Geodon

The active ingredient in Geodon is ziprasidone. The exact mechanism of ziprasidone is not known, but antipsychotic medications help restore the natural balance of serotonin and dopamine in the brain and treat symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Geodon. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Geodon:

• Take Geodon with food to make sure your body absorbs enough of the medication.
• Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, chew, or split the capsules.
• To reduce the risk of side effects, you may be started at a low dose and slowly titrated up.

If you miss a dose, take the missed dose when you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Take your next dose at the scheduled time.

The most common side effects of Geodon include:

• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Lightheadedness.
• Extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia (muscle stiffness, irregular muscle movements).
• Somnolence (excessive sleepiness).
• Constipation.
• Cough.
• Dry mouth.
• Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing up or sitting down).
• Weight gain.
• Elevated prolactin levels.
• Runny nose.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Geodon. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). This has been reported with the use of antipsychotic drugs.
• Increased risk of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
• Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). DRESS is a severe drug hypersensitivity skin reaction that can consist of a high fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. This can be life-threatening; discontinue Geodon if suspected.
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (severe cutaneous adverse reaction). This can be life-threatening; discontinue Geodon if suspected.
• Irregular heart rhythms like QT prolongation or long QT syndrome. Your risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or take other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. This can be life-threatening; discontinue Geodon if suspected.
• Serotonin syndrome.
• Suicidal ideation. This is inherent in mental health conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Patients should be closely supervised with regular follow-up.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Geodon. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Geodon, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Previous allergic reactions to atypical antipsychotics.
• Liver problems.
• Dementia.
• Seizures.
• Low white blood cells.
• Diabetes.
• Heart problems like heart failure, heart rhythm problems, and recent heart attacks.
• Difficulty swallowing.

Boxed Warning

Clinical trials have shown that the use of Geodon increases the risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Geodon should be avoided for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis.

• Hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to any ingredient in the Geodon formulation.
• Any drugs or conditions that prolong the QT interval.
• Recent heart attack.
• Uncompensated heart failure.
• If you took MAOIs in the last 14 days.

Patients may see improvement in their symptoms within 1 to 2 weeks. It may take up to 6 weeks for the full effects.

When Geodon is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Carbamazepine.
• Ketoconazole.
• Medications that may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome: dolasetron, SSRIs like fluoxetine, SNRIs like duloxetine, St. John’s wort, and MAOIs.
• Medications that may affect heart rhythm: amiodarone, dofetilide, moxifloxacin, procainamide, thioridazine, quinidine, pimozide, sotalol, and tacrolimus.
• Medications and substances that cause drowsiness: drinking alcohol, marijuana, drugs for sleep or anxiety, muscle relaxants, cough relievers, pain relievers, and antihistamines.

Available dosage forms and strengths of Geodon include 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, and 80 mg capsules. There is also a 20 mg powder available for intramuscular injection.

Store Geodon at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Viatris manufactures Geodon.

Geodon is the brand name for ziprasidone. There are generic versions of ziprasidone available.

Do not stop taking Geodon without consulting your healthcare provider. Geodon should be gradually tapered due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms and rebound symptoms.

When Geodon is taken during the third trimester, neonates are at risk of extrapyramidal and withdrawal symptoms. These include agitation, hypertonia, tremor, respiratory distress, and somnolence. The symptoms vary in severity, with some neonates recovering within hours to days, while others may require prolonged hospitalization. Untreated schizophrenia or bipolar disorder also puts the mother at risk of relapse and hospitalization. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Geodon is likely present in breast milk based on one case report, but there are no reports of adverse effects on breastfed infants. Infants exposed to other atypical antipsychotics through breastmilk have reported effects of excess sedation, poor feeding, extrapyramidal symptoms, and irritability. Infants exposed to atypical antipsychotics should be monitored for excess sedation, poor feeding, extrapyramidal symptoms, and irritability. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.