ziprasidone

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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.