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Medication

Caplyta (lumateperone)

Caplyta is a prescription psychiatric medication and the brand name for lumateperone. It belongs to a group of medications known as atypical antipsychotics, which act on brain chemicals involved in mood, thinking, and perception. In adults, Caplyta is used to treat major depressive disorder (as an add-on to an antidepressant), bipolar I and bipolar II depression, and schizophrenia.

Learn About Caplyta Treatment

Connect with a psychiatric clinician—online or in person—for a comprehensive evaluation. If appropriate, they may discuss whether a treatment like lumateperone (Caplyta) could be considered within a carefully monitored care plan.

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What Conditions Does Caplyta Treat?

FDA-Approved Uses:

How Psychiatric Medication Prescription Decisions Are Made

1

Find a psychiatric clinician who meets your needs

You can start by searching our psychiatrist directory to find a qualified provider who is accepting patients.

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You may also choose to locate a nearby clinic and schedule your first appointment in person.

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2

Step 2: Meet one-on-one for a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation

During your first session, a psychiatric clinician will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. If appropriate, they may discuss whether a medication such as lumateperone could be included in your care plan. Treatment decisions always prioritize safety, clinical best practices, and your individual needs.

3

Step 3: Begin treatment and ongoing monitoring

After a personalized treatment plan is created, your provider will monitor your progress and adjust the plan as needed. If medication is part of your care, then, if clinically appropriate, your provider may handle prescription renewals online during or after regular follow-ups as clinically appropriate in accordance with LifeStance treatment protocols.

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Struggling with Depression or Bipolar Disorder?

Struggling with Depression or Bipolar Disorder?

Everyone’s experience with depression or bipolar disorder is different. A psychiatrist may help you find the right treatment path, whether that includes Caplyta (lumateperone) or another option that fits your needs. Discuss medication options with your treating provider.

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FAQs About Caplyta

Caplyta is pronounced “kap-LEE-tuh.” The generic name, lumateperone, is pronounced “loo-ma-TEP-er-own.”

Caplyta (lumateperone) is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) as an add-on to an antidepressant, bipolar I and bipolar II depression (alone or with lithium or valproate), and schizophrenia in adults.

Adjunctive therapy means Caplyta is added to an antidepressant you are already taking, rather than replacing it. For major depressive disorder, Caplyta is FDA-approved as an add-on treatment—it works alongside an antidepressant (such as an SSRI) when that medication alone has not fully relieved symptoms. This add-on approach can improve symptoms when an antidepressant has been partially effective. Your clinician decides whether adjunctive treatment is appropriate based on your response so far and your overall care plan.

Yes. Caplyta is an atypical antipsychotic, sometimes called a second-generation antipsychotic. This class of medication is used to help treat schizophrenia, bipolar depression, and, as an add-on treatment, major depressive disorder.

Caplyta belongs to the atypical antipsychotic drug class. It is not a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), though it does affect serotonin signaling along with dopamine and glutamate.

No. Caplyta is not an SSRI. It is an atypical antipsychotic. For major depressive disorder, Caplyta is prescribed alongside an antidepressant (which may be an SSRI), not as a replacement for one.

Caplyta acts on several brain chemicals—serotonin, dopamine, and indirectly on glutamate—that help regulate mood, thinking, and perception. When these signaling systems are out of balance, people may experience depression, mania, or symptoms of psychosis, and Caplyta is thought to help rebalance them.

The precise mechanism of action of lumateperone is not fully established. Its effects are believed to be mediated through a combination of antagonist activity at central serotonin 5-HT2A receptors and partial agonist activity at central dopamine D2 receptors.

The most commonly reported side effects of Caplyta include:

  • Dizziness — rise slowly from sitting or lying down and let your clinician know if it persists.
  • Dry mouth — sipping water or using sugar-free gum can help.
  • Somnolence or sedation — take your dose as directed and avoid driving until you know how it affects you.
  • Nausea — often eases over time; taking the capsule with food may help.
  • Fatigue — mention ongoing tiredness so your provider can review dose and timing.
  • Diarrhea — usually mild; stay hydrated and contact your clinician if it is severe or persistent.

For some individuals, side effects are mild and improve with time. In clinical studies, weight and metabolic changes with Caplyta were similar to placebo, and rates of movement-related side effects were low.

Serious side effects — contact your clinician promptly if you experience:

  • Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, or worsening depression, especially when starting or changing your dose
  • High fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, or irregular heartbeat (possible signs of a rare but serious reaction called neuroleptic malignant syndrome)
  • Uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue, or body (possible tardive dyskinesia)
  • Very high blood sugar (extreme thirst, frequent urination, weakness, or fruity-smelling breath)
  • Lightheadedness or fainting when standing up, or signs of a low white blood cell count such as fever or frequent infections

Caplyta carries a boxed warning for an increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis, and for an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults.

Weight gain is not a common side effect of Caplyta. In clinical studies, weight and metabolic changes were similar to placebo, which is one feature that distinguishes it from some other antipsychotics. Individual results vary, so discuss any weight concerns with your clinician.

Sexual side effects were uncommon in Caplyta clinical trials. However, changes in sex drive, arousal, or function can occur with medications that affect brain chemistry. If you notice changes, let your clinician know, as there are strategies to address them.

Caplyta is not FDA-approved to treat anxiety, and it is not typically prescribed for anxiety on its own. Because anxiety often occurs alongside depression, some people taking Caplyta for depression may notice improvement in related symptoms. Talk with your clinician about the best treatment for anxiety.

Some people notice early improvement within the first couple of weeks, but fuller benefits often take several weeks. Keep taking Caplyta as prescribed and check in regularly with your clinician, even if you do not feel a difference right away.

Both Caplyta (lumateperone) and Vraylar (cariprazine) are atypical antipsychotics used for conditions including bipolar depression and add-on treatment of major depressive disorder. They act on serotonin and dopamine receptors in different ways and have different side effects and dosing profiles. The choice depends on your medical history, symptoms, and side-effect profile.

Both Caplyta (lumateperone) and Latuda (lurasidone) are atypical antipsychotics approved for bipolar depression and schizophrenia. Caplyta is taken once daily without titration and does not need to be taken with food, while Latuda is taken with a meal. Your clinician will weigh tolerability, dosing, and your history when recommending one over the other.

Both Caplyta (lumateperone) and Abilify (aripiprazole) are atypical antipsychotics used as add-on treatment for major depressive disorder, among other uses. They differ in how they act at dopamine and serotonin receptors and in their side effect profiles. Prescribing depends on your prior response and tolerability.

No. Caplyta is not a controlled substance. It is a prescription-only medication, meaning it requires a clinician’s prescription to obtain, but it is not classified as a controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It is not known for being addictive when taken as prescribed.

Caplyta is available as a brand-name medication only; a generic version of lumateperone is not yet available.

  • Brand-name Caplyta: As of publication date, oral capsules (10.5 mg, 21 mg, or 42 mg) start at about $1,761.69 for 30 capsules.

If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your supporting diagnosis and plan type (e.g., commercial, Medicare, Medicaid) and may include a copay or coinsurance. The manufacturer also offers a savings program for eligible individuals with commercial insurance.

Do not stop taking Caplyta suddenly without medical guidance. Stopping abruptly can cause your symptoms to return or worsen. Always follow your psychiatric provider’s directions on when to stop taking medications or change dosages.

Try to avoid alcohol while on Caplyta. Alcohol can worsen side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness and may interfere with the effectiveness of the medication. Discuss alcohol use with your prescribing clinician.

Not without the approval of your prescribing psychiatric clinician. Caplyta can interact with medications that affect the same liver enzymes it relies on, including certain antifungals, antibiotics, and seizure medications, which may change how much Caplyta is in your body. Share a full list of every medication and supplement you take with your clinician.

Caplyta is approved for use in adults. Its safety and effectiveness in children and adolescents have not been established. The risk of increases in suicidal ideation for teenagers and young adults remains uncertain. Caplyta should only be taken in this age group when prescribed and monitored by an appropriately licensed medical professional.

photo of LifeStance provider Joshua Nathan, MD

Medically Reviewed By:

Joshua Nathan, MD
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Dr. Joshua Nathan, a Board-Certified Psychiatrist, and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, sees stigma – from others and from ourselves - as the biggest challenge in mental illness treatment. He encourages people to not judge themselves on whatever problems they are facing, and he helps them feel safe to open up and allow for healing. Dr. Nathan takes joy in helping people with mental health concerns and values the trust patients place in him. Dr. Nathan treats adults struggling with mood and bipolar disorders, depression, ADHD, anxiety challenges such as panic disorder, agoraphobia, OCD, PTSD, and more. He listens to each person’s story, observes how they are faring, and shares his understanding of what is happening, so there is a basis for starting or continuing treatment. He considers medications as one tool among many for healing and recovery in mental health. During treatment, Dr. Nathan uses an eclectic framework for understanding mental illness and coping. Trained in psychoanalysis, he finds that existential understanding helps many people reduce suffering, but cognitive-behavioral techniques are more practical in helping people move forward. Thus, he typically employs a combination of theories and techniques, guided by the patient's problems, needs, and experiences. He is also an Official ADHD Evaluator for the National Football League. Dr. Nathan earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a medical doctorate from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and completed postgraduate residency training at Brown University. He works with adults of all ages, but has a special fondness for working with young and middle-age adults.

References

  1. Drugs.com [Internet]. Caplyta prices, coupons, copay cards & patient assistance; c2000–2026 [updated date unknown; cited 16 Jul 2026]. Available from: https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/caplyta

  2. Durgam, S., Earley, W. R., Kozauer, S. G., Chen, C., Lakkis, H., & Cutler, A. J. (2026). Long-term adjunctive lumateperone 42 mg treatment in major depressive disorder: results from a 6-month open-label extension study. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 108, 112786. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2026.112786

  3. Gibbons, R. D., Brown, C. H., Hur, K., Marcus, S. M., Bhaumik, D. K., & Mann, J. J. (2007). Relationship between antidepressants and suicide attempts: an analysis of the Veterans Health Administration data sets. American Journal of Psychiatry, 164(7), 1044–1049.

  4. Henssler, Jonathan et al. (2024) Incidence of antidepressant discontinuation symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, Volume 11, Issue 7, 526–535.

  5. Pfeffer, C. R. (2007). The FDA pediatric advisories and changes in diagnosis and treatment of pediatric depression. American Journal of Psychiatry, 164(6), 843–846. https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.2007.164.6.843

  6. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (n.d.). Drugs@FDA database. Retrieved July 16, 2026, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/index.cfm

  7. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Suicidality in children and adolescents being treated with antidepressant medications. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/suicidality-children-and-adolescents-being-treated-antidepressant-medications

In 2007, the FDA released a black box warning that antidepressants were correlated to the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18–24) during short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric conditions. Gibbons et. al (2007) also published a study that found no evidence of antidepressant treatment increasing the risk of suicide attempts among its patients (ages 18–65+). The main message is that there is an inherent relationship between depression and suicidality so close monitoring of antidepressant-treated patients (especially children, adolescents, and young adults) is always necessary. For a comprehensive overview of these medications’ uses and risks, see the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label.

Medications are prescribed only when clinically appropriate and should be taken only as directed by a licensed clinician.