Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Geodon?
Drinking alcohol while taking
Geodon® (
ziprasidone hydrochloride) is generally not recommended. Combining alcohol and Geodon can increase the chances and severity of several
Geodon side effects. Additionally, for many people with mental illness, it is usually recommended that alcohol be avoided.
Alcohol and Geodon Side Effects
Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of certain Geodon side effects, such as drowsiness or low
blood pressure (when sitting or standing up). You may also be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol if you are taking Geodon. You may not be able to safely drink as much alcohol as you were used to drinking in the past.
Geodon is approved to treat
schizophrenia and
bipolar disorder. Generally, it is best for people with these mental illnesses to avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol may worsen mental illness and is often a form of "self-medication."
Talking With Your Healthcare Provider About Alcohol and Geodon
Although it is not recommended that you drink alcohol while taking Geodon, you should not be afraid to discuss your alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider.
Together, you and your healthcare provider can make a shared decision about alcohol and Geodon for your particular situation. If you do drink, your healthcare provider can also suggest ways to help you stop drinking.