MedDataToolZiprasidone is a medication used to treat schizophrenia and episodes of mania or mixed episodes in bipolar disorder. It works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain that help improve mood and thinking. You take it in capsule form, starting with 20 mg twice daily for schizophrenia or 40 mg twice daily for bipolar disorder, and the dose can be increased up to a maximum of 80 mg twice daily. A key warning is that it can cause a heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation, which can be serious. It's important to avoid taking it with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as this can increase the risk of dangerous side effects.
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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 in adults.
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Dosage
Take capsules orally with food.
For schizophrenia, start at 20 mg twice daily, adjust up to 80 mg twice daily.
For acute bipolar treatment, start at 40 mg twice daily, adjust to 60 or 80 mg twice daily.
For maintenance in bipolar disorder, continue at the stabilized dose of 40 to 80 mg twice daily.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
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Side effects
Common
Somnolencerespiratory tract infectiondizzinessnauseavomiting
Serious
Increased risk of death in elderly with dementia-related psychosisQT prolongationserotonin syndromeneuroleptic malignant syndrome
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Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
- Risk of QT prolongation and sudden death.
- Not approved for dementia-related psychosis.
- Use caution with drugs that prolong QT interval.
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Drug interactions
- Carbamazepinedecreases ziprasidone levelsCaution
- Ketoconazoleincreases ziprasidone levelsMonitor
- Other drugs that prolong QT intervalincreased risk of heart issuesMonitor
- Serotonergic drugsrisk of serotonin syndrome.Caution
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Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
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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).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).