DF Logo

Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

Advertisement

 Forum Rules DF Info & Disclaimer
>  About GEODON® (ziprasidone HCI) | Add To Bookmarks
Digg this topic · Save to del.icio.us · Slashdot It · Post to Technorati · Post to Furl · Submit to Reddit · Share on Facebook · Fark It · Googlize This Post · Add to ma.gnolia · Tag to Wink · Add to MyWeb · Add to Netscape
Advertisement
Advertisement
Lindsay
post Apr 19 2006, 05:36 PM
Post #1


Forum Super Administrator
Group Icon


Group: Super Administrators
Posts: 13,302
Joined: 1-December 01
From: Sarasota, Florida
Member No.: 2
QUOTE
About GEODON® (ziprasidone HCI)

GEODON is a medicine for the treatment of some mental illnesses. It is used for acute manic acute bipolar mania or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder.

Doctors believe GEODON helps balance certain natural chemicals in your brain. This, in turn, helps treat your symptoms of acute mania acute bipolar mania or a mixed episode. And that can help you feel better.

What are the signs of acute bipolar mania or a mixed episode?

During acute mania acute bipolar mania you may:

* Feel overly happy
* Feel hyper
* Feel grouchy
* Feel restless
* Have difficulty concentrating

You may also think and talk fast or treat people in a rude manner. You may go days with little or no sleep.

Acute mania acute bipolar mania can also make you feel as if you are on top of the world. This may lead to very reckless behavior, like:

* Problems at work
* Spending sprees
* Risky sex
* Abuse of alcohol or drugs

In a mixed state, you may feel very sad or hopeless but also be full of energy and restless.

Sometimes if an acute manic acute bipolar mania or mixed state is severe, you may have thoughts that are unusual. You might even hear voices or see things that other people do not see or hear.

How GEODON Works

Doctors believe GEODON bipolar medication helps balance certain natural chemicals in your brain. Balancing these chemicals helps treat your symptoms of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. And that can help you feel better.

Click the photo below to see a short video on how GEODON works.

Every person is different and will respond to bipolar medication medicine for bipolar mania in his or her own way. It may take several weeks to see the benefits of GEODON bipolar medication.

GEODON bipolar medication may not be right for all patients. Only you and your doctor can tell if it is right for you.

Next:Benefits and Side Effects of GEODON

Benefits and Side Effects of GEODON

Benefits of symptom relief with GEODON

GEODON helps balance natural chemicals in your brain. As a result, it helps treat your symptoms of acute mania or a mixed episode. And that can help you feel better.

No medicine works the same for everyone, and no medicine can treat all symptoms all the time. But GEODON should help treat manic symptoms like:

* High, edgy moods
* Fast thinking and talking
* Feeling hyper
* Insomnia (can't sleep)
* Feeling hopeless
* Very happy or very sad moods
* Feeling restless

You may see some symptom improvement within a few days, but each person responds to bipolar mania medicine in his or her own way. It may take longer to see benefits. It is important to take your medicine every day in order to experience the benefits of symptom relief.

In general, patients taking GEODON:

* Experience improvement in symptoms of bipolar mania and mixed episodes
* Have very few sexual problems related to the medicine
* See little effect overall on lipids related to the medicine

Side effects of GEODON

All medicines can cause side effects. The most common side effects of GEODON are:

* Feeling very tired or sleepy
* Upset stomach
* Constipation or diarrhea
* Feeling dizzy
* Muscle movements that you are not able to control, such as tremor or shuffling
* Rash
* Restlessness
* Increased cough/runny nose

Although these are the most common side effects for GEODON, others may occur. To learn more about side effects, talk to your doctor or read the Important Safety Information.

Taking GEODON

How to take GEODON for bipolar mania or mixed episodes

Be sure to take GEODON exactly as your doctor says.

* Be sure to take GEODON with food, and swallow capsules whole.
* Take GEODON at the same time every day. This can help you remember to take GEODON.
* If you miss a dose, just take your next dose of GEODON at the usual time of day. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed.
* Medicine calendars or pill boxes can help you remember to take your medicine.

Sometimes people stop taking their bipolar medicine once they start feeling better. Don't stop taking GEODON without talking to your doctor first. It is important to take your GEODON exactly as your doctor says, even when you start to feel better. If you keep taking GEODON, there is less chance you will get ill again.
20 mg Geodon Tablet 40mg Geodon Tablet 60mg Geodon Tablet 80mg Geodon Tablet
Color Blue/White Blue/Blue White/White Blue/White
Imprint Pfizer
396 Pfizer
397 Pfizer
398 Pfizer
399

GEODON can be taken at different doses, depending on what your doctor thinks is best for you. Your GEODON prescription may start at a lower dose and move to a higher dose depending on your response to the medicine. Keep in mind that GEODON can help treat your symptoms, not cure the acute mania or mixed episodes.

Your doctor will decide what works best for you and will adjust your dose of GEODON as needed.

GEODON may not be right for all patients. Only you and your doctor can tell if it is right for you. Please be sure to talk to your doctor about your GEODON treatment and read the Important Safety Information.

Common Questions about GEODON

How does GEODON work?

No drug works the same for everyone. And no drug treats all the signs of an illness all the time. But GEODON should help treat manic symptoms like:

* High, edgy moods
* Fast thinking and talking
* Feeling hyper
* Trouble sleeping
* Feeling hopeless
* Very happy or very sad moods
* Feeling restless

When will GEODON start to work?

You may see some symptom improvement in the first few days. Every person is different and will respond to medicine for bipolar mania in his or her own way.

What are the benefits and side effects of GEODON?

All medicines for bipolar mania, including GEODON, can cause side effects that may make people want to stop taking their medicine. Talk to your doctor before stopping your medication.

In general, patients taking GEODON:

* Experience improvement in symptoms of bipolar mania and mixed episodes
* Have very few sexual problems related to the medicine
* See little change in cholesterol levels related to the medicine

Side effects

All medicines can cause side effects. The most common side effects of GEODON are:

* Feeling very tired or sleepy
* Upset stomach
* Constipation or diarrhea
* Feeling dizzy
* Muscle movements that you are not able to control, such as tremor or shuffling
* Rash
* Restlessness
* Increased cough/runny nose

Although these are the most common side effects for GEODON, others may occur. To learn more about side effects, talk to your doctor.

How do I take GEODON?

Be sure to take GEODON exactly as your doctor says.

* Be sure to take GEODON with food, and swallow capsules whole.
* Take GEODON at the same time every day. This can help you remember to take GEODON.
* If you miss a dose, just take your next dose of GEODON at the usual time of day. Do not take a double dose to make up for one you missed.
* Medicine calendars or pill boxes can help you remember to take your medicine.

How long should I take GEODON?

* Take your medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
* Take GEODON even when you start to feel better.
* Staying on your medicine can help you avoid having the manic symptoms or mixed episodes of bipolar disorder again.

What if I miss a dose of GEODON?

* If you miss a dose, just take your next dose of GEODON at the same time the next day.
* Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed.

What if I run out of GEODON?

Be sure to tell your doctor when you need more GEODON. Do this before you run out of your supply.

* Call your doctor for a new prescription and take it to your local pharmacy
OR
Go to your local pharmacy and ask them to call your doctor for you

What do GEODON capsules look like?

GEODON capsules are differentiated by pill color/size and are imprinted in black ink with "Pfizer" and a unique number:
20 mg Geodon Tablet 40mg Geodon Tablet 60mg Geodon Tablet 80mg Geodon Tablet
Color Blue/White Blue/Blue White/White Blue/White
Imprint Pfizer
396 Pfizer
397 Pfizer
398 Pfizer
399

If you have questions about GEODON or the dosing that is right for you, ask your doctor.

How can I make the most of my treatment with GEODON?

Talk to your doctor. Ask questions, and learn as much as you can about GEODON. Working closely with your doctor is the key to managing your bipolar mania or mixed episode.

* Be honest when talking to your doctor about how you feel.
* Tell your doctor about any other medicines that you take.
* Tell your doctor about any changes you notice.
* Tell your doctor about any medical problems in your family.

Be sure to partner with your doctor. This is the best way to get the most from your treatment.

Answers to other common questions about GEODON

* GEODON is a prescription medicine. You should always take it the way your doctor says. Do not share it with others.
* Keep GEODON and all other medicines away from children.
* Do not drink alcohol, such as beer, wine, or hard liquor, while on GEODON.
* Do not drive a car or run a machine until you are sure that you can do these things safely while taking GEODON.
* Let your doctor know if you become pregnant while you are taking GEODON. You should also tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or if you want to breast-feed your baby.


SOURCE:- http://www.geodon.com/


--------------------
Be Well....

~Lindsay ♥, Forum Super Administrator
Founder, depressionforums.org

Forum Super Administrator
DF member since Dec 2001

----
"I cannot make my mark for all time...those concepts are mutually exclusive.
"Lasting effect" is a self -contradictory term. Meaning does not exist in the future, nor do I.
Nothing will have meaning, "ultimately."
Nothing will even mean tomorrow what it did today. Meaning changes with the context.
My meaningfulness is in the here and now. It is enough that I may be of value to someone today.
It is enough that I make a difference now." ~Lindsay


Hotlines
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

 
 Start new topic
Replies (1 - 17)
bluevixen
post Aug 30 2007, 06:19 PM
Post #2


Just Registered



Group: Just Registered
Posts: 3
Joined: 24-August 07
From: TEXAS
Member No.: 18,484
hi...this is the first time i have seen a thread on Geodon...it has brought me out of **THE PIT**...now i'm sitting up on the edge...i would like to talk to other people that have more time using Geodon than me...it's been 2 week's for me..thank you! bluevixen
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

Christoph
post Mar 7 2008, 05:25 PM
Post #3


Just Registered



Group: Just Registered
Posts: 1
Joined: 7-March 08
Member No.: 23,420
QUOTE (bluevixen @ Aug 30 2007, 06:19 PM) *
hi...this is the first time i have seen a thread on Geodon...it has brought me out of **THE PIT**...now i'm sitting up on the edge...i would like to talk to other people that have more time using Geodon than me...it's been 2 week's for me..thank you! bluevixen


I've tried Geodon and it's worked for me in treating Major Depression with psychotic features. I'm starting on it again because I wasn't doing well without anything. I've had horrible side effects with it in the past. Very annoying side effects with 60mg, and when taking 80mg I ended up in the hospital for bodily and facial contractions. I was also on a high amount of SSRIs at the time (Paxil). I'm no longer on antidpressants, and I'm starting the 60mg back up, to where, at one time, the side effects were at least tolerable. I'll see how it goes.

It's did wonders before. Not only has it helped me get out of a depressive state, it's put me in a positive one. And hopefully I'll get back to that.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

HotPink
post May 25 2008, 11:03 AM
Post #4


Just Registered



Group: Just Registered
Posts: 1
Joined: 25-May 08
Member No.: 25,512
This is the first time that I have ever "posted" anything before, so please forgive me if I make some mistakes. I was searching Google for "Geodon and ziprasidone and depression and OCD" and found this site. I'm glad I did! I've had depression and OCD for years. I started taking Geodon about two weeks ago and feel really good (so far). I would also like some more information on Geodon and OCD. If anybody has some insight, please let me know. Thank You.

This post has been edited by HotPink: May 25 2008, 11:05 AM
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

Elena
post Jun 1 2008, 12:47 AM
Post #5


Newbie
*


Group: Newbie
Posts: 24
Joined: 31-May 08
From: Yekaterinburg, Russia
Member No.: 25,667
I was on Geodon for about 1.5 month and had to stop it because of hypomania. Have tried 60, 80 and 120 mg and had severe derealization, so I was kept on 40 mg, but as I've already said I started to suffer from hypomanic eposides and fixed ideas. The problem is that ziprasidone has a certain antidepressive activity...and when it was combined with mirtazapine and lamotrigine there was no wonder I had this mania. Ugh. Now I returned to seroquel.


--------------------
Se capisci 'sta frase contattami.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

ApocalypseSmeep
post Sep 30 2008, 05:55 AM
Post #6


Newbie
*


Group: Newbie
Posts: 5
Joined: 29-July 08
Member No.: 27,433
QUOTE (Elena @ Jun 1 2008, 01:47 AM) *
I was on Geodon for about 1.5 month and had to stop it because of hypomania. Have tried 60, 80 and 120 mg and had severe derealization, so I was kept on 40 mg, but as I've already said I started to suffer from hypomanic eposides and fixed ideas. The problem is that ziprasidone has a certain antidepressive activity...and when it was combined with mirtazapine and lamotrigine there was no wonder I had this mania. Ugh. Now I returned to seroquel.


I came here wondering if anyone else had had unusual experiences with this drug, and the comment on derealization is something I was hoping I could get more input on.

I've noticed that I often hear music in my head as if it were in the distance, tinny, and from a bad recording, (I can't positively remember if this started after the medication, however.) I also have had an increase in violent thoughts, which has never been an issue for me.

I'm not sure if the medicines I am taking are just not working, or if this a side-effect. I can't remember how long I have been on the drug, maybe a year, but my dosage was increased considerably over the past few months.


--------------------
"Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out." -Benjamin Franklin
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

dondi2538
post Nov 29 2008, 08:58 PM
Post #7


Senior Member
*****


Group: Senior Member
Posts: 644
Joined: 9-May 07
From: NC
Member No.: 16,069
I have been taking geodon for a little over a year now. I started off taking 80mg and then had it reduced to 60mg. The only side effects have been sleepiness, which is fine for me because I have a lot of trouble falling asleep at night. Also, hunger. I get very hungry when this pill kicks in. I usually end up eating some kind of junk food, so it hasn't helped in the weight dept. For a while I would feel totally numb but now even that has worn off considerably and I feel pretty ok. I take it to control my mood swings and it does help. I have never experienced hearing music or anything like that. You should tell your doctor about this. Your dosage may need to be adjusted again.


--------------------
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

cxjtc
post Jan 16 2009, 03:38 PM
Post #8


Newbie
*


Group: Newbie
Posts: 11
Joined: 16-January 09
From: MA
Member No.: 32,767
I have been taking geodon for over a year now. I am up to 160mg (80 2x/day). I often suffer from derealization, but I don't think its related to the geodon because I have experienced it before. I have noticed a decrease in visual and auditory hallucinations during manic episodes and a decrease in homicidal thinking during depressive episodes. I can't say I've noticed any side effects, but it would be hard to say anyway because of the other 5 medications I am taking.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

dlynell
post Feb 2 2009, 02:40 AM
Post #9


Newbie
*


Group: Newbie
Posts: 16
Joined: 2-February 09
From: St. Paul, Minnesota
Member No.: 33,343
I really need to get off Geodon. It makes me so tired, and I already have little energy to begin with.

Unfortunately, I am physically addicted to the medication. When I miss a dose, I feel similar to the way I feel when I go too long without eating. Also, it has gotten to the point where I can't even sleep unless I take it.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

CMD
post Apr 21 2009, 01:41 PM
Post #10


Just Registered



Group: Just Registered
Posts: 2
Joined: 21-April 09
Member No.: 35,987
QUOTE (dlynell @ Feb 2 2009, 02:40 AM) *
I really need to get off Geodon. It makes me so tired, and I already have little energy to begin with.

Unfortunately, I am physically addicted to the medication. When I miss a dose, I feel similar to the way I feel when I go too long without eating. Also, it has gotten to the point where I can't even sleep unless I take it.


That's interesting to me.
I've been on Geodon for about a year and a half, along with a list of other drugs.
I have noticed similar effects when I am late with a dose.
I'll ask my doctor about this idea of these being withdrawals from the drug.
Thanks!
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

bettyboop2
post May 13 2009, 06:05 AM
Post #11


Just Registered



Group: Just Registered
Posts: 1
Joined: 13-May 09
Member No.: 36,695
HI,IM TRYING TO FIND OUT IF ITS BETTER TO TAKE GEOND IN THE MORNING OR AT NIGHT
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

flippingout
post May 22 2009, 03:38 AM
Post #12


Gold Member
*******


Group: Gold Member
Posts: 1,394
Joined: 26-October 06
From: lala land
Member No.: 11,138
QUOTE (bettyboop2 @ May 13 2009, 07:05 AM) *
HI,IM TRYING TO FIND OUT IF ITS BETTER TO TAKE GEOND IN THE MORNING OR AT NIGHT

Geodon is one of those medications where you take it twice a day.


--------------------
Peter: Oh my god, Brian, there's a message in my Alphabits. It says, 'Oooooo.'
Brian: Peter, those are Cheerios.
-Family Guy
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

dondi2538
post May 22 2009, 10:01 AM
Post #13


Senior Member
*****


Group: Senior Member
Posts: 644
Joined: 9-May 07
From: NC
Member No.: 16,069
QUOTE (bettyboop2 @ May 13 2009, 06:05 AM) *
HI,IM TRYING TO FIND OUT IF ITS BETTER TO TAKE GEOND IN THE MORNING OR AT NIGHT


you should take it at night because it can make you very sleepy..


--------------------
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

inthecuff
post Jun 24 2009, 05:36 PM
Post #14


Just Registered



Group: Just Registered
Posts: 3
Joined: 24-June 09
Member No.: 38,037
QUOTE (flippingout @ May 22 2009, 04:38 AM) *
QUOTE (bettyboop2 @ May 13 2009, 07:05 AM) *
HI,IM TRYING TO FIND OUT IF ITS BETTER TO TAKE GEOND IN THE MORNING OR AT NIGHT

Geodon is one of those medications where you take it twice a day.


My pdoc prescribed 2 capsules, one at 6pm and the other at 9pm. Just started Geodon. Found sedation effect pretty strong, so I doubt, at least for me, that it would be advisable to take early in the day. It was prescribed for me because, aside from depression, I've been experiencing long term insomnia. I found the sedation effect to be pretty immediate and am not to thrilled about feeling that sedated so early in the evening - but was thrilled that for the first time in months I actually fell asleep at a decent hour.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

deejaypancake
post Aug 10 2009, 09:55 AM
Post #15


Just Registered



Group: Just Registered
Posts: 1
Joined: 10-August 09
Member No.: 39,461
Let me just say that I'm glad I found this site. It's already provided me with a feeling of comfort.

I've been taking Geodon (40mg) for almost a month now for mood swings/bipolarity and I have to admit, I'm having ups and downs. I've been experiencing the nausea lately, and even right now. I've found that if I take the pill with a really late dinner and need to wake up early the next morning, I will feel sick. It usually ends up wearing off by afternoon time, but I'd like to know if this is common? Also, during my sick periods, I have trouble focusing my eyes. My vision gets decently blurry. I don't plan on giving up on this drug, knowing that things like this can get worse before it gets better, but it sucks to feel sick. One more thing on the negative side, I've been feeling restless. I used to be able to watch tv, sit down and relax, do anything without feeling like I had to be doing something productive. But now, I can't sit down and chill for more than what seems like 30 seconds. I pace a lot now. I think that sitting down and writing this post is the longest I've been able to stop pacing in a while.

When I'm not feeling sick, I feel perfectly fine. I still feel the urge to pace, though.

I seriously hope these negative symptoms go away. This is the very first and only drug I've been on for this long. Before my psychiatrist prescribed me Geodon, I took another drug which the name of escapes me. I was only on it for about a week, since it was free samples and I couldn't afford it with my crappy insurance.

EDIT: The drug I took before Geodon was Lamictal. After reading up on some symptoms associate with coming off it, it makes sense why I get blurred "drunk-like" vision. I however, don't wanna blame all of my negative symptoms on the Lamictal.

This post has been edited by deejaypancake: Aug 10 2009, 10:52 AM
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

ViperT101
post Sep 3 2009, 03:21 AM
Post #16


Just Registered



Group: Just Registered
Posts: 2
Joined: 3-September 09
Member No.: 40,253
Since I started reading this thread, I feel that I am to only person that is having trouble with insomnia since starting Geodon. whatsthat.gif I can't complain about the medication as it has been the "wonderdrug" that I've been waiting for during the last ten years. I can remember now what life was like before depression and I'm a changed man. THat being said, why can't I sleep? I have had 7 hours of sleep total in the last 4 days. It started out with just missing bits and pieces of sleep, but now has grown to full nights and then I can't function during the day. I am unwilling to give up my Geodon because I like being me again, but I can't go without sleep much longer. tear2.gif Does anyone have any ideas that I can try or bring up to my doctor? I am already using Lunesta 3mg since before the Geodon and it has little effect on the insomnia (even when I dbl it) and then when I piggybacked 100mg of trazadone with the Lunesta, I got 2 hours of sleep. Why can't I have my life back?!?!
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

ViperT101
post Sep 3 2009, 03:33 AM
Post #17


Just Registered



Group: Just Registered
Posts: 2
Joined: 3-September 09
Member No.: 40,253
QUOTE (bettyboop2 @ May 13 2009, 04:05 AM) *
HI,IM TRYING TO FIND OUT IF ITS BETTER TO TAKE GEOND IN THE MORNING OR AT NIGHT


It all depends on the effect you're getting out of it. Like the others have said, if you're dealing with sedation, take it at night an hour or two before bed. In my case, I'm not dealing with the sedation, quite the opposite in fact, so I take mine during the morning hoping that it will be more apt to let me sleep at night (no luck yet, but I'm looking for the forum's help with my Geodon related insomnia).

Hope that helps some... smile.gif

This post has been edited by ViperT101: Sep 3 2009, 03:33 AM
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

ragged77
post Sep 4 2009, 08:39 PM
Post #18


Just Registered



Group: Just Registered
Posts: 3
Joined: 4-September 09
Member No.: 40,311
QUOTE (bettyboop2 @ May 13 2009, 06:05 AM) *
HI,IM TRYING TO FIND OUT IF ITS BETTER TO TAKE GEOND IN THE MORNING OR AT NIGHT

My dr advised me to take the Geodon at night be for going to bed.
Go to the top of the page
 
+Quote Post

 

Reply to this topicStart new topic
1 User(s) are reading this topic (1 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:


 

RSS Lo-Fi Version Time is now: 21st November 2009 - 06:31 PM
Copyright © 2009 Depression Forums Incorporated - A Depression & Mental Health Community Support Group. All rights reserved.
Information supplied on Depression Forums should not be relied upon and is not a substitute for medical advice from a health professional or doctor.
* DF © is an acronym for DepressionForums.org
DF © does not endorse any product advertised on Depression Forums Incorporated.

| About Us | Terms Of Service | Privacy Policy | Contact Us |