Brand name:

Geodon

Why is Geodon prescribed?

Geodon is prescribed to treat schizophrenia. It is also used for the short-term treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder. Researchers believe that it works by opposing the action of serotonin and dopamine, two of the brain's major chemical messengers. Because of its potentially serious side effects, Geodon is typically prescribed only after other medications have proved inadequate.

Geodon is usually taken in capsule form. An injectable version is available for quick relief of agitated patients. Injectable Geodon is generally used for no more than a few days.

Most important fact about Geodon

In some people with heart problems or a slow heartbeat, Geodon can cause serious and potentially fatal heartbeat irregularities. The chance of a problem is greater if you are taking a water pill (diuretic) or a medication that prolongs a part of the heartbeat known as the QT interval. Many of the drugs prescribed for heartbeat irregularities prolong the QT interval and should never be combined with Geodon. Other drugs to avoid when taking Geodon include Anzemet, Avelox, Halfan, Inapsine, Lariam, Mellaril, Nebupent, Orap, Orlaam, Pentam, Probucol, Prograf, Serentil, Tequin, Thorazine, Trisenox, and Zagam. If you're uncertain about the risks of any drug you're taking, be sure to check with your doctor before combining it with Geodon.

How should you take Geodon?

Geodon capsules should be taken twice a day with food.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

Geodon side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Geodon.

• Side effects may include:
  Accidental injury, cold symptoms, constipation, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, indigestion, involuntary muscle contractions, muscle tightness, nausea, rash, stuffy and runny nose, upper respiratory infection, vision problems, vomiting, weakness

Why should Geodon not be prescribed?

Do not take Geodon if you have the heartbeat irregularity known as QT prolongation, have had a recent heart attack, or suffer from heart failure. You'll also need to avoid Geodon if it gives you an allergic reaction.

Special warnings about Geodon

Remember that Geodon can cause dangerous--even fatal--heartbeat irregularities. Warning signs include dizziness, palpitations, and fainting. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Be careful to avoid drugs that prolong the QT interval of the heartbeat. Check with your doctor before combining any other medication with Geodon.

Particularly during the first few days of therapy, Geodon can cause low blood pressure, with accompanying dizziness, fainting, and rapid heartbeat. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these side effects. To minimize such problems, your doctor will increase your dose gradually. If you are prone to low blood pressure, take blood pressure medicine, become dehydrated, or have heart disease or poor circulation in the brain, use Geodon with caution.

Geodon may cause drowsiness and can impair your judgment, thinking, and motor skills. Use caution while driving and don't operate potentially dangerous machinery until you know how Geodon affects you.

Geodon poses a very slight risk of seizures, especially if you are over age 65, have a history of seizures, or have Alzheimer's disease.

Drugs such as Geodon sometimes cause a condition called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Symptoms include high fever, muscle rigidity, irregular pulse or blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, excessive perspiration, and changes in heart rhythm. If these symptoms appear, tell your doctor immediately. You'll need to stop taking Geodon while the condition is under treatment.

There also is the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia, a condition marked by slow, rhythmical, involuntary movements. This problem is more likely to occur in mature adults, especially older women. When it does, use of Geodon is usually stopped.

Geodon can suppress the cough reflex; you may have trouble clearing your airway. Some people taking Geodon also develop a rash. Tell your doctor when this happens. If the rash doesn't clear up with treatment, you may have to discontinue the drug.

Other antipsychotic medications have been known to interfere with the body's temperature-regulating mechanism, causing the body to overheat. Although this problem has not occurred with Geodon, caution is still advisable. Avoid exposure to extreme heat, strenuous exercise, and dehydration. There also is a remote chance that Geodon may cause abnormal, prolonged and painful erections.

Certain antipsychotic drugs are associated with an increased risk of developing high blood sugar, which on rare occasions has led to coma or death. There have been only a few reports of diabetes or blood sugar problems occurring in people using Geodon. Still, it's important to see your doctor if you develop signs of high blood sugar, including dry mouth, unusual thirst, increased urination, and tiredness. If you have diabetes or have a high risk of developing it, see your doctor regularly for blood sugar testing.

Geodon is prescribed for the short-term treatment of rapid-onset bipolar mania; it is not approved for preventing future episodes. The effectiveness of the drug for treating mania for more than 3 weeks has not been studied.

Animal studies suggest that Geodon may increase the risk of breast cancer, although human studies have not confirmed such a risk. If you have a history of breast cancer, see your doctor regularly for checkups.

The safety and effectiveness of Geodon have not been studied in children.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Geodon

Remember that you must never combine Geodon with any drug that prolongs the part of the heartbeat known as the QT interval (see "Most important fact about Geodon"). Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubts about a drug you're taking.

If Geodon is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Geodon with the following:

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Certain blood pressure medications
Drugs that boost the effects of dopamine such as Mirapex, Parlodel, Permax, and Requip
Drugs that affect the brain and nervous system, such as sedatives, tranquilizers, and antidepressants
Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Levodopa (Larodopa, Sinet)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

Geodon has caused fetal harm when tested in animals. It should be taken during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the potential risk. Notify your doctor as soon as you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether Geodon appears in breast milk, and breastfeeding is not recommended.

Recommended dosage for Geodon

SCHIZOPHRENIA

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.

• Symptoms of Geodon overdose may include:
  Drowsiness, slurred speech, high blood pressure