manage, too. But if side effects last for a longer time, or if they bother you or become severe, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What are Caplyta’s serious side effects?

Taking Caplyta may lead to rare but serious side effects. Examples include:

Call your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects while using Caplyta. If the side effects seem life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Caplyta can cause an allergic reaction.

But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue Caplyta treatment.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Caplyta, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

If you’re prescribed Caplyta for schizophrenia, you may want to know more about how effective it is for treating your condition.

Clinical studies found Caplyta effective at managing symptoms of schizophrenia in adults. In these studies, Caplyta was more effective than placebo (pill with no active ingredient) at managing both “positive” and “negative” schizophrenia symptoms. To learn more about these studies, ask your doctor or pharmacist or see Caplyta’s prescribing information.

The American Psychological Association treatment guidelines recommend using an antipsychotic medication, such as Caplyta, as part of a schizophrenia treatment plan in adults.

Below is information on how to take Caplyta and its recommended dosages, but be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Let your doctor know if you have questions about the Caplyta dosage you’re prescribed.

Caplyta capsules are available in three strengths:

  • 10.5 milligrams (mg)
  • 21 mg
  • 42 mg

What is the usual dosage for Caplyta?

For treating schizophrenia, the recommended Caplyta dosage is 42 mg taken once per day.

If you have liver problems or take certain medications with Caplyta, your doctor may prescribe a Caplyta dosage of 21 mg or 10.5 mg once daily. Before you begin taking Caplyta, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take (including over-the-counter medications) and supplements, as well as any medical condition you have. This helps your doctor determine the best Caplyta dosage for you.

Note: Caplyta has other uses in addition to treating Schizophrenia. The dosage may be different for these other uses. To learn more, talk with your doctor.

How do you take Caplyta?

Caplyta comes as a capsule that you swallow with a glass of water. You may take your Caplyta dose with or without food. However, you should avoid eating grapefruit or consuming grapefruit juice while taking Caplyta. Grapefruit juice can slow Caplyta metabolism in your body, which can increase the level of Caplyta in your system. This can increase your risk for Caplyta side effects.

Caplyta’s manufacturer doesn’t state whether the capsules can be opened, so it’s best to swallow the capsules whole. Let your doctor or pharmacist know if you have trouble swallowing pills. You can also see this article for tips.

How often should I take Caplyta?

For treating schizophrenia, you’ll likely take Caplyta once per day.

If you miss a dose of Caplyta, try and take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s the next day or nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual. Do not take more than one dose of Caplyta at once.

To learn more about recommended Caplyta dosages, see this in-depth Caplyta dosage article.

Before you use Caplyta, there’s some important information to keep in mind. The drug may not be a safe option for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Some of these are mentioned below.

Boxed warnings

This drug has boxed warnings. These are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Risk of death in older adults with psychosis related to dementia: Using antipsychotics, including Caplyta, to treat dementia-related psychosis in older adults (ages 65 years and above) can increase the risk for death. This includes an increased risk for fatal and non-fatal stroke, according to studies. Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Caplyta or other antipsychotics to treat this condition. Caplyta is not approved for treating dementia-related psychosis.

Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people: In a large analysis of studies, antidepressants increased the risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in people ages 24 years and younger. Although Caplyta isn’t an antidepressant, it is used to treat depressive episodes related to bipolar disorder. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors weren’t reported in studies of Caplyta, but this side effect may still happen based on studies of other medications used to treat depression. It’s important to note that Caplyta is not approved for use in people under age 18 years.

While taking Caplyta, immediately let your doctor know if you experience changes in your moods, behaviors, or thoughts including suicidal ideation. This risk may be higher during the start of treatment or if your Caplyta dose is changed. It can also be helpful to let a close family member or friend know you’re taking the medication if you’re comfortable doing so. They can help watch for these changes during treatment.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

What other warnings should I know about?

In addition to boxed warnings, Caplyta has other warnings. If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors apply to you, talk with your doctor before using Caplyta.

The price of Caplyta depends on several factors. These can include your treatment plan, your insurance plan, the pharmacy you use, and your location.

Caplyta is a brand-name drug that is not available as a generic. Brand-name drugs usually cost more than generics.

To save money on your Caplyta prescription, explore these Optum Perks coupons. (Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.)

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.