Geodon
Generic Name: Ziprasidone
What is Geodon?
Geodon is a medicine used in the treatment of both schizophrenia and acute manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. A manic episode is a period of abnormally and persistently elevated or irritable mood. A mixed episode is a state of depressed mood and loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities.What is the most important information I should know about Geodon?
It may take a few weeks for Geodon to work; do not stop taking the drug if you do not see results right away.Serious side effects can occur with any antipsychotic medicine, including Geodon. Tell your doctor right away if you experience a high fever, stiff muscles, shaking, confusion, sweating, or increased heart rate or blood pressure. These can be signs of a rare condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
Contact your doctor right away if you feel faint, lose consciousness, or feel a change in the way your heart beats (palpitations).
Geodon may cause a drop in your blood pressure, especially when you first start taking this medication or if the dose is increased. If this happens, try not to stand up too quickly and contact your doctor concerning this problem.
It is unknown if Geodon directly causes high blood sugar levels (diabetes). When taking this drug, you should be alert for symptoms of high blood sugar, such as frequent thirst, urination, and/or hunger, fatigue, weight loss, blurred vision, dry mouth, or poor wound healing.
Avoid potentially hazardous activities, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how Geodon affects you. This drug has been shown to cause sleepiness.
Who should not take Geodon?
Elderly patients with a diagnosis of psychosis related to dementia should not take Geodon.Do not take Geodon if you have certain heart diseases, such as long QT syndrome (an abnormal heart rhythm), a recent heart attack, severe heart failure, or certain irregularities of heart rhythm.
Do not take Geodon if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Geodon?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Geodon. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have or have had any heart-related illness, any family history of heart disease, recent heart attack, problem with fainting or dizziness, liver problems, low white blood cell count, seizures, low potassium or magnesium levels in your blood, or if you are taking diuretics (water pills), are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Manic or Mixed Episodes of Bipolar Disorder
Adults: The recommended starting dose is 40 mg twice daily with food. On the second day, the dose may be increased to 60-80 mg twice daily.
Schizophrenia
Adults: The recommended starting dose is 20 mg twice daily with food. This daily dose may be adjusted, up to 80 mg twice daily.
How should I take Geodon?
Take Geodon only as directed by your doctor. Geodon capsules should be swallowed whole with food. It is best to take Geodon at the same time every day. Do not stop taking the drug or change the dose without your doctor's approval.What should I avoid while taking Geodon?
Do not drive, operate machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how Geodon affects you.Avoid getting overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of water.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Geodon.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Geodon?
If Geodon is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Geodon with the following: arsenic, carbamazepine, chlorpromazine, anti-arrhythmic drugs, diuretics (water pills), dofetilide, dolasetron, droperidol, gatifloxacin, halofantrine, ketoconazole, levomethadyl, mefloquine, mesoridazine, moxifloxacin, pentamidine, pimozide, probucol, quinidine, sotalol, sparfloxacin, tacrolimus, and thioridazine.What are the possible side effects of Geodon?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: irregularities of heart rhythm, suicidal thoughts or actions, tardive dyskinesia (abnormal muscle movements, including tremor, shuffling, and uncontrolled, involuntary movements), high blood sugar, dizziness, sleepiness, rash, low white blood cell count, difficulty swallowing, nausea or upset stomach, constipation, restlessness, diarrhea, increased cough, runny nose
Can I receive Geodon if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
The effects of Geodon during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What should I do if I miss a dose of Geodon?
If you miss a dose of Geodon, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.How should I store Geodon?
Store at room temperature.
