Geodon

Generic name: Ziprasidone hydrochloride

What is Geodon?

Geodon is a psychotropic medicine used in the treatment of both schizophrenia and bipolar mania (both manic and mixed episodes). A manic episode is a period of abnormally and persistently elevated, unreserved, or irritable mood. A mixed episode is a manic episode with a major depressive episode (depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities).

What is the most important information I should know about Geodon?

Geodon should not be used in patients who have psychosis due to dementia (such as Alzheimer's disease). Using this drug in a person with dementia may lead to an increased risk of death.

It may take a few weeks for Geodon to work; do not stop taking the drug if you do not see results right away.

Call your doctor immediately if you feel faint or feel a change in the way that your heart beats as this may be a sign of an abnormal heart rhythm.

Avoid potentially hazardous activities, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know the affect Geodon has on you. This drug has been shown to cause sleepiness.

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 glucose levels or diabetes, but when taking this drug you should monitor for symptoms of hyperglycemia (such as frequent thirst, urination, and/or hunger, fatigue, weight loss, blurred vision, dry mouth, or poor wound healing).

Who should not take Geodon?

Do not take Geodon if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. This drug should not be taken if you have heart problems (such as a recent heart attack, severe heart failure or heart rhythm irregularities), even if you are taking anti-arrhythmic medication.

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 you complete medical history, especially if you have diabetes, a history of heart disease in your family, any problems with your heart beat, fainting or dizziness, or if are pregnant, expecting to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Also, inform your doctor if you have previously been allergic to Geodon or any of its ingredients and if you have a known history of low potassium or magnesium levels in your blood.

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.

Bipolar Mania

Adults: The usual dose of Geodon capsules is 40 milligrams (mg) twice per day on the first day of treatment. On the second day, the dose should be increased to 60-80 mg twice per day. Dose adjustments should be within the range of 40-80 mg twice daily, based on tolerability and the how well the drug is working for you.

If taken through injection, the maximum dosage allowed is 40 mg per day, in 10-20 mg injections (10 mg injections can be given every 2 hours while 20 mg injections may be given every 4 hours.)

Schizophrenia

Adults: The usual dosage of Geodon capsules is 20 mg twice per day. This daily dose may be adjusted in certain individuals based on clinical status to up to 80 mg twice a day. The dosing adjustment, if indicated, should occur at intervals of no less than 2 days.

Geodon has not been shown to be safe or effective in the treatment of those under the age of 18 years old.

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. It may take a few weeks for Geodon to work; do not stop taking the drug or change the dose if you do not see results right away.

What should I avoid while taking Geodon?

Avoid potentially hazardous activities, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know the affect Geodon has on you. This drug has been shown to cause sleepiness.

Since medications of the same drug class as Geodon may interfere with the ability of the body to adjust to heat, it is best to avoid situations involving high temperature or humidity.

Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages 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, 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: anxiety, back pain, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, flu, headache, injection site pain, nausea, sleepiness, stomach pain/upset stomach, vomiting, weakness

A rare but serious condition known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome can occur with Geodon. If you experience a very high fever, rigidity in your muscles, shaking, confusion, sweating, or increased heart rate and blood pressure, contact your doctor immediately for this may be fatal.

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. Geodon should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus.

How should I store Geodon?

Store at room temperature. If Geodon is mixed into injection solution, it will last for 24 hours at room temperature, or 7 days if kept refrigerated.