Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Geodon

Generic Name: ziprasidone (Pronunciation: zi PRAY si done)

• What is ziprasidone (Geodon)?
• What are the possible side effects of ziprasidone (Geodon)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ziprasidone (Geodon)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking ziprasidone (Geodon)?
• How should I take ziprasidone (Geodon)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Geodon)?
• What happens if I overdose (Geodon)?
• What should I avoid while taking ziprasidone (Geodon)?
• What other drugs will affect ziprasidone (Geodon)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is ziprasidone (Geodon)?

Ziprasidone is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain.

Ziprasidone is used to treat schizophrenia and the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression) in adults and children who are at least 10 years old.

Ziprasidone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Geodon 20 mg

blue/white, imprinted with PFIZER 396

Geodon 40 mg

blue, imprinted with PFIZER 397

Geodon 60 mg

white, imprinted with PFIZER 398

Geodon 80 mg

blue/white, imprinted with PFIZER 399

What are the possible side effects of ziprasidone (Geodon)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking ziprasidone and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• dizziness, feeling light-headed, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;
• fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• tremor (uncontrolled shaking), restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
• agitation, hostility, confusion;
• increased thirst or urination, weakness, extreme hunger; or
• penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

Less serious side effects may include:

• mild skin rash;
• anxiety, headache, depressed mood;
• dizziness, drowsiness;
• muscle pain or twitching;
• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
• runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat; or
• weight gain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

Ziprasidone is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Ziprasidone may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

Do not use this medication if you have a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome," if you have recently had a heart attack, or if you have uncontrolled heart failure.

Stop taking ziprasidone and call your doctor right away if you feel dizzy or light-headed, have a fast or pounding heartbeat, or if you faint. This could be signs of a serious heart rhythm problem.

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