Key takeaways
- Caplyta is prescribed for adults to treat schizophrenia, depression related to bipolar I or II disorder, and as an add-on treatment with antidepressants for major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Caplyta capsules come in strengths of 10.5 milligrams (mg), 21 mg, and 42 mg.
- The typical dosage of Caplyta is 42 mg taken once per day. However, doctors may recommend a lower dosage if you take certain medications or have liver problems.
The active ingredient in Caplyta is lumateperone. This drug belongs to a group of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. These are also known as second-generation antipsychotics.
This article describes the dosage of Caplyta, its strengths, and how to take it.
Caplyta comes as capsules that you swallow. Caplyta capsules come in three strengths: 10.5 milligrams (mg), 21 mg, and 42 mg.
You take Caplyta capsules by mouth once per day.
You can take this medication with or without food. But you should not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Caplyta. Grapefruit can keep your body from metabolizing (breaking down) Caplyta properly. This can lead to too much of the drug in your system, which can increase your risk of side effects from Caplyta.
You should always swallow Caplyta capsules whole with plenty of water. Avoid chewing, crushing, or opening the capsules.
Accessible drug containers and labels
If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication or open medication containers, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
They may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer accessibility features, such as large print labels and easy-open containers.
The following table highlights the basics of Caplyta’s dosage.
| Recommended Caplyta dosage | Dosage for people taking certain other medications | Dosage for people with liver problems |
|---|---|---|
| 42 mg per day for schizophrenia, depression related to bipolar disorder, or major depressive disorder | 10.5 mg per day or 21 mg per day | 21 mg per day |
The recommended dosage of Caplyta is 42 mg taken once a day to treat schizophrenia, depression related to bipolar I or II disorder, and major depressive disorder
Your doctor might recommend a lower dosage in certain situations:
- If you’re taking certain medications, your doctor may recommend a Caplyta dosage of 10.5 mg or 21 mg once per day. The lower dosage will help prevent any drug interactions.
- If you have liver problems, your doctor may recommend a Caplyta dose of 21 mg once daily.
Depending on your condition, Caplyta is taken in different ways. For depression related to bipolar disorder, Caplyta can be taken alone or alongside other medications like lithium or valproate. For major depressive disorder, it is meant to be taken together with an antidepressant medication.
Before starting Caplyta, be sure to tell your doctor what medications you take and if you have liver problems. There is no required dose range for Caplyta—your starting dose will likely be your everyday maintenance dose. The maximum dose is 42 mg per day.
How long do you take Caplyta?
If you and your doctor determine it’s safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take Caplyta long term.
Medical Perspective“If you’re having side effects from antipsychotics, stopping them suddenly can sometimes make things worse. Your prescriber can help decide whether to treat the side effects or slowly reduce the medication.”
Read more: Caplyta Side Effects and Tips for Managing Them
Quotes represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
If you miss a dose of Caplyta on the same day, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to your next scheduled dose, do not take an extra dose to make up for the one you missed.
If you’re unsure whether you should take the missed dose, call your doctor or pharmacist.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Caplyta on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Caplyta. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
Caplyta is a once-daily medication prescribed to adults for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar depression, and as an add-on therapy for major depressive disorder.
The standard recommended dosage is 42 mg per day, although doctors may prescribe a lower dose for people with liver problems or those taking certain other medications.
Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.
