Pill Identifier Search

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 »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Geodon User Reviews >>

Geodon

View the Bipolar Disorder Overview Slideshow Pictures

Bipolar Disorder Slideshow Pictures

Phobias Slideshow Pictures

Depression Slideshow Pictures

font size

Geodon Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Geodon

Generic Name: ziprasidone (Pronunciation: zi PRAY si done)

What is ziprasidone (Geodon)?

Ziprasidone is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain.

Ziprasidone is used to treat schizophrenia and the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression) in adults and children who are at least 10 years old.

Ziprasidone may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Geodon 20 mg

blue/white, imprinted with PFIZER 396

Geodon 40 mg

blue, imprinted with PFIZER 397

Geodon 60 mg

white, imprinted with PFIZER 398

Geodon 80 mg

blue/white, imprinted with PFIZER 399

What are the possible side effects of ziprasidone (Geodon)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using ziprasidone and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

dizziness, feeling light-headed, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat;
fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
tremor (uncontrolled shaking), restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
agitation, hostility, confusion;
increased thirst or urination, weakness, extreme hunger; or
penis erection that is painful or lasts 4 hours or longer.

Less serious side effects may include:

mild skin rash;
anxiety, headache, depressed mood;
dizziness, drowsiness;
muscle pain or twitching;
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat; or
weight gain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about ziprasidone (Geodon)?

Ziprasidone is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Ziprasidone may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

Do not use this medication if you have a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome," if you have recently had a heart attack, or if you have uncontrolled heart failure.

Stop taking ziprasidone and call your doctor right away if you feel dizzy or light-headed, have a fast or pounding heartbeat, or if you faint. This could be signs of a serious heart rhythm problem.

There are many other medicines that can cause serious or life-threatening medical problems if you take them together with ziprasidone. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Related Drug Centers