How Geodon Works and How It’s Taken

Geodon is a type of medication called an atypical antipsychotic that works by blocking dopamine and serotonin signals in the brain. The exact way Geodon works in bipolar 1 disorder is not fully known.

Doctors prescribe Geodon to adults with acute manic or mixed episodes linked to bipolar 1 disorder. Geodon can also be used as maintenance treatment of bipolar 1 disorder when added to lithium or valproate.

Geodon is taken as a capsule by mouth, typically twice daily with food.

Typical Dosing for Bipolar 1 Disorder

The recommended starting dose of Geodon for bipolar 1 disorder is 40 milligrams twice daily.

For people who respond to treatment, the recommended maintenance dose is 40 milligrams to 80 milligrams twice daily.

This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.

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Geodon Side Effects

In studies of Geodon for bipolar 1 disorder in adults, the most common side effects that occurred twice as often as placebo (an inactive treatment) were:

• Sleepiness
• Extrapyramidal symptoms (movement-related side effects, such as stiffness, tremor, or slowed movements)
• Dizziness
• Akathisia (feeling restless and unable to sit still)
• Abnormal vision (vision changes, such as blurred vision)
• Asthenia (weakness or low energy)
• Vomiting

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Geodon can cause serious conditions that require immediate medical attention. These include:

• Increased risk of death and stroke in older adults with dementia-related psychosis — This risk can occur in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.
• Heart rhythm problems from QT interval prolongation — A change in the heart’s electrical activity can lead to dangerous abnormal rhythms.
• Serotonin syndrome — This potentially dangerous reaction can cause agitation, confusion, sweating, fever, fast heartbeat, or muscle stiffness.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) — This rare, life-threatening reaction can cause high fever, severe muscle stiffness, confusion, and sweating.
• Severe skin reactions — These can include DRESS and Stevens-Johnson syndrome, serious rashes that can involve fever, blistering, peeling skin, or organ problems.
• Tardive dyskinesia — Hard-to-control, repetitive movements can occur, often involving the face or tongue.
• Metabolic changes — These can include high blood sugar, diabetes, unhealthy cholesterol levels, or weight gain.
• Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing), syncope (fainting), and falls — These can occur while taking Geodon.
• Low white blood cell counts — Leukopenia, neutropenia, or agranulocytosis can raise infection risk.
• Seizures — Seizures can occur while taking Geodon.
• Dysphagia (trouble swallowing) — This can raise the risk of choking or breathing food or liquid into the lungs.
• Hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels) — This can cause symptoms such as breast milk production not related to breastfeeding.
• Priapism — A painful erection that will not go away can occur.
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors — Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can occur while taking Geodon.

Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.

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How To Save on Geodon

Viatris, the manufacturer of Geodon, offers the Viatris Patient Assistance Program (U.S.).

To learn more, visit the Viatris Patient Assistance Program website or call 888-417-5780.

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What To Know Before Taking Geodon

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to ziprasidone or any ingredients in Geodon. Do not take Geodon if you have had a serious allergic reaction to ziprasidone.

Do not take Geodon if you:

• Have a history of QT prolongation
• Have had a recent acute heart attack
• Have uncompensated heart failure
• Are taking other medicines known to prolong the QT interval

Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.

Before you start Geodon, be sure to tell your doctor if you:

• Have had any problem with the way your heart beats or any heart-related illness or disease
• Have any family history of heart disease, including recent heart attack
• Have had any problem with fainting or dizziness
• Have had any problems with your liver
• Have low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood

Geodon can make you feel sleepy. Be careful when driving or using machines.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Geodon.

This medicine may make it harder for your body to cool down. Be careful in hot weather and avoid becoming too hot or dehydrated.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Geodon, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. If you become pregnant while receiving Geodon, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics. You can register by calling 866-961-2388 or visiting the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics website.

Geodon can pass into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you receive Geodon.

Geodon is also FDA approved to treat schizophrenia in adults.

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Community FAQs

These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.

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Learn More

On MyDepressionTeam, people share their experiences with bipolar 1 disorder, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

• Geodon — Viatris
• 6 Treatments for Bipolar 1: Anti-Seizure Medications, Antipsychotics, and More — MyDepressionTeam
• Common Triggers of Bipolar 1 Episodes and How Long They Last — MyDepressionTeam
• How Is Bipolar Disorder Treated? — MyDepressionTeam
• Bipolar Disorder — National Alliance on Mental Illness

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