Bipolar Disorder Home > 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.
Geodon® (ziprasidone hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Geodon is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc.
(Click Geodon Uses for more information on what it is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
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).
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).