Ziprasidone (By Mouth)

Ziprasidone (zi-PRAY-si-done)

Treats 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:

Capsule

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk at the same time every day. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
• Keep using this medicine for the full treatment time, even if you feel better after the first few doses.
• Never share your medicine with anyone.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

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 blood pressure medicine, diuretics or "water pills" (such as furosemide, Aldactazide®, Aldactone®, Dyazide®, Lasix®, Moduretic®, Maxzide®), 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).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have 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 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
• Skin rash or hives
• Trouble swallowing
• Twitching or muscle movements you cannot control

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

• Problems with balance or walking
• Sneezing, cough, stuffy nose
• Weight gain

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