Prolonged QTc Interval Normalization After Switch to Lurasidone

BACKGROUND: QTc prolongation is a known side effect of antipsychotics and antidepressants and can lead to torsade de pointes, a potentially fatal tachycardia that may result in sudden death. Lurasidone is an atypical antipsychotic associated with a low incidence of QTc prolongation. However, the effect of switching to lurasidone after antipsychotic- or antidepressant-induced QTc prolongation remains underexplored. PROCEDURES: Nine inpatients with prolonged QTc intervals following treatment with various antipsychotics or antidepressants were included. QTc intervals were compared before and after switching to lurasidone. FINDINGS: Most patients exhibited shorter QTc intervals after switching to lurasidone. IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: This case series demonstrated that switching to lurasidone reduced QTc prolongation induced by other antipsychotics or antidepressants. Lurasidone may lower the risk of sudden cardiac death in patients with psychiatric disorders by shortening QTc intervals.