Geodon

Geodon is a prescription drug licensed for the treatment of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Part of a class of medicines known as atypical antipsychotic drugs, it works by blocking or lessening the effects of certain chemicals in the brain (such as dopamine and serotonin) that may be elevated in people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Geodon comes in capsule form and is generally taken twice a day. Side effects of the medicine include drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches.

 

What Is Geodon?

Geodon® (ziprasidone hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
 

Who Makes Geodon?

Geodon is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc.
 
(Click Geodon Uses for more information on what it is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does It Work?

Geodon belongs to a group of medications called atypical (or second-generation) antipsychotic medications. It is not entirely known how it works for the treatment of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, it is known that the drug blocks or lessens the effects of several chemicals in the brain. These brain chemicals (such as dopamine and serotonin) may be elevated in people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression).
 
Geodon is not a cure for bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. It only helps to control symptoms (see Symptoms of Schizophrenia or Bipolar Disorder Symptoms).
 

Effects of the Medication

In previous clinical studies of Geodon for the treatment of schizophrenia, people taking the medication experienced improvements in their schizophrenia symptoms (including hallucinations and suspiciousness), compared to those not taking it. Longer studies also showed that the medication can help symptoms from returning.
 
Previous clinical studies have also shown it to be effective for bipolar disorder treatment. In these studies, the drug was effective at treating episodes of mania or mixed episodes (which involve symptoms of both mania and depression).
 

When and How to Take Geodon

The following are some general considerations for when and how to take Geodon:
 
  • The medication comes in capsule form. It is usually taken by mouth twice daily.
     
  • It should be taken with food, since taking the drug on an empty stomach decreases the absorption of Geodon into your body.
     
  • It should be taken at the same times each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For the drug to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • The severity of your condition
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Geodon Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Geodon. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
 
(Click Geodon Side Effects to learn about specific side effects, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can also read about possible side effects by clicking on:
 

Drug Interactions With Geodon

Geodon can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
 
(Click Geodon Drug Interactions for more information.)
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Geodon if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Geodon Warnings and Precautions for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take the medication.)
 

Geodon Overdose

People who take too much Geodon may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Geodon Overdose for more information.)
 

Storage Methods

It should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Geodon capsules should be stored in an airtight container.
 
Keep this medication and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Geodon as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths

Geodon capsules are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Geodon 20 mg
  • Geodon 40 mg
  • Geodon 60 mg
  • Geodon 80 mg.
     
An injectable form is also available and is approved to treat agitation associated with schizophrenia.
 

Alternatives

There are several alternatives to Geodon for the treatment of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Some other atypical antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder include:
 
Older, "typical" antipsychotics are also approved to treat schizophrenia. Haloperidol (Haldol®) and thioridazine (Mellaril®) are examples of typical antipsychotics.
 
Mood stabilizer bipolar medications (which are alternatives to Geodon for treating bipolar disorder) can include:
 
Not all of the medications listed above are approved to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. However, they are commonly used "off-label" for the treatment of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
 
(Click Geodon Alternatives for more information, including non-medication alternatives to Geodon.)
 

Generic Geodon

There is currently no generic Geodon licensed for sale.
 
(Click Generic Geodon for more information.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;