About Geodon
The information below should not be taken as a substitute for qualified medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking Geodon.
Geodon is used to treat symptoms of psychotic (mental) disorders, such as schizophrenia, mania, or bipolar disorder. It is often prescribed in conjunction with medications like lithium to treat more severe forms of bipolar disorder.
This medication contains a box warning that it should never be prescribed for elderly patients who have dementia. Sudden death due to heart complications or pneumonia are likely to occur. However, in other elderly patients and children, there are no known risks, though they should be monitored closely. This drug interacts adversely with several heart medications as well as anti-psychotic drugs. It is important for patients to fully disclose any concurrent medications, including vitamins and supplements. Alcohol should never be taken with Geodon. Those with family or patient history of heart failure, Alzheimer's, blood sugar disorders and certain types of cancer may not be able to take Geodon.
This drug may be taken with food, but the capsules should be taken whole, never crushed. The usual adult dose of Geodon is 40mg per day, and may be gradually increased. Patients taking Geodon should be monitored regularly, especially heart rate and breathing. It has been known to cause tardive dyskinesia, which is a movement disorder.
Common side effects include cough, restlessness, fever and loss of balance control. Rarer ones include dizziness, chest pain and swollen glands. Prolonged conditions should immediately be reported to a physician.
| Form: |
Capsules taken orally |
| Strength: |
20mg, 40mg, 60mg & 80mg Capsules |
| Storage: |
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Avoid freezing. |
| Contraindications: |
Class Ia/III antiarrhythmics; recent acute myocardial infarction (MI) and uncompensated heart failure; elderly patients with dementia. |
| Generic Name: |
Ziprasidone |
What is Ziprasidone?
Ziprasidone is the generic form of Geodon and can be purchased as a cheaper alternative to save money on your medication. The same ingredients are used in the manufacturing of the brand name version of this drug as in Ziprasidone.
