What is Geodon?

Geodon is an oral capsule consisting of atypical antipsychotic called Ziprasidone. This medication is also known internationally as Zeldox and can be purchased as the brand choice or as a generic choice in 20mg, 40mg, 60mg, and 80mg!

What is Geodon used for?

Geodon is prescribed to treat schizophrenia and the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression). A person with schizophrenia may suffer from hallucinations while a bipolar person radically changes from one mood to another. Most mental or mood disorders occur due to an imbalance of chemicals in the brain, which can occur due to a wide variety of reasons (like a stressful change of life or trauma). Mood disorders can also run in genes and can be inherited. The conditions severely impact mood and surrounding functions.

How does Geodon work?

Geodon (ziprasidone) is effective in the treatment of mental and mood disorders because it is capable of changing the effects of chemicals in the brain and balancing them back to normal.

Make sure to follow the directions given to you by your health care professional/doctor. It is important to follow his directions to get the most effectiveness out of the drug and to also avoid interactions and side effects.

This medication should be taken with food; ensure you swallow the capsule whole.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it; ensure you do not miss a dose by taking the capsule at the same time every day, you can also use a pillbox or set a reminder to help remember.

Geodon should be kept at room temperature, protected from moisture, light, and heat.

Some conditions should not be mixed with this drug. You have a heart rhythm disorder, a history of long QT syndrome, uncontrolled heart failure, or if you have recently had a heart attack, you should not use Geodon. Speak with your doctor to find a medication that will work for you.

It is extremely important to tell your doctor about all medications you are currently taking. Mixing medications can cause adverse interactions, unwanted side effects, ineffectiveness, or could possibly worsen or create a new condition.

This medication was not designed to help a psychotic condition related to dementia. This could increase the risk of death in patients with dementia.

Symptoms such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles may be discovered in a new born baby if the mother was using Geodon in the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you become pregnant while on this medication, consult your doctor right away.

It is not known if this medication will pass into breast milk and harm a nursing infant. Do not breast feed until you have spoken with your doctor if you are using Geodon.

Common side effects of Geodon / ziprasidone may include:

dizziness, drowsiness, unusual tiredness; nausea, upset stomach; diarrhea, constipation; changes in vision; feeling restless; tremors or twitching; rash; or runny nose, new or worsening cough.

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Geodon / ziprasidone may include:

dizziness or 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); sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, pain when swallowing; increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss; or very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, agitation.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

What are some of the conditions I should tell my doctor about?

Conditions you need to mention to your doctor include any kind of 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.

Is this medication safe for children?

Geodon is not approved for those under the age of 18 years old.

How long till I notice my symptoms improving?

It may take up to several weeks before you notice an improvement within the condition.

Can I drink alcohol while using Geodon?

No! Avoid alcohol during the duration of treatment using Geodon! Very dangerous side effects may occur if you mix ethanol (alcohol) with ziprasidone (Geodon).