Geodon

Generic: Ziprasidone Hydrochloride

Rx only

Atypical antipsychotic✓ FDA-verified

Geodon is a medication used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, specifically for manic or mixed episodes. It works by balancing certain chemicals in the brain that affect mood and behavior. You can take it as capsules, starting with 20 mg twice a day for schizophrenia or 40 mg twice a day for bipolar disorder, with a maximum dose of 80 mg twice daily for schizophrenia and 80 mg twice daily for bipolar disorder. It's important to know that Geodon can cause heart rhythm problems, so it should not be used if you have a history of QT prolongation, which is a specific heart condition. Additionally, you should avoid taking it with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a type of antidepressant, as this can lead to serious side effects.

✦

Uses

Schizophrenia in adults.
Acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes in bipolar I disorder.
Maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder as an adjunct to lithium or valproate.
Acute agitation in schizophrenia.

◷

Dosage

Take capsules with food, do not open or crush them.

For schizophrenia, start at 20 mg twice daily, can adjust to 80 mg twice daily.

For acute manic episodes, start at 40 mg twice daily, can increase to 80 mg.

For maintenance in bipolar disorder, continue at the stabilized dose of 40-80 mg twice daily.

For agitation, inject 10-20 mg up to 40 mg daily as needed.

⚠

Side effects

Common

Somnolencerespiratory tract infectionheadachenauseaIncreased mortality in elderly with dementia-related psychosis

Serious

QT prolongationserotonin syndrome

🛑

Warnings

⚠ Important warnings

Increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
Not approved for dementia-related psychosis.
May prolong QT interval, leading to serious heart issues.
Caution with other drugs that prolong QT interval.

⇄

Drug interactions

Carbamazepinedecreases ziprasidone levelsCaution
Ketoconazoleincreases ziprasidone levelsMonitor
Serotonergic drugsrisk of serotonin syndromeCaution
Other drugs that prolong QT intervalincreased heart risk.Caution

Ask about this drug

Answers pulled from the FDA label only.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).