Geodon

Geodon

     * Generic Name: ziprasidone
     * Brand Name: Geodon


     * What is ziprasidone (Geodon)?
     * What are the possible side effects of ziprasidone (Geodon)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       ziprasidone (Geodon)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       ziprasidone (Geodon)?
     * How should I take ziprasidone (Geodon)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Geodon)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Geodon)?
     * What should I avoid while taking ziprasidone (Geodon)?
     * What other drugs will affect ziprasidone (Geodon)?
     * Where can I get more information (Geodon)?

What is ziprasidone (Geodon)?

   Ziprasidone is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing
   the effects of chemicals in the brain.

   Ziprasidone is used to treat schizophrenia and the manic
   symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression) in adults and
   children who are at least 10 years old.

   Ziprasidone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of ziprasidone (Geodon)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction
   (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a
   severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning in your eyes,
   skin pain, red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering
   and peeling).

   Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can
   affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever,
   swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakness,
   unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. This reaction may
   occur several weeks after you began using ziprasidone.

   Also call your doctor at once if you have:
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats;
     * uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking,
       frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
     * low white blood cell counts--sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever,
       chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, pain
       when swallowing;
     * high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination,
       hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin,
       blurred vision, weight loss; or
     * severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high
       fever, sweating, confusion, agitation.

   Common side effects may include:
     * dizziness, drowsiness, unusual tiredness;
     * nausea, upset stomach;
     * diarrhea, constipation;
     * feeling restless;
     * tremors;
     * rash; or
     * runny nose, new or worsening cough.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

   You should not use this medicine if you have a a heart rhythm disorder,
   a history of Long QT syndrome, uncontrolled heart failure, or
   if you have recently had a heart attack.

   Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used with
   ziprasidone, and should not be used at the same time. Tell each of your
   health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine
   you start or stop using.

   Stop taking ziprasidone and call your doctor right away if you have a
   chest pain, severe dizziness, and a fast or pounding heartbeat. These
   could be signs of a serious heart rhythm problem.

   Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have a
   new or worsening skin rash with fever or swollen glands.

   Geodon Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Bipolar Disorder:Do You Have Extreme Mood Shifts?

   Bipolar Disorder Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Bipolar Disorder (Mania) Quiz
   Depression:Tips for Exercise Diet and Stress Reduction

   Depression Tips Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ziprasidone
(Geodon)?

   You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to ziprasidone, or
   if you have:
     * a heart rhythm disorder;
     * a personal or family history of Long QT syndrome;
     * uncontrolled or untreated heart failure; or
     * if you have recently had a heart attack.

   Ziprasidone is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to
   dementia. Ziprasidone may increase the risk of death in older
   adults with dementia-related conditions.

   Ziprasidone should never be taken together with any of the following
   drugs, or a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder could occur:
     * anagrelide;
     * methadone;
     * tacrolimus;
     * medicine to prevent nausea or vomiting--dolasetron, droperidol,
       ondansetron;
     * an antibiotic--azithromycin, clarithromycin,
       erythromycin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, pentamidine;
     * cancer medicine--arsenic trioxide, vandetanib;
     * an antidepressant--citalopram, escitalopram;
     * anti-malaria medication--chloroquine, halofantrine, mefloquine;
     * heart rhythm medicine--amiodarone, disopyramide, dofetilide,
       dronedarone, flecainide, ibutilide, quinidine, sotalol; or
     * medicine to treat a psychiatric disorder--chlorpromazine,
       haloperidol, mesoridazine, pimozide, thioridazine.

   This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that should not
   be taken at the same time as ziprasidone. Tell your doctor about all
   medicines you use.

   To make sure ziprasidone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have
   ever had:
     * any heart problems;
     * a heart attack or stroke;
     * a bone marrow or blood cell disorder;
     * breast cancer;
     * low blood levels of potassium or magnesium;
     * diabetes (ziprasidone may raise your blood sugar);
     * seizures or epilepsy;
     * suicidal thoughts;
     * Alzheimer's disease;
     * trouble swallowing;
     * liver disease; or
     * kidney disease.

   Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during
   treatment.

   Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy
   may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms,
   breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or
   stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other
   problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you
   become pregnant while taking ziprasidone, do not stop taking it without
   your doctor's advice.

   It is not known whether ziprasidone passes into breast milk or if it
   could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this
   medicine.

   Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

   Ziprasidone is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years
   old.

How should I take ziprasidone (Geodon)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

   Take this medicine with food. Swallow the capsule whole.

   While using ziprasidone, you may need frequent blood tests. Your kidney
   or liver function may also need to be checked.

   If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis
   while you are taking ziprasidone.

   Use ziprasidone regularly to get the most benefit. Get your
   prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

   It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve. Do not stop
   using ziprasidone suddenly, even if you feel fine. Keep using the
   medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not
   improve.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.

   Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets
   provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
   questions.

   Geodon Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Bipolar Disorder:Do You Have Extreme Mood Shifts?

   Bipolar Disorder Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Bipolar Disorder (Mania) Quiz
   Depression:Tips for Exercise Diet and Stress Reduction

   Depression Tips Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose (Geodon)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Geodon)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking ziprasidone (Geodon)?

   While you are taking ziprasidone, you may be more sensitive to
   temperature extremes such as very hot or cold conditions. Avoid getting
   too cold, or becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids,
   especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to
   become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking
   ziprasidone.

   Ziprasidone may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or
   operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
   Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may
   feel dizzy. Dizziness or severe drowsiness can cause falls, fractures,
   or other injuries.

   Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

What other drugs will affect ziprasidone (Geodon)?

   Taking ziprasidone with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your
   breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask
   your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine,
   prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety,
   depression, or seizures.

   Many drugs can interact with ziprasidone. Not all possible interactions
   are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your medications and any
   you start or stop using during treatment with ziprasidone. This
   includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
   herbal products.

Where can I get more information (Geodon)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about ziprasidone.

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