provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Ziprasidone Coupon - Ziprasidone 40mg capsule

ziprasidone

Generic Geodon
Used for Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia
Used for Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia

Ziprasidone (Geodon) is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat bipolar I disorder and schizophrenia in adults. It works by balancing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, like dopamine and serotonin. Ziprasidone (Geodon) is taken by mouth, typically twice daily. It's also available as an injection that's given into the muscles by a healthcare provider to treat agitation in schizophrenia. Some common side effects of ziprasidone (Geodon) include uncontrolled body movements, sleepiness, and nausea.

Last reviewed on October 3, 2023
basics-icon

What is Ziprasidone (Geodon)?

What is Ziprasidone (Geodon) used for?

How Ziprasidone (Geodon) works

Ziprasidone (Geodon) is an atypical antipsychotic. It treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder by changing the levels of dopamine and serotonin in your brain. This can help with your thinking, mood, and behavior.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsGeodon
Drug ClassAtypical antipsychotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
coupon-save-icon

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price
$153.56(save 90.33%)
GoodRx discount
$14.85
See prices
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Ziprasidone (Geodon)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Uncontrolled body movements (14%)
  • Sleepiness (14%)
  • Nausea (10%)
  • Constipation (9%)
  • Indigestion (8%)
  • Restlessness (8%)
  • Dizziness (8%)
  • Respiratory tract infection (8%)
Note: Side effects listed were reported by people who took ziprasidone for schizophrenia in a clinical study

Other Side Effects

  • Weakness
  • Chest pain
  • Racing heart
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth
  • Not feeling hungry
  • Runny nose
  • Cough
  • Rash
  • Changes in vision

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Uncontrolled muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia): sticking out your tongue, puffing out your cheeks, puckering your mouth, lip smacking, chewing, and shaking in your arms and legs
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: fever, sweating, stiff muscles, confusion, not aware of your surroundings, fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Stroke: numbness or weakness typically on one side of the body, loss of balance, headache, blurred vision, difficulty speaking
  • Dangerously high blood sugar: frequently thirsty, needing to urinate often, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, having fruity breath, having dry mouth
  • Serious infections: fever, headache, chills, body aches, cough, weakness
  • Serious skin reactions: fever, body ache, chills, rash, blistering or peeling skin

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Cough

difficulty with speaking

drooling

fear or nervousness

fever

inability to sit still

loss of balance control

muscle trembling, jerking, or stiffness

need to keep moving

restlessness

shuffling walk

sneezing

sore throat

stiffness of the limbs

twisting movements of the body

uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, neck, and back

Less common

Blurred vision

body aches or pain

chest pain

congestion

dizziness

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

headache

hoarseness

pounding in the ears

runny nose

slow or fast heartbeat

swelling of the tongue

tender, swollen glands in the neck

trouble with swallowing

voice changes

Rare

Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

persistent, painful erection

seizures

Incidence not known

Inability to move the eyes

increased blinking or spasms of the eyelid

sticking out of tongue

trouble with breathing

uncontrolled twisting movements of the neck, trunk, arms, or legs

unusual facial expressions

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

constipation

diarrhea

heartburn

indigestion

lack or loss of strength

nausea

rash

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

weakness

weight gain

Less common

Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin

burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

change in vision

cracked, dry, or scaly skin

depression

difficulty with moving

dry mouth

increase in salivation

itching or reddening of the skin

joint pain

loss of appetite

muscle ache

muscle pains or stiffness

muscle tightness

stuffy nose

swelling

swollen joints

vomiting

weakness of the arms and legs

weight loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Ziprasidone (Geodon)

thumbs-up

Pros

Taken by mouth

Less likely to weight gain than other similar medications

Available as a lower-cost generic medication

thumbs-down

Cons

Taken twice daily

Might take several weeks before you feel the full benefits of this medication

Must be taken with food

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Ziprasidone (Geodon)

pharmacist
  • Take ziprasidone (Geodon) twice a day with food to make sure your body absorbs enough of the medication. Make sure to swallow the capsules whole; don't chew or open the capsules.

    • If you feel more sleepy while taking ziprasidone (Geodon), try taking your dose in the evening.

      • Ziprasidone (Geodon) can cause a drop in blood pressure when moving positions, such as from sitting to standing. This is more common when starting treatment and when your dose changes. Make sure to get up slowly and try to hold onto something for stability. If you end up falling or hitting your head, seek medical help right away.

        • Ziprasidone (Geodon) can make you sleepy and dizzy, especially when you first start this medication or when your provider raises your dose. Don't drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how this medication affects you.

          • It's best to avoid alcohol while taking ziprasidone (Geodon) because doing so can worsen certain side effects (e.g., drowsiness, dizziness), as well as worsen symptoms of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

            • Don't change your dose or suddenly stop taking ziprasidone (Geodon) without talking to your provider first. Doing so can put you at risk for withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.

              • Although rare, ziprasidone (Geodon) can cause difficulty swallowing, which can raise the risk for choking. Make sure to take small bites of food and eat slowly to lower your risk for choking.

                • Ziprasidone (Geodon) can make it harder for your body to cool down if your body temperature gets too high. This makes it more likely for you to become dehydrated and your body to overheat. Make sure to stay hydrated, especially if it's hot outside. Let your healthcare provider know if you feel very hot or thirsty, notice a change in the amount of sweat or urine you make, or if you notice very dark-colored urine.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Ziprasidone (Geodon)

                  How long does ziprasidone (Geodon) stay in your system?
                  It typically takes about 1 to 2 days for most of ziprasidone (Geodon) to leave you system after you stop taking the medication. Keep in mind that this time frame is an estimate based off the half-life of ziprasidone (Geodon). Because most of this medication is cleared by the liver, it can stay in your body longer if you have liver problems. Talk with your provider if you have questions about how long ziprasidone (Geodon) stays in your system.
                  How long does it take for ziprasidone (Geodon) to work?
                  In general, you might need to take ziprasidone (Geodon) regularly for several weeks before you see noticeable benefits from this medication. In clinical studies, people saw improvements in symptoms of schizophrenia after taking ziprasidone (Geodon) for 4 to 6 weeks, and improvements in bipolar I disorder after taking this medication for 3 weeks. Keep in mind that each person can respond to ziprasidone (Geodon) differently, and it might take a while before you and your provider find a dose that works best for you. Talk with your provider if you're not sure whether ziprasidone (Geodon) is working.
                  Is ziprasidone (Geodon) a controlled substance?
                  No, ziprasidone (Geodon) isn't considered a controlled substance because it doesn't have a risk for causing physical and mental dependence. But if you've been taking ziprasidone (Geodon) (or any atypical antipsychotic) regularly for a long period of time, don't suddenly stop taking it without talking to your provider first. Doing so can put you at risk for experiencing withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and restlessness. If you want to stop taking ziprasidone (Geodon), your provider can help you do so slowly over time.
                  Does ziprasidone (Geodon) cause weight gain?
                  Ziprasidone (Geodon), like other atypical antipsychotic medications, can cause weight gain as a side effect. But the risk of weight gain from ziprasidone (Geodon) is lower than other similar medications, such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) and risperidone (Risperdal). To limit or manage weight gain from ziprasidone (Geodon), it's best to eat a healthy diet and try to exercise for at least 20 minutes a day. Talk with your provider if you have questions about ziprasidone (Geodon) and weight gain.
                  Does ziprasidone (Geodon) make you sleepy?
                  Yes, sleepiness is one of the more common side effects of ziprasidone (Geodon). You're more likely to feel sleepy when you first start this medication or when your provider raises your dose. If you feel sleepy from this medication, you can try taking it at night close to bedtime. Don't drink alcohol when you take ziprasidone (Geodon) because doing so can make you feel more sleepy, and also worsen symptoms of your medical condition. If you continue to feel sleepy and it's difficult for you to get through the day, let your provider know. They might need to lower your dose of ziprasidone (Geodon).
                  Do ziprasidone (Geodon) side effects go away?
                  Let your provider know if you have any side effects from ziprasidone (Geodon). Depending on what your symptoms are, your provider can let you know if there are ways to manage those side effects or if they'll go away with time. For example, you might experience dizziness and sleepiness more often when you first start ziprasidone (Geodon) or when your provider raises your dose, but these side effects should go away once your body gets used to the medication. But if you experience serious side effects, like uncontrollable muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia), you need to get medical help right away. Your provider might ask you to stop taking ziprasidone (Geodon) to prevent these symptoms from getting worse.
                  Can I take ziprasidone (Geodon) if I'm pregnant?
                  Talk with your provider if you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant. Your provider might suggest that you take ziprasidone (Geodon) if they think the benefits of this medication are greater than its risks of harm. Reports show that babies born to mothers who took antipsychotic medications during pregnancy can have abnormal movements or withdrawal symptoms at birth, such as tremors, agitation, or extreme sleepiness. If you're curious about non-medication treatment options for your condition, ask your provider.
                  GoodRxEducationalIcon

                  How to save using GoodRx

                  Compare Prices
                  1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
                  Select your free coupon
                  2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
                  Show coupon to your pharmacist
                  3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
                  Get free couponLearn more
                  warings-icon

                  What are the risks and warnings for Ziprasidone (Geodon)?

                  Ziprasidone (Geodon) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis

                  • Risk factors: Older adults with dementia-related psychosis

                    People over the age of 65 who also have dementia sometimes have some of the symptoms of schizophrenia, like hallucinations and delusions. This is called dementia-related psychosis, and it should not be treated with atypical antipsychotic medications, such as ziprasidone (Geodon). If ziprasidone (Geodon) is used for dementia-related psychosis, it can cause death. In clinical studies, the cause of death is often linked to stroke, other blood vessel problems, or infections. Let your provider know if you or your loved one has dementia before starting ziprasidone (Geodon).

                    risk-warning

                    Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior

                    Having schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder can put people at risk for self-harm or suicidal thoughts. If you or anyone around you notice that you have suicidal thoughts or, get medical help right away.

                    risk-warning

                    Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)

                    • Risk factors: Older adults | Female and 65 years or older | Higher than recommended doses of ziprasidone (Geodon) | Taking ziprasidone (Geodon) for a long time

                      Ziprasidone (Geodon) can cause uncontrolled and possibly permanent muscle movements in the tongue, face, mouth, lips, neck, hands, arms, legs, and feet (tardive dyskinesia). To lower your risk of tardive dyskinesia, take the lowest dose possible for the shortest period of time for your symptoms. Stop taking ziprasidone (Geodon) and talk to your provider right away if you notice any unusual movements you can't control.

                      risk-warning

                      Weight gain, higher blood sugar, and higher cholesterol levels

                      • Risk factors: Diabetes | High cholesterol | Identified as obese

                        Ziprasidone (Geodon) can raise your blood sugar and cholesterol levels as well as raise your appetite, all of which can lead to weight gain. Your provider will likely order blood tests regularly throughout treatment with ziprasidone (Geodon) to make sure your blood sugar and cholesterol aren't too high. Make sure to have a nutritious and balanced diet low in fat and sugar and maintain a regular exercise routine while receiving ziprasidone (Geodon).

                        risk-warning

                        Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

                        Taking antipsychotic medications like ziprasidone (Geodon) can cause a rare, but life-threatening condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Symptoms include fever, sweating, stiff muscles, confusion, not aware of your surroundings, and fast or irregular heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking ziprasidone (Geodon), get medication attention as soon as possible. You provider will likely have you stop taking ziprasidone (Geodon) and switch you to something else.

                        risk-warning

                        Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness

                        • Risk factors: Taking high doses of ziprasidone (Geodon) | Age 65 years or older | Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that can cause sleepiness

                          Ziprasidone (Geodon) can cause extreme sleepiness and lower your ability to think, react, and focus. Your risk is higher if you're also taking other medications that can cause drowsiness, such as benzodiazepines, anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, and sleep medications. Make sure you know how this medication affects you before driving a car or doing activities that require your concentration. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you feel too sleepy from ziprasidone (Geodon).

                          risk-warning

                          Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls

                          • Risk factors: Low blood pressure | Taking medications that lower blood pressure | History of medical conditions that can lower blood pressure | High ziprasidone (Geodon) doses | Liver or kidney problems | 65 years or older

                            Ziprasidone (Geodon) can make you tired, lower your blood pressure, or cause you to lose your balance, which can lead to falls. When standing from a sitting or lying position, make sure to get up slowly and hold onto something. If you experience a fall while taking ziprasidone (Geodon), contact your provider.

                            risk-warning

                            Risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)

                            • Risk factors: Poor immune system

                              Though rare, ziprasidone (Geodon) can lower your white blood cell counts (WBCs) and put you at risk for developing infections. You might need to get blood tests done regularly during the first few months of taking ziprasidone (Geodon) so your provider can make sure your WBCs are in a safe range. If your WBC count drops too low, you'll likely need to stop taking ziprasidone (Geodon). If you develop any signs of infection, such as fever, tiredness, chills, cough, or trouble breathing, and they don't go away, contact your provider right away.

                              risk-warning

                              Seizures

                              • Risk factors: History of seizures | Health conditions that make it easier to get seizures

                                Ziprasidone (Geodon) can potentially cause seizures. Before starting this medication, let your provider know if you have a history of seizures or have a medical condition that puts you at risk for getting seizures.

                                risk-warning

                                Serious skin reaction

                                • Risk factors: Higher doses | Longer treatment with this medication

                                  Some people taking ziprasidone (Geodon) have developed serious skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS). Let your provider know right away if you notice have symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches, chills, rash, and peeling or blistering skin.

                                  risk-warning

                                  Prolonged and painful erection

                                  Although rare, ziprasidone (Geodon) can cause prolonged and painful erections, which sometimes requires surgery to treat. If you develop a prolonged erection that lasts longer than 4 hours, get medical attention right away.

                                  risk-warning

                                  High prolactin levels

                                  Ziprasidone (Geodon) can cause prolactin hormone levels in your blood to go up. High prolactin levels can lead to symptoms such as milky substances being released from the nipple, enlarged breasts, and absent or irregular menstrual periods. Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience or have any concerns about these symptoms.

                                  risk-warning

                                  Heart rhythm problems

                                  • Risk factors: History of heart problems | Taking other drugs that also cause heart rhythm changes | Low potassium | Low magnesium

                                    Ziprasidone (Geodon) can raise your risk of having heart rhythm changes. This risk is higher for people who are taking other medications that can affect heart rhythm. Because of this, you might not be able to take ziprasidone (Geodon) if you have certain heart conditions, like a recent heart attack. Your provider might order tests to check your heart rhythm and electrolyte levels before you start taking ziprasidone (Geodon) and during treatment.

                                    dosage

                                    Ziprasidone (Geodon) dosage forms

                                    The average cost for 30 capsules of 40mg of Ziprasidone (Geodon) is $14.85 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 90.33% off the average retail price of $153.56.
                                    capsule
                                    Capsule
                                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                    20mg60 capsules$28.13$0.47
                                    40mg30 capsules$14.85$0.49
                                    60mg60 capsules$30.80$0.51
                                    80mg60 capsules$28.57$0.48

                                    Typical dosing for Ziprasidone (Geodon)

                                    • Schizophrenia: The typical starting dose is 20 mg by mouth twice a day with food. If needed, your provider might raise the dose every few days. The maximum recommended dose is 80 mg twice daily.

                                    • Bipolar I disorder: The typical starting dose is 40 mg by mouth twice a day with food. If needed, your provider might raise the dose every few days. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 40 mg to 80 mg twice daily.

                                    Please note: Ziprasidone (Geodon) is also available as an injection that's given into the muscles by a healthcare provider to treat agitation in schizophrenia.

                                    More on Ziprasidone (Geodon) dosage forms

                                    interactions

                                    Interactions between Ziprasidone (Geodon) and other drugs

                                    Ziprasidone (Geodon) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Ziprasidone (Geodon). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                    drug-cost

                                    How much does Ziprasidone (Geodon) cost?

                                    To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.View prices & coupons
                                    contraindications-icon

                                    Ziprasidone (Geodon) contraindications

                                    Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Ziprasidone (Geodon) will not be safe for you to take.
                                    • Heart rhythm problems (QT prologation)

                                    • Taking other medications that can cause heart rhythm problems

                                    • Recent heart attack

                                    • Heart failure with symptoms not under control

                                    alternatives

                                    What are alternatives to Ziprasidone (Geodon)?

                                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ziprasidone (Geodon). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                    Ziprasidone (Geodon)
                                    $14.85 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                    Used for:
                                    $9.90 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                    Used for:
                                    • Schizophrenia - people ages 13 years and older

                                    • Manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder - people ages 10 years and older

                                    • Irritability associated with autism - children ages 5 to 17 years old

                                    $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                    images

                                    Ziprasidone (Geodon) images

                                    Blue Mylan Ze 40 Mylan Ze 40 - Ziprasidone Hydrochloride 40mg Capsule
                                    This medicine is Blue Capsule Imprinted With "Mylan Ze 40 Mylan Ze 40".Blue Mylan Ze 40 Mylan Ze 40 - Ziprasidone Hydrochloride 40mg Capsule
                                    Purple And Blue Rdy 257 - Ziprasidone Hydrochloride 40mg Capsule
                                    This medicine is Purple And Blue Capsule Imprinted With "Rdy 257".Purple And Blue Rdy 257 - Ziprasidone Hydrochloride 40mg Capsule
                                    Blue Cl63 40 Mg - Ziprasidone Hydrochloride 40mg Capsule
                                    This medicine is Blue Capsule Imprinted With "Cl63 40 Mg".Blue Cl63 40 Mg - Ziprasidone Hydrochloride 40mg Capsule
                                    Blue G 2002 G 2002 - Ziprasidone Hydrochloride 40mg Capsule
                                    This medicine is Blue Capsule Imprinted With "G 2002 G 2002".Blue G 2002 G 2002 - Ziprasidone Hydrochloride 40mg Capsule
                                    Purple Apo Zip 40 - Ziprasidone Hydrochloride 40mg Capsule
                                    This medicine is Purple Capsule Imprinted With "Apo Zip 40".Purple Apo Zip 40 - Ziprasidone Hydrochloride 40mg Capsule
                                    Blue And White Ce 92 - Ziprasidone Hydrochloride 40mg Capsule
                                    This medicine is Blue And White Capsule Imprinted With "Ce 92".Blue And White Ce 92 - Ziprasidone Hydrochloride 40mg Capsule
                                    Blue F 38 - Ziprasidone Hydrochloride 40mg Capsule
                                    This medicine is Blue Capsule Imprinted With "F 38".Blue F 38 - Ziprasidone Hydrochloride 40mg Capsule
                                    Blue Lu V52 - Ziprasidone Hydrochloride 40mg Capsule
                                    This medicine is Blue Capsule Imprinted With "Lu V52".Blue Lu V52 - Ziprasidone Hydrochloride 40mg Capsule

                                    Get savings updates for Ziprasidone (Geodon)

                                    Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Ziprasidone (Geodon) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                                    By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                                    References

                                    Best studies we found
                                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                                    Was this page helpful?

                                    Browse medications

                                    View All

                                    Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.