Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Ziprasidone
Other Names: Geodon Capsules
Drug Class: Atypical Antipsychotics
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Ziprasidone Capsules? (Back to top)
ZIPRASIDONE is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• dementia
• diabetes or high blood sugar
• heart disease, including heart failure
• irregular heartbeat
• liver disease
• low potassium level in the blood
• Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders
• previous heart attack or stroke
• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
• an unusual or allergic reaction to ziprasidone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• alfuzosin
• arsenic trioxide
• certain antidepressants
• certain macrolide antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, and troleandomycin
• certain quinolone antibiotics like gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and sparfloxacin
• chloroquine
• cisapride
• clozapine
• dolasetron
• droperidol
• halofantrine
• haloperidol
• levomethadyl
• medicines for treating heart-rhythm problems like amiodarone, dofetilide, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, and sotalol
• methadone
• palonosetron
• pentamidine
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine and thioridazine
• pimozide
• probucol
• propafenone
• risperidone
• sertindole
• tacrolimus
• vardenafil

• carbamazepine
• diuretics
• medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole
• medicines for Parkinson's disease
• some medications for high blood pressure
• stimulants like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• change in emotion or behavior such as feeling depressed, angry, or anxious
• chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty swallowing
• excessive thirst and/or hunger
• fast or irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• fever
• frequently needing to urinate
• inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs
• loss of balance or difficulty walking
• prolonged erection
• seizures
• skin rash or hives
• stiff muscles or jaw
• tremor
• uncontrollable movements or spasms of the face, tongue or mouth
• weakness or loss of strength

• constipation
• drowsiness
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the dose.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

This medicine can change the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:April 12, 2007

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company