Report on Geodon Side Effects and Usage by AskDocWeb
Contents
- 1 About Geodon
- 2 What should I tell my doctor before taking Geodon?
- 3 How should I take Geodon?
- 4 How does Geodon work?
- 5 What happens if I miss a dose?
- 6 What happens if I overdose?
- 7 What medications conflict with Geodon?
- 8 What should I avoid while taking Geodon?
- 9 What are the possible side effects of Geodon?
- 10 How do I store Geodon?
- 11 General Notes about Geodon
About Geodon
Geodon is the common brand name of Ziprasidone – Oral (zih-PRASS-ih-doan). Geodon was approved in 2001 for the treatment of both the ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ symptoms of schizophrenia. Geodon is an antipsychotic medicine. Antipsychotic medicines are used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia that may
include:
- hearing voices
- seeing things
- sensing things that are not there
- mistaken beliefs
- unusual suspiciousness
- becoming withdrawn from family and friends
What should I tell my doctor before taking Geodon?
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially about liver problems, electrolyte imbalance (hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia), strokes (cerebrovascular disease), history of low blood pressure (dehydration, hypovolemia), seizures, swallowing difficulty, Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer, and any allergies.
How should I take Geodon?
How to use Geodon: Take Geodon take as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily by mouth with food. Do not stop taking Geodon without your doctor’s approval. Do not take Geodon more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster and the risk of serious side effects may be increased.
How does Geodon work?
As with other atypical antipsychotic medications, Geodon may reduce symptoms of schizophrenia by blocking the action of serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitter chemicals, at specific receptors in the brain. Geodon may also inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine into brain cells, which may improve depressive symptoms in people with schizophrenia.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Missed Geodon Dose: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
What happens if I overdose?
Geodon Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include slurring of speech or headache.
What medications conflict with Geodon?
Counterindications: Geodon is not recommended for use if you have the following medical conditions: heart problems (e.g., QT prolongation, arrhythmias, recent heart attack, heart failure).
Geodon Drug Interactions: Geodon is not recommended for use with: certain heart medications (e.g., dofetilide, pimozide, sotalol), quinolone antibiotics (e.g., moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin).
Tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: ketoconazole, anti-Parkinson drugs (pramipexole, ropinirole), beta-blockers (metoprolol, propranolol), ACE inhibitors (captopril, enalapril), diuretics (furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide).
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take drugs that cause drowsiness: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (codeine), psychiatric medicines (phenothiazines or tricyclics), anti-seizure drugs (carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicine (cough and cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products.
What should I avoid while taking Geodon?
Do not share Geodon with others.
It is not known whether Geodon passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Geodon is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
What are the possible side effects of Geodon?
Geodon Side Effects: Drowsiness, nausea, constipation, or weight gain may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: dizziness, rapid/pounding/irregular heartbeat, fainting, rash, itching, uncontrolled movements (especially
of the face or tongue), trouble breathing, cough.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: muscle stiffness, muscle spasms or twitching, decrease in amount of urine, change in vision.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: seizures, trouble swallowing, painful or prolonged erection. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How do I store Geodon?
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture – not in the bathroom.
General Notes about Geodon
Geodon may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position.
Caution is advised when using Geodon in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug.
Geodon should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Keep all doctor and medical appointments while taking this medication. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., electrolytes) may be performed to monitor your progress. Read feedback about Geodon