Geodon

What is Geodon?

Geodon is a medication that works as an antipsychotic. Geodon works by altering the effects of brain chemicals. Geodon is used in the treatment of schizophrenia and manic symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, including manic depression (in adults and children over 10 years of age). The treatment is available in both oral (by mouth) and injection forms. Geodon injections are used to treat schizophrenia quickly.

Warnings

Geodon should not be used if there is a history of heart rhythm disorder (long QT syndrome), uncontrolled heart failure, and/or a recent heart attack. Certain medicines may cause harmful or unwanted effects when taken with ziprasidone. Do not take them together. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are taking and those you plan to start. If you experience chest pain, dizziness, or a fast, pounding heartbeat, stop taking Geodon immediately and contact your doctor. These symptoms could indicate a serious problem with your heart rhythm. This medication is not approved to be used by older adults who have dementia-related psychosis. If you experience severe muscle pain, muscle spasms or cramps, fever, sweating, or confusion, stop taking Geodon immediately and contact your doctor.

If you develop a new or worsening rash, fever, or swollen lymph nodes while using this medication, stop immediately and contact your doctor. Geodon can cause diarrhea and loose stools. Tell your doctor immediately if this occurs.

Before you take this drug

Geodon should not be used if:

• A heart rhythm disorder.
• A personal or familial history of the long qt syndrome
• Uncontrolled or untreated heart disease;
• If you've recently suffered a heart attack,

Geodon has not been approved for the treatment of psychotic conditions associated with dementia. Ziprasidone can increase the risk of death in older adults who have dementia-related psychosis.

Geodon shouldn't be taken with the following drugs: a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder can occur.

• Anagrelide;
• Methadone;
• Tacrolimus;
• Certain anti-nausea medications, including dolasetron or droperidol,
• The antibiotics are azithromycin (clarithromycin), erythromycin (erythromycin), levofloxacin (moxifloxacin), and pentamidine.
• Certain cancer medicines, such as vandetanib and arsenic trioxide,
• The antidepressants are citalopram and escitalopram.
• Anti-malaria medication, including chloroquine (halofantrine), mefloquine, and others;
• The following heart rhythm medications are: amiodarone (disopyramide), dronedarone (dofetilide), flecainide (ibutilide), quinidine, and sotalol.
• Certain antipsychotics, such as haloperidol, and certain antipsychotics, including pimozide (mesoridazine), thioridazine (mesoridazine), and chlorpromazine

Geodon should not be taken with any other medications. Tinform your physician of all medications you are currently taking.

Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that geodon will be safe for you:

• Heart problems
• A heart attack or stroke
• A bone marrow disorder or a blood cell disorder.
• Breast cancer
• Low potassium or magnesium blood levels;
• Diabetes (ziprasidone may raise your blood sugar);
• Seizures or epilepsy;
• Suicidal thoughts
• Alzheimer's disease;
• Trouble swallowing
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease is a serious condition.

Inform your doctor if, during treatment, you plan to get pregnant or if you already are. Antipsychotic medications taken during the last three months of pregnancy can cause problems for the newborn. These include withdrawal symptoms, feeding difficulties, fussiness, and tremors. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking your medication during pregnancy. Do not stop taking Geodon without consulting your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Geodon. Ziprasidone is not known to pass into breast milk. It's also unknown if it can harm a baby who is nursing. If you plan to breastfeed, talk to your doctor about Geodon. The effects of this medication may be more pronounced in older adults. Geodon should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.

How to take Geodon?

Geodon should be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician. Please follow all the instructions on the prescription label. Take this medication only as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage or take it for a longer period of time. Geodon capsules should be taken orally. Geodon injectables are administered into the muscle. If you cannot take the medication by mouth, a healthcare provider can give you an injection. Take this medication with food. Take the capsules whole. You may need to have frequent blood tests done while using Geodon in order to monitor your kidney and liver function. Check your blood sugar regularly if you have diabetes while taking Geodon. Geodon is best used regularly. Refill your prescription before you run out. Your symptoms may not improve for several weeks. Even if you are feeling fine, do not stop taking this medication suddenly. Continue to take the medication according to instructions, and inform your doctor if you do not see improvement in your symptoms.

Store away from moisture, heat and light at room temperature for optimal storage conditions.You should read all the information provided, including medication guides and instructions. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What happens if I miss the dose?

As soon as you recall, take the missed dose. If your next scheduled dosage is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical attention. Overdose symptoms include excessive sleepiness or slurred words, high blood pressure, shaking, tremors, or anxiety. You may be more sensitive than usual to extreme temperatures, such as those that are very cold or hot. Avoid becoming too hot or dehydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids during hot weather or when exercising. You are more likely to dehydrate and become dangerously hot when taking this medication. Geodon can affect your ability to think or react. You should not drive or operate machinery until you are sure how the medicine will affect your body. You may become dizzy if you get up quickly from a seated or lying position. Dizziness and severe drowsiness may cause you to fall, break bones, or suffer other injuries. Don't drink alcohol. Alcohol can have dangerous side effects.

Side effects of Geodon

If you experience any of the following: (hives) (burning in your eyes, a sore throat, a fever, or severe skin reactions (fever or skin rash with blisters or peeling, a sore throat, or burning in your eye), Seek medical attention if you experience a serious reaction to a drug that affects many parts of the body. The symptoms may include a skin rash or hives, swollen or swollen-looking glands, severe muscle pain, unusual bruises, or yellowing in your eyes or skin. This reaction can occur weeks after starting ziprasidone.

Call your doctor immediately if you:

• You may feel dizzy or light-headed, as if you could pass out.
• Chest pain; fast or pounding heartbeats;
• Unwanted facial movements (including lipsmacking and frowning; tongue movement or blinking);
• A sudden feeling of weakness, fever, chills, and mouth sores
• Increased thirst, increased urination; increased hunger; increased thirst and increased urination
• High fever, sweating, and confusion are all symptoms of agitation.

Geodon can cause a variety of side effects.

• Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;
• Headache;
• Nausea, vomiting;
• Trouble swallowing
• Weight gain
• Feeling restless or unable to stay still.
• Tremors are involuntary movements of the muscles.
• Vision problems
• Runny nose or a new or worsening cold.

There may be other side effects.Need medical advice about possible side effects? Consult with a qualified health practitioner immediately. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.

Interaction with other drug

Geodon can have dangerous side effects if taken with drugs that cause sleepiness or slow breathing.

Geodon shouldn't be taken with the following medications, as a potentially life-threatening rhythm disorder of the heart could result:

• Anagrelide;
• Methadone;
• Tacrolimus;
• Certain anti-nausea medications, including dolasetron or droperidol,
• The antibiotics are azithromycin (clarithromycin), erythromycin (erythromycin), levofloxacin (moxifloxacin), and pentamidine.
• Certain cancer medicines, such as vandetanib and arsenic trioxide,
• The antidepressants are citalopram (citalopram) and escitalopram.
• Anti-malaria medication, including chloroquine (halofantrine), mefloquine, and others;
• The following heart rhythm medications are used: amiodarone (disopyramide), dronedarone (dofetilide), flecainide (ibutilide), quinidine, and sotalol.
• Certain antipsychotics, such as haloperidol and certain antipsychotics, including pimozide (mesoridazine), thioridazine (mesoridazine), and chlorpromazine;

Ziprasidone can interact with many other drugs. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you use, including any that you stop or start using while on Geodon. Included in this are prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.