Geodon Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Ziprasidone hydrochloride

Geodon is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain. ZIPRASIDONE (Geodon®) treats the symptoms of schizophrenia. Such symptoms may include hearing or seeing things that others do not, suspiciousness of others, mistaken beliefs, or withdrawal from normal activities, family and friends. This drug may also used to treat some other emotional problems, such as bipolar disorder also known as manic depression.

Geodon Dosage

The usual starting dose is 20 milligrams twice a day. If needed, the dosage may be increased at several-week intervals up to a maximum of 80 milligrams twice a day.

Uses of Geodon

• Geodon is used to manage the symptoms of psychotic disorders including such as schizophrenia that may include hearing voices; seeing things or sensing things that are not there; mistaken beliefs; unusual suspiciousness; or becoming withdrawn from family and friends.
• Geodon is also used to treat bipolar mania.

Side Effects of Geodon

If you are taking this medication, then discuss the side effects with your doctor. If you feel any change in intensity, then you should tell your doctor. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Geodon. Side effects may include:

• Accidental injury
• cold symptoms
• constipation
• cough
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• indigestion
• muscle tightness
• nausea
• rash
• stuffy and runny nose
• upper respiratory infection
• vision problems
• weakness

Warnings and precautions before taking Geodon:

• If you are taking Geodon, then it may cause drowsiness and can impair your judgment, thinking, and motor skills. So you should use caution while driving and don't operate potentially dangerous machinery.
• You should tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ziprasidone or any other medications.
• You should not take ziprasidone if you are taking amiodarone, bretylium, chlorpromazine, cisapride, disopyramide, dofetilide, dolasetron, droperidol, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, halofantrine, levomethadyl.
• If you have recently had a heart attack, or have trouble swallowing, then you should tell your doctor. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart or liver disease, breast cancer, heart failure, irregular heartbeats, stroke or mini-stroke, seizures, Alzheimer's disease, or if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had diabetes.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking certain drugs with Geodon, then it may decreased, increased or altered the effects of Geodon medicine. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Geodon with the following:

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  
• Certain blood pressure medications
  
• Drugs that boost the effects of dopamine such as Mirapex, Parlodel, Permax, and Requip
  
• Drugs that affect the brain and nervous system, such as sedatives, tranquilizers, and antidepressants
  
• Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
  
• Levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet)
  

Overdose

When you are taking Geodon, and you feel that overdose is suspected then contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an Geodon overdose may include:-

• dizziness
• drowsiness
• slurred speech
• increased heart rate
• fainting
• fever
• sweating
• muscle spasms
• uncontrollable movements of the arms
• hands
• tongue
• face