Geodon (generic name: ziprasidone; brand names include: Zipsydon / Zeldox) belongs to a group of medicines called antipsychotics.

Geodon is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia that may include:

hearing voices that are not there
seeing or sensing things which are not true
mistaken beliefs
having morbid suspicions
becoming withdrawn
feeling depressed or anxious

In a one-year clinical trial, Geodon was also shown to delay and reduce the rate of relapse.

Geodon is also a treatment for acute manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Symptoms of acute manic or mixed episodes may include:

Extremely high or irritable mood
Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
Racing thoughts or talking very fast
Being easily distracted
Feeling little need for sleep

In clinical trials, Geodon improved symptoms of acute manic and mixed episodes.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Geodon exactly as directed.

Your doctor will decide the dose depending on your condition. The usual dose is 40 mg twice daily, taken with food in the morning and in the evening. Your doctor may increase this up to 80 mg twice daily.

Take your capsule(s) in the morning with breakfast and in the evening with your evening meal. Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water.

Keep taking Geodon for as long as your doctor recommends, even if you feel better. If you keep taking Geodon as recommended, there is less chance of your symptoms returning.

If you forget to take Geodon and it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking it as you would normally. Do not double a dose to make up for the dose you have missed.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Geodon. The effects of both alcohol and Geodon can be increased if you take them together.

Precautions

Do not take Geodon, if:

You have had a recent heart attack
You have heart failure that is not well-controlled
You have a condition related to abnormal rhythm of the heart
You have a condition requiring other drugs to control the heart rhythm

Like most antipsychotic medicines, Geodon is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: ziprasidone.