Geodon (Ziprasidone) for Depression

Overview
Geodon is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults, and for the treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar 1 disorder. For bipolar 1 disorder, Geodon may be prescribed as a short-term treatment (monotherapy) for acute episodes or as long-term maintenance therapy in combination with lithium or valproate. Geodon is also known by its drug name, ziprasidone.

Geodon is an atypical antipsychotic. Scientists believe it works by changing the effects of dopamine and serotonin, two brain chemicals that influence mood, thoughts, and behavior. This can help reduce symptoms like hallucinations and delusions in schizophrenia and stabilize mood in bipolar 1 disorder.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Geodon is taken as a capsule by mouth with food, usually twice daily. It should not be opened, crushed, or chewed. Dosing may be adjusted based on a person's response and tolerability. Geodon should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Geodon in adults with schizophrenia include somnolence (drowsiness) and respiratory tract infection. In adults being treated for bipolar disorder, common side effects include somnolence, extrapyramidal symptoms (involuntary movements or muscle stiffness), dizziness, akathisia (restlessness), abnormal vision, asthenia (weakness), and vomiting.

Rare but serious side effects may include QT prolongation (a heart rhythm disorder), which can lead to serious or life-threatening irregular heartbeats. Geodon should not be taken by people with certain heart conditions or those taking other drugs that prolong the QT interval. Other serious risks include neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a dangerous reaction with symptoms like high fever and muscle rigidity), serotonin syndrome (a potentially life-threatening condition from excess serotonin), severe skin reactions such as DRESS (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements that may become permanent).

Additional rare risks include metabolic changes such as hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), dyslipidemia (unhealthy cholesterol changes), and weight gain, as well as rash, low white blood cell counts, seizures, orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure when standing), cognitive and motor impairment, and increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in high-risk individuals.

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Label: Geodon- Ziprasidone Hydrochloride Capsule; Geodon — Ziprasidone Mesylate Injection, Powder,

Lyophilized, for Solution; Geodon- Ziprasidone Capsulen — DailyMed