Geodon Coupons & Discount Card – Guaranteed Prices from $9.77

This document outlines essential safety information and warnings regarding the use of ziprasidone (Geodon). It is imperative for patients and healthcare providers to thoroughly review these points to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.

• Increased Risk in Elderly with Dementia: There is a significant risk of death when ziprasidone is used in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Causes of death may include stroke, cardiovascular issues, or infections. Ziprasidone is not approved for treating dementia-related behavior problems, so discuss alternative treatments with your doctor.

• Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Individuals with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder may experience heightened risks of self-harm or suicidal thoughts. Immediate medical attention is necessary if such symptoms occur.

• Movement Disorders: The medication can lead to tardive dyskinesia, characterized by uncontrollable muscle movements. To minimize risks, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration. Consult your healthcare provider if any involuntary movements are observed.

• Metabolic Changes: Ziprasidone may increase blood sugar, cholesterol levels, and appetite, potentially resulting in weight gain. Regular blood tests are advised to monitor these changes. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: A rare but serious condition that can occur, characterized by symptoms such as fever, muscle stiffness, and confusion. Seek urgent medical care if these symptoms develop.

• Cognitive and Sleep Effects: The medication can cause drowsiness and impair concentration. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you understand how ziprasidone affects you. Consult your provider if excessive drowsiness occurs.

• Blood Pressure and Fall Risk: Ziprasidone may cause fatigue, lowered blood pressure, and balance issues, increasing fall risk. Rise slowly from sitting or lying down. Contact your provider if falls occur.

• Infection Risk: Low white blood cell counts can increase infection risk. Regular blood tests may be necessary. Seek medical advice if symptoms like fever or persistent cough develop.

• Seizure Risk: Inform your doctor of any history of seizures before starting treatment, as ziprasidone can potentially cause seizures.

• Serious Skin Reactions: Report any symptoms of severe skin reactions, such as rashes or blistering, to your healthcare provider immediately.

• Prolonged Erection: Rarely, ziprasidone can cause prolonged and painful erections. Seek immediate medical help if an erection lasts more than 4 hours.

• Hormonal Changes: The medication may elevate prolactin levels, causing symptoms like nipple discharge or menstrual irregularities. Discuss any concerns with your provider.

• Heart Rhythm Changes: There is an increased risk of heart rhythm alterations, especially if combined with other heart-affecting drugs. Your provider may conduct tests to monitor heart health.

Contraindications: Ziprasidone should not be used if you have certain heart conditions, such as uncontrolled heart failure or recent heart attacks, or if you're taking other medications that affect heart rhythm. Always consult your healthcare provider if any of these conditions apply to you.

When taking this medication, you may experience some common side effects, which are generally mild. These include drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, runny nose, and cough. It's important to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to avoid falls due to dizziness. Other common but generally manageable effects include constipation, indigestion, restlessness, and respiratory tract infection. If any of these persist or worsen, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

There are less frequent side effects that you might notice, such as weakness, chest pain, racing heart, diarrhea, dry mouth, decreased appetite, rash, and changes in vision. While these are not common, it's advised to seek medical advice if they become bothersome.

Some rare yet serious side effects require immediate medical attention. These include difficulty swallowing, uncontrolled muscle movements like tardive dyskinesia, severe mood changes, or signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which encompasses symptoms such as fever, muscle stiffness, severe confusion, and irregular heartbeat. Additionally, high blood sugar levels may occur, leading to increased thirst, urination, and tiredness, posing a risk for diabetes and heart disease.

In rare cases, serious allergic reactions might happen, characterized by fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty breathing. Males may experience a painful or prolonged erection lasting four or more hours, which necessitates urgent medical care to prevent permanent damage. Always seek immediate medical help if you experience any of these severe symptoms to ensure your safety.

Ziprasidone, also known by its brand name Geodon, can interact with various medications and supplements. It’s crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about any other drugs or supplements you are using, whether they are prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, or herbal products.

Certain medications should not be used in combination with Ziprasidone due to potential severe or life-threatening interactions. These include drugs like dolasetron and metoclopramide, which can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. This syndrome can occur when there is too much serotonin in the brain, often when starting or increasing doses of medications that raise serotonin levels, such as MDMA, St. John's wort, or some antidepressants like SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine) and SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine, venlafaxine).

Combining Ziprasidone with MAO inhibitors, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, or phenelzine, can lead to a dangerous interaction. It is advised to avoid MAO inhibitors during and for two weeks before and after treatment with Ziprasidone. Discuss with your doctor when to safely start or stop these medications.

Moreover, Ziprasidone can affect heart rhythm, known as QT prolongation, which can be exacerbated by other drugs like amiodarone, moxifloxacin, and sotalol. Therefore, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about any medications that may influence heart rhythm.

Additionally, inform your healthcare provider if you are using substances that cause drowsiness, such as opioids (like codeine or hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana, sleep/anxiety medications (such as alprazolam, lorazepam), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol), or antihistamines (such as diphenhydramine). Be cautious with over-the-counter products that may contain ingredients causing drowsiness and consult your pharmacist about their safe use.

Always seek professional medical advice before combining medications to ensure your safety and well-being.