Geodon

Geodon (Ziprasidone)

Geodon

Ziprasidone capsule

What is it used for?

ZIPRASIDONE is used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression.

What should I discuss with my physician prior to taking this medicine?

Please do tell your physician if you have any of the following conditions:

• dementia
• diabetes or high blood sugar
• heart disease, including heart failure
• irregular heartbeat
• liver disease
• low potassium level in the blood
• Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders
• previous heart attack or stroke
• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
• an unusual or allergic reaction to ziprasidone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How is this medicine should be taken?

Take it orally accompanied with a glass of water during any of your daily meals. Your doses should be taken at the regular intervals. You should never take this medicine more often than prescribed. You should never stop taking this medicine prematurely unless your doctor specifically advised you to do so.

Contact your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine by children. Special care might be necessary.

Overdosage: If you suspect an overdosage, get in touch with the nearest poison control center or emergency room immediately.

NOTE: This medicine is only intended for your use. You should never share it with the others.

What to do if I missed a dose?

If you missed a dose, it should be taken as soon as possible. If the time has almost come for the next dose, only that one should be taken. You should never take double or extra doses; a single doze is sufficient for the purposes.

What are the possible interactions with the other medicine/food/etc?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• alfuzosin
• arsenic trioxide
• certain antidepressants
• certain macrolide antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, and troleandomycin
• certain quinolone antibiotics like gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and sparfloxacin
• chloroquine
• cisapride
• clozapine
• dolasetron
• droperidol
• halofantrine
• haloperidol
• levomethadyl
• medicines for treating heart-rhythm problems like amiodarone, dofetilide, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, and sotalol
• methadone
• palonosetron
• pentamidine
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine and thioridazine
• pimozide
• probucol
• propafenone
• risperidone
• sertindole
• tacrolimus
• vardenafil

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• carbamazepine
• diuretics
• medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole
• medicines for Parkinson's disease
• some medications for high blood pressure
• stimulants like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine

This list is not all-inclusive and may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some of those items may also interact with your medicine.

Is there anything I should pay attention to while taking it?

Pay regular visits to your doctor or health care professional to undergo checks on your progress. It might take several weeks before you feel the full effect of this medicine. You shouldn’t stop taking this medicine abruptly. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the dose.

You may experience drowsiness or dizziness symptoms. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand up or sit up quickly, especially if you are a senior patient. This is to reduce the risk of possible dizziness or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Refrain from using alcohol at all costs.

This drug can make you more sensitive to the sun, that is why you should keep out of it during the treatment course. If sun can’t be avoided, at least wear protective clothes and always use a sunscreen.You shouldn’t use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths during the treatment course.

This medicine is capable of changing your body’s response to heat or cold. You should do your best in order not to get overheated. Avoid extreme temperatures including those in saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Make sure you dress warmly in cold weather.

Your might experience dry mouth symptom. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking a sugar candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Does this medicine have any possible side effects?

The following side effects should be reported to your doctor or health care professional as soon as they are noticed:

• change in emotion or behavior such as feeling depressed, angry, or anxious
• chest pains
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty swallowing
• excessive thirst and/or hunger
• fast or irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• fever
• frequently needing to urinate
• inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs
• loss of balance or difficulty walking
• prolonged erection
• seizures
• skin rash or hives
• stiff muscles or jaw
• tremor
• uncontrollable movements or spasms of the face, tongue or mouth
• weakness or loss of strength

The side effects listed below usually do not necessarily require any medical attention (please do report them to your physician if they are recurrent or bothersome):

• constipation
• drowsiness
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• upset stomach

Other side effects are also possible, the above list is not all inclusive.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep this medicine out of the children’s reach.

This medicine should be stored at the room temperatures between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Dispose of any unused medicine after the expiry date is reached.