Geodon: Drug Information

Generic name: Ziprasidone

Brand Name: Geodon

Other names: Azona, Zipsidon

Drug Class: Antipsychotic

Uses of Geodon:

Geodon is a medicine belonging to the antipsychotic class of drugs and is widely used in the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar mania and schizoaffective disorder. It helps treat psychotic symptoms in patients suffering from bipolar disorder and helps eliminate the symptoms of acute agitation associated with schizophrenia. Geodon was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001 for the treatment of both schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. This medicine works by acting as an antagonist of the dopamine type-2 receptor, thereby reducing schizophrenic symptoms.

Indications and dosage:

It is essential for you to take Geodon as directed by your professional health care practitioner. You can take the medicine with or without food at regular intervals in a dosage recommended by your doctor. Do not stop taking the medication abruptly as it may result in unwanted withdrawal symptoms.

Warnings and Precautions:

Geodon is not recommended for patients suffering from acute mental illness, heart disease, arrhythmias and central nervous system (CNS) depression.

Gordon should not be given to patients who are taking drugs that are known to increase the QTc interval.

This medicine is also not recommended for patients with congenital long QT syndrome.

Caution is advised in patients who are prone to major electrolyte disturbances. Patients suffering from hypocalcaemia need to get baseline serum, potassium and magnesium corrected prior to treatment with Geodon.

In case you have a history of cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular disease, seizures, pituitary tumors, liver disease or kidney disease you must notify your doctor before beginning Ziprasidone therapy.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or lactating before taking Geodon.

Avoid alcohol consumption when on the medicine.

DO NOT drive or operate any heavy machinery after taking the medicine.

Drug Interactions:

Type IA and IIIA antiarrhythmics should not be given along with Geodon.

Drugs that increase QTc interval should not be co-administered with Geodon.

Ketoconazole, carbamazepine and centrally acting drugs are also forbidden with Ziprasidone therapy.

Side Effects of Geodon:

Some of the most common side effects of the medicine include somnolence, dizziness, dystonia, akathisia, extrapyramidal syndrome, headache, rhinitis, agitation, asthenia, disturbances in the gastro intestinal tract, hypertonia, musculoskeletal problems, nausea, urinary disturbances, skin rash, stomach upset, restlessness, visual disturbances and running nose.