Geodon: Oral capsule

What is this medicine?

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

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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?

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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.

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

What if I miss a dose?

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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?

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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

-alfuzosin
-arsenic trioxide
-certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, pentamidine, sparfloxacin, telithromycin, troleandomycin
-certain medicines for depression
-certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole
-certain medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, dofetilide, dronedarone, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol
-chloroquine
-cisapride
-clozapine
-dolasetron
-droperidol
-halofantrine
-haloperidol
-methadone
-other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)
-palonosetron
-phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, thioridazine
-pimozide
-propafenone
-risperidone
-sertindole
-tacrolimus
-vardenafil

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

-carbamazepine
-certain medicines for blood pressure
-certain medicines for Parkinson's disease
-diuretics
-stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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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 reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Dress warm in cold weather and stay hydrated in hot weather. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures like saunas, hot tubs, very hot or cold showers, or activities that can cause dehydration such as vigorous exercise.

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.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-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 or chills, sore throat
-frequently needing to urinate
-inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs
-loss of balance or difficulty walking
-lump or swelling on the neck
-prolonged erection
-redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
-seizures
-stiff muscles or jaw
-tremor
-uncontrollable movements or spasms of the face, tongue or mouth
-weakness or loss of strength

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-constipation
-drowsiness
-headache
-nausea or vomiting
-upset stomach