Ziprasidone (Injection)

Ziprasidone (zi-PRAY-si-done)

Treats an episode of agitation (excessive movement, tension, or anxiety) in a person who has schizophrenia.

Brand Name(s):

Geodon
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to ziprasidone, if you have recently had a heart attack, or if you have heart rhythm problems or uncontrolled heart failure. There are many other medicines, including nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, that you should not use while you are taking ziprasidone. Make sure your doctor knows about ALL other medicines you are using.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using ziprasidone taken by mouth, or if you are also using blood pressure medicine, diuretics or "water pills" (such as furosemide, Aldactazide®, Aldactone®, Dyazide®, Lasix®, Moduretic®, Maxzide®, Norvasc®), levodopa (Larodopa®), carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Tegretol®), or ketoconazole (Nizoral®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, or sedatives).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, heart problems, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, trouble swallowing, or a history of stroke, breast cancer, low potassium or magnesium levels in your blood, or thoughts of hurting yourself. Tell your doctor if you have ever had Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) caused by other antipsychotic medicines.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• This medicine may cause you to become overheated. Tell your doctor if you exercise heavily or will be in high heat or humidity.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fast, slow, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
• Fever, sweating, confusion, irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Seizures
• Severe diarrhea or vomiting, extreme thirst
• Twitching or muscle movements you cannot control

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Pain where the shot was given
• Problems with balance or walking

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.