Geodon (Generic name: Ziprasidone)

What is the most important information I should know about Geodon?

• Do not take Geodon if you have any of the following conditions or a history of these conditions: heart disease; an irregular heartbeat or a history of irregular heartbeats; a history of prolonged QT intervals; a family history of congenital long QT syndrome; or other heartbeat disturbances. These conditions may increase the risk of irregular heartbeats, heart attack, and death while taking Geodon.
• Do not take Geodon with any of the following drugs: mesoridazine (Serentil), thioridazine (Mellaril, others), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), pimozide (Orap), droperidol (Inapsine), quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinaglute Dura-Tabs, Quinidex, Quinora, others), dofetilide (Tikosyn), sotalol (Betapace, Betapace AF, others), moxifloxacin (Avelox), gatifloxacin (Tequin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), mefloquine (Lariam), pentamidine (Pentam 300), arsenic trioxide (Trisenox), dolasetron (Anzemet), levomethadyl acetate (Orlaam), or tacrolimus (Prograf). Taken with any of these drugs, Geodon may cause irregular heartbeats that could lead to death. This is not a complete list of drugs that may interact with Geodon and cause heart problems. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including herbal products, while taking Geodon.
• Hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar) has been reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics including Geodon. Talk to your doctor if you experience any signs of hyperglycemia including excessive thirst, frequent urination, excessive hunger, or weakness.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms that may indicate heart rhythm problems such as dizziness, palpitations, or fainting.
• Call your doctor immediately if you experience uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs.
• Call your doctor immediately if you experience fever, sweating, severe muscle stiffness (rigidity), confusion, or fast or irregular heartbeats. These could be symptoms of a potentially fatal side effect called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Geodon may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
• Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.
• Avoid alcohol or use it with caution while taking Geodon. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Geodon.
• Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather and during exercise. Geodon may increase the risk of heat stroke.

What is Geodon?

• Geodon is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain.
• Geodon is used to manage the symptoms of psychotic disorders 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.
• Geodon may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Geodon?

• Do not take Geodon if you have any of the following conditions or a history of these conditions: heart disease; an irregular heartbeat or a history of irregular heartbeats; a history of prolonged QT intervals; a family history of congenital long QT syndrome; or other heartbeat disturbances. These conditions may increase the risk of irregular heartbeats, heart attack, and death while taking Geodon.
• Do not take Geodon with any of the following drugs: mesoridazine (Serentil), thioridazine (Mellaril, others), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), pimozide (Orap), droperidol (Inapsine), quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinaglute Dura-Tabs, Quinidex, Quinora, others), dofetilide (Tikosyn), sotalol (Betapace, Betapace AF, others), moxifloxacin (Avelox), gatifloxacin (Tequin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), mefloquine (Lariam), pentamidine (Pentam 300), arsenic trioxide (Trisenox), dolasetron (Anzemet), levomethadyl acetate (Orlaam), or tacrolimus (Prograf). Taken with any of these drugs, Geodon may cause irregular heartbeats that could lead to death. This is not a complete list of drugs that may interact with Geodon and cause heart problems. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including herbal products, while taking Geodon.
• Before taking Geodon, tell your doctor if you have
  • a history of heart attack, heart disease, heart failure, or high blood pressure;
  • diabetes or hyperglycemia;
  • a history of dizziness or fainting;
  • a history of epilepsy, seizures, or Alzheimer's disease; or
  • liver disease.
• You may not be able to take Geodon, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar) has been reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics including Geodon. Talk to your doctor if you experience any signs of hyperglycemia including excessive thirst, frequent urination, excessive hunger, or weakness.
• Geodon is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Geodon will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Geodon without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• It is not known whether Geodon passes into breast milk. Do not take Geodon without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
• If you are over the age of 65, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Geodon. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of the medication.

How should I take Geodon?

• Take Geodon exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
• Take each oral dose with a full glass of water.
• Take Geodon with food at the same time each day.
• Do not crush, open, or break the capsules. Swallow them whole.
• Geodon can also be administered as an injection by a healthcare provider.
• Continue to take Geodon, even if your symptoms have improved. Continuous treatment may prevent the return of symptoms. Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor.
• Store Geodon at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical treatment.
• Symptoms of a Geodon overdose may include dizziness; drowsiness; slurred speech, increased heart rate; fainting; fever; sweating; muscle spasms; and uncontrollable movements of the arms, hands, tongue, face, or other body parts.

What should I avoid while taking Geodon?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Geodon may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
• Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.
• Avoid alcohol or use it with caution while taking Geodon. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Geodon.
• Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather and during exercise. Geodon may increase the risk of heat stroke.

What are the possible side effects of Geodon?

• Call your doctor immediately if you experience fever, sweating, severe muscle stiffness (rigidity), confusion, fast or irregular heart beat. These could be symptoms of a potentially fatal side effect called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS).
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Geodon and seek emergency medical treatment or contact your doctor immediately:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • uncontrollable movements of the tongue, face, lips, arms, or legs;
  • muscle spasms of the face or neck;
  • severe restlessness or tremor;
  • a rash;
  • severe dizziness or fainting; or
  • irregular or fast heartbeats.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Geodon and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • mild restlessness or tremor;
  • drowsiness;
  • nausea;
  • constipation or diarrhea;
  • dry mouth;
  • mild dizziness; or
  • increased cough or runny nose.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Geodon?

• Do not take Geodon with any of the following drugs:
  • mesoridazine (Serentil) or thioridazine (Mellaril, others);
  • chlorpromazine (Thorazine);
  • pimozide (Orap);
  • quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinaglute Dura-Tabs, Quinidex, Quinora, others);
  • dofetilide (Tikosyn);
  • sotalol (Betapace, Betapace AF, others);
  • moxifloxacin (Avelox), gatifloxacin (Tequin), or sparfloxacin (Zagam);
  • mefloquine (Lariam);
  • pentamidine (Pentam 300);
  • droperidol (Inapsine);
  • arsenic trioxide (Trisenox);
  • dolasetron (Anzemet);
  • levomethadyl acetate (Orlaam); or
  • tacrolimus (Prograf).
• Taken with any of these drugs, Geodon may cause irregular heartbeats that could lead to death. This is not a complete list of drugs that may interact with Geodon and cause heart problems. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, including herbal products, while taking Geodon.
• Before taking Geodon, tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
  • ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox);
  • erythromycin (E-Mycin, E.E.S., Ery-Tab, Eryc, others);
  • carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, Epitol);
  • medicines used to treat Parkinson's Disease such as levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa, Sinemet, Atamet, others), bromocriptine (Parlodel), ropinirole (Requip), cabergoline (Dostinex), pramipexole (Mirapex), pergolide (Permax), selegiline (Eldepryl), and others; or
  • medicine used to lower blood pressure.
• You may not be able to take Geodon, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
• Geodon may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.
• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Geodon. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.