Brand Name

Geodon {Pfizer}

Generic Name

ziprasidone, pronounced zi PRAY si done

What is Geodon?

Geodon is an antipsychotic medication that is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, which is also known as manic depression. Geodon is believed to work by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. Geodon may be prescribed for adults and children ages 10 and older. Geodon may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Key Facts About Geodon

You should never take Geodon in larger amounts then directed, or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Do not give children Geodon without your doctor’s advice and recommendation.

You should not use Geodon for psychotic conditions related to dementia, as it could cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

You should not drink alcohol while taking Geodon, as it may increase certain side effects of this medication.

Be aware that Geodon may impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything which requires you to be alert, especially when you first start Geodon. Be careful when getting up from a sitting or lying position, as Geodon can cause dizziness. Be sure to get up slowly and safely to prevent falling.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Geodon is in FDA pregnancy category C. It is known that taking an antipsychotic medication like Geodon, especially during the last 3 months of pregnancy, may cause problems in your newborn, like withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, tremors, fussiness, and stiff or limp muscles. You should be aware that if you stop taking Geodon during your pregnancy you may have withdrawal symptoms. Consult with your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Geodon. You should not breast-feed while taking Geodon, as it is known that Geodon can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.

Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU), because Geodon may contain phenylalanine.

Before You Take Geodon

If you are allergic to ziprasidone you should not take Geodon.

Let your doctor know if you have a history of “Long QT syndrome”, either for yourself or a familial history before taking Geodon.

If you have a history of heart attack or stroke, heart rhythm problems or untreated heart failure you should tell your doctor before taking Geodon.

If you have a history of suicidal thoughts you should tell your doctor.

Tell your doctor before starting Geodon if you have liver or kidney disease, low levels of potassium or magnesium, a history of a bone marrow or blood disorders, seizures or epilepsy.

You should inform your doctor if you have Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s Disease or trouble swallowing to make sure Geodon is right for you.

You may be more prone to heat stroke while taking Geodon. Be cautious about getting overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather.

Treatment with Geodon is not to be used for patients with psychotic conditions related to dementia. The use of Geodon for these patients may cause them extreme harm, such as heart failure, pneumonia, or even sudden death.

You should tell doctor if you have diabetes. Geodon may cause you to have high blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels regularly while you are being treated with Geodon.

You should refrain from drinking alcohol while taking Geodon, as it can exacerbate the side effects of this medication.

Geodon Drug Interactions

Geodon should never be taken together with any of the following drugs, or a life-threatening heart rhythm disorder could occur:

• antibiotics clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole), levofloxacin (Levaquin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), or pentamidine (NebuPent, Pentam)
• anti-malaria medications such as chloroquine (Arelan), or mefloquine (Lariam)
• arsenic trioxide (Trisenox)
• chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
• clozapine (FazaClo, Clozaril)
• depression or anxiety medications
• dolasetron (Anzemet)
• droperidol (Inapsine)
• halofantrine (Halfan)
• haloperidol (Haldol)
• heart rhythm medications like amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone), dofetilide (Tikosyn), disopyramide (Norpace), ibutilide (Corvert), procainamide (Pronestyl), propafenone (Rythmol), quinidine (Quin-G) and sotalol (Betapace)
• methadone (Methadose, Diskets, Dolophine)
• pimozide (Orap)
• sumatriptan (Imitrex, Treximet)
• tacrolimus (Prograf)
• thioridazine (Mellaril)
• Zofran (ondansetron)
• zolmitriptan (Zomig)

The following medications may add to the sleepiness caused by Geodon, or cause a reaction to this medicine. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• allergy medications
• blood pressure medications
• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol)
• cisapride (Propulsid)
• cold medications
• diuretics or water pills
• haloperidol (Haldol)
• narcotic pain medications
• Parkinson’s Disease medications like levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa, Sinemet, Atamet)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Geodon. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

Directions for Taking Geodon

You should take Geodon exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take Geodon in larger or smaller amounts, or for shorter or longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

You should take Geodon at the same time every day.

You can take Geodon with or without food.

Geodon is a part of a program that your doctor has prescribed which may include counseling and other psychological support programs. Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using Geodon.

Your doctor may have your blood tested regularly to be sure that Geodon is not causing you any harm. You may need to have your liver and kidney functions tested through a blood test as well. Visit your doctor regularly while taking Geodon.

Be aware that Geodon may cause you to have high blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of hyperglycemia like increased thirst, excessive hunger, excessive urination or weakness. If you are a diabetic you should check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking Geodon.

Do not stop using Geodon without consulting your doctor, as it may take several weeks before you notice an improvement in your symptoms.

You should take care when driving or doing anything that requires you to be alert, as Geodon can impair your thinking or reactions.

Geodon needs to be stored at room temperature, and away from light, moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Geodon you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

Geodon Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Geodon and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reaction such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• chills and body aches
• confusion
• dizziness or light headed feeling
• faintness
• fever
• flu like symptoms
• fruity breath odor
• hallucinations
• headache
• increased heart rate
• increased thirst and urination
• penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer
• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck
• sores in your throat or mouth (white in color)
• stiff and rigid muscles with a high fever, tremors, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeat, slow heart rate or feeling like you might pass out;
• suicidal thoughts or thoughts about hurting yourself
• tremors
• trouble speaking or swallowing

Less serious side effects of Geodon may include:

• anxiety
• appetite changes
• cough with sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose
• depressed mood
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• headache
• insomnia
• muscle pain or twitching
• nausea
• skin rash that is mild
• vomiting
• weight gain

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Geodon. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

Geodon Description and Dosing

Geodon is available in capsules (ziprasidone hydrochloride) and as intramuscular injections (ziprasidone mesylate). Geodon capsules are available in dosages of 20mg, which are blue and white; 40 mg, which are blue and blue; 60mg, which are white and white and 80mg which are blue and white.

Geodon for Injection is available in a single-dose vial as ziprasidone mesylate (20 mg ziprasidone/mL when reconstituted according to label instructions.

Geodon is prescribed differently for each patient and their unique condition. You should consult your doctor about any questions you have regarding your dose of Geodon. You should not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Geodon you should seek emergency help immediately.

Ingredients in Geodon

The primary active ingredient in Geodon capsules is ziprasidone hydrochloride. Other ingredients include monohydrate, lactose, pregelatinized starch, and magnesium stearate. The primary active ingredient in Geodon intramuscular injection is ziprasidone mesylate.

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The information contained in this drug guide is intended as an educational resource only. This guide is not exhaustive and does not contain all available information about this drug.This guide is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment.

The information provided in this guide does not replace the need for the advice and services of medical professionals or the need for medical examination. Always talk to your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medication or over the counter drugs (including any supplements) or before making any changes to your treatment. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with safe and effective advice regarding your drug treatment.

The use of the information in this guide is at your sole risk. This information is provided "AS IS" with no warranties to accuracy or timeliness.

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