Why is Geodon prescribed?

Geodon is used to treat schizophrenia and the manic episodes of bipolar disorder. Researchers believe it works by opposing the action of serotonin and dopamine, two of the brain's major chemical messengers. Because of its potentially serious side effects, Geodon is typically prescribed only after other medications have proved inadequate.

Geodon is usually taken in capsule form. An injectable version is available for quick relief of agitated patients. Injectable Geodon is generally used for no more than a few days.

How should this medicine be used?

Ziprasidone comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken twice a day with food. Take ziprasidone at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take ziprasidone exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of ziprasidone and gradually increase your dose.

Ziprasidone may help control your symptoms but will not cure your condition. Continue to take ziprasidone even if you feel well. Do not stop taking ziprasidone without talking to your doctor.

How should you take Geodon?

Geodon capsules should be taken twice a day with food.

• If you miss a dose...
  Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

• Storage instructions...
  Store at room temperature.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Ziprasidone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness
• headache
• restlessness
• anxiety
• constipation
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite
• muscle pain
• runny nose, sneezing
• cough
• weight gain

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section or the SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:

• unusual movements of your face or body that you cannot control
• fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• rash or hives
• fever
• muscle stiffness
• confusion
• sweating
• painful erection of the penis that lasts for hours

Ziprasidone may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• drowsiness
• slurred speech
• sudden movements that you cannot control
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• anxiety