DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Ziprasidone Capsules (zi-PRAY-si-done)
Brand Name: Geodon

Geodon Capsules is an atypical antipsychotic. It may increase the risk of death when used to treat mental problems caused by dementia in elderly patients. Most of the deaths were linked to heart problems or infection. Geodon Capsules is not approved to treat mental problems caused by dementia. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

Geodon Capsules is used for:

Treating schizophrenia. It is also used to treat acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder (manic-depression). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Geodon Capsules an antipsychotic. It may work by altering the balance of certain chemicals that occur naturally in the brain, which are responsible for thinking and behavior.

Do NOT use Geodon Capsules if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Geodon Capsules
• you have certain heart diseases, including long QT syndrome, a recent heart attack, severe heart failure, or certain irregularities of heart rhythm
• you are taking cisapride, dofetilide, H₁ antagonists (eg, diphenhydramine), halofantrine, macrolide immunosuppressives (eg, tacrolimus), mefloquine, methadone, pentamidine, pimozide, probucol, procainamide, quinidine, serotonin receptor antagonist antiemetics (eg, ondansetron), sotalol, or sparfloxacin

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Geodon Capsules:

Some medical conditions may interact with Geodon Capsules. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have considered or attempted suicide
• if you have heart disease, a slow heartbeat, low blood potassium or magnesium levels, low blood volume, a drug-induced movement disorder, diabetes, kidney or liver problems, a history of stroke, a history of low blood pressure, seizures, difficulty swallowing, Alzheimer disease, or breast cancer, or if you are overweight

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Geodon Capsules. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Carbamazepine because it may decrease Geodon Capsules's effectiveness
• Arsenic, cisapride, class III antiarrhythmics (eg, amiodarone, sotalol), dofetilide, droperidol, H₁ antagonists (eg, diphenhydramine), halofantrine, IA and IC antiarrhythmics (eg, procainamide, quinidine, flecainide, propafenone), macrolide immunosuppressives (eg, tacrolimus), macrolides and ketolides (eg, erythromycin, azithromycin), mefloquine, methadone, pentamidine, phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), pimozide, probucol, quinolones (eg, ciprofloxacin), serotonin receptor antagonist antiemetics (eg, ondansetron), sparfloxacin, or streptogramins (eg, mitomycin, pristinamycin) because the risk of side effects such as abnormal heart rhythms may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Geodon Capsules may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Geodon Capsules:

Use Geodon Capsules as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Geodon Capsules by mouth with food.
• Swallow Geodon Capsules whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• Taking Geodon Capsules at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• Take Geodon Capsules on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
• It may take a few weeks for you to notice the benefits of Geodon Capsules. Continue to take Geodon Capsules even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• If you miss a dose of Geodon Capsules, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Geodon Capsules.

Important safety information:

• Geodon Capsules may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Geodon Capsules with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using this medicine; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Geodon Capsules may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
• Geodon Capsules may increase your risk for developing diabetes or increase blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels can cause serious problems if left untreated.
• Diabetes patients - Geodon Capsules may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.
• Lab tests, including electrolyte levels or fasting blood sugar levels, may be performed while you use this medicine. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Geodon Capsules with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially dizziness and lightheadedness upon sitting or standing up.
• Geodon Capsules should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Geodon Capsules while you are pregnant. It is not known if Geodon Capsules is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Geodon Capsules.

Possible side effects of Geodon Capsules:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; feeling unusually tired or sleepy; headache; increased cough or runny nose; loss of appetite; nausea; upset stomach.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); altered mental abilities, including lack of response to your surroundings; change in amount of urine; change in vision; difficulty swallowing; fainting or loss of consciousness; fever; high blood sugar (increased thirst, increased urination, confusion, flushing, rapid breathing, or fruity breath odor); inability to move; increased body heat; irregular or fast heartbeat; muscle rigidity; muscle spasms or twitching; pounding in the chest; prolonged or painful erection; seizures; sweating; uncontrolled movements (especially of face or tongue).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include fainting; irregular heartbeat; seizure; slurring of speech; uncontrolled movement of the head and neck.

Proper storage of Geodon Capsules:

Store Geodon Capsules at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Geodon Capsules out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Geodon Capsules, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Geodon Capsules is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Geodon Capsules. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.