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When it comes to using this medication, especially in older adults with dementia, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind. Below are the key points you need to know:

• Increased Risk for Older Adults: There is a slight increase in the risk of serious, potentially life-threatening side effects, including stroke, heart failure, irregular or rapid heartbeat, and pneumonia, when this medication is used by older adults with dementia. It is not approved for managing behavioral issues related to dementia.

• Consultation is Essential: It is crucial to discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of this medication. Together, you can explore other treatments that may be effective and possibly safer for addressing behavioral problems associated with dementia.

• Combination Therapy: If you are using ziprasidone alongside other medications for depression, ensure you thoroughly review the drug information for all medications involved.

Always prioritize discussions with healthcare professionals to ensure the safest and most effective treatment plan.

Taking this medication may cause drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, runny nose, and cough. These effects are generally mild, but if they persist or become bothersome, it's important to consult with your healthcare provider. To reduce the risk of dizziness or lightheadedness, rise slowly from sitting or lying positions.

On rare occasions, more serious side effects can occur. If you experience difficulty swallowing, muscle spasms, tremors, mood changes, vision issues, or interrupted breathing during sleep, seek medical attention promptly. The medication may occasionally lead to elevated blood sugar, which could worsen diabetes. Symptoms of high blood sugar include increased thirst and urination; if you notice these, inform your healthcare provider. Additionally, this drug may cause significant weight gain and increased cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease.

There is a rare risk of developing tardive dyskinesia, characterized by unusual or uncontrolled movements, particularly of the face, mouth, tongue, arms, or legs. This condition can be permanent, so immediate medical consultation is necessary if these symptoms appear. The medication can also increase prolactin levels, potentially causing unwanted breast milk, menstrual changes, or fertility issues in females, and sexual or reproductive issues in males.

Serious side effects requiring urgent medical help include severe dizziness, fainting, seizures, signs of liver damage, or serotonin syndrome symptoms like fast heartbeat or hallucinations. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a rare but severe condition, may manifest as fever, muscle pain, severe tiredness, or kidney issues. Furthermore, males should seek immediate help for painful or prolonged erections lasting over four hours. Although allergic reactions are rare, look out for symptoms like rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing, and seek immediate medical assistance if they occur.

This summary covers many side effects, but not all. Always contact your healthcare provider if you notice other unexpected effects.

Some medications that may interact with this drug include dolasetron and metoclopramide. The likelihood of developing serotonin syndrome or toxicity rises when you take other drugs that increase serotonin levels. This includes illicit drugs like MDMA ("ecstasy"), herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort, and certain antidepressants such as SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine) and SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine, venlafaxine). The risk is especially higher when you start or increase the dosage of these medicines.

Combining MAO inhibitors with this medication can lead to a severe and potentially fatal reaction. Avoid taking any MAO inhibitors like isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, or tranylcypromine while on this drug. It’s generally recommended not to use most MAO inhibitors two weeks before and after treatment with this medication. Consult your doctor about when to begin or discontinue this medication.

Additionally, various medications, including ziprasidone, can affect heart rhythm (QT prolongation). This includes drugs such as amiodarone, dofetilide, moxifloxacin, pimozide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, tacrolimus, and thioridazine.

Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other products that cause drowsiness, such as opioid pain or cough medications (like codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), sleep or anxiety medications (like alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (like carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (like cetirizine, diphenhydramine).

Examine the labels of all your medications, including those for allergies or cough-and-cold, as they may have ingredients that cause drowsiness. Consult your pharmacist to ensure safe usage of these products.