Geodon (Ziprasidone) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Geodon

Prescription Anxiety Medications »

What are anxiety medications and how do they work?

Anxiety is both a normal and useful response to potentially stressful or dangerous situations. It helps by increasing our awareness of what's going on around us and in other ways. For most people, the anxiety is short lived and normally goes away once the situation has passed. But that is not the case for an estimated 40 million adults in the United States who have some type of anxiety disorder and experience ongoing and unwarranted psychological distress. That distress may also manifest itself in physical symptoms such as muscle tension, headaches, or chest pain.

Anxiety medications include multiple types of drugs that are used to treat the symptoms of anxiety disorders. The three most commonly prescribed types of anxiety medication are antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications -- also known as anxiolytics -- and beta-blockers. The first two types of anxiety medications work primarily by affecting the ba...

Read the Prescription Anxiety Medications article »

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Geodon

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Geodon Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

ZIPRASIDONE - ORAL

(zih-PRASS-ih-doan)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Geodon

WARNING: There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as stroke, heart failure) when this medication is used in elderly patients with dementia. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related behavior problems, with your doctor.

If you are using ziprasidone in combination with other medication to treat depression, also carefully read the drug information for the other medication.

USES: This medication is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (schizophrenia or manic/mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder). It may be used after other medications have not been effective. Ziprasidone is a psychiatric medication (anti-psychotic type) that works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

This medication can make you feel less nervous and improve your concentration. It helps you to think more clearly and take a more active part in everyday life.

OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

This drug has also been used in combination with other medication to treat depression.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole with food. Your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose in order to lessen side effects such as drowsiness. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Do not stop taking ziprasidone without consulting your doctor even if you start to feel better. Some conditions may worsen if the medication is suddenly stopped.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. It may take several weeks before you get the full benefit of this medication.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.