Psychiatrists and physicians may prescribe the generic drug ziprasidone to help in the treatment of mental problems such as bipolar disorder, mania and schizophrenia classified as psychosis, notes MayoClinic.com. MedlinePlus categorizes the medication, marketed under the brand name Geodon in the United States, as an atypical antipsychotic medication.
Muscle Control Problems
As with many antipsychotic medicines, Geodon can cause some common serious side effects that affect how a person moves. For example, taking Geodon can cause muscles to feel stiff. The muscles also may jerk or tremble without the person's ability to control the actions. His muscles also may cause his entire body to twist uncontrollably. The condition may occur in specific areas of the body also, such as the back, neck and face. Because these side effects classify as serious, the sufferer needs to consult his doctor immediately, reports MayoClinic.com.
Psychological Problems
While Geodon works to change the way the neurotransmitters in the brain work, it can cause some serious side effects that produce psychological symptoms. The person taking the drug may, for example, become fearful without any justifiable cause except the use of the medication. She may feel nervous and not able to stay still for any length of time. She may feel restless and may feel a need to keep herself in motion, MayoClinic.com reports. These side effects also need immediate help from a medical professional. MedlinePlus, however, reports that a state of anxiety may occur during the first use of the medication, but typically recedes and disappears. The organization indicates that restlessness also may end on its own. If these conditions do not stop, however, the person should still question her psychiatrist about them.
Gastric Difficulties
Although significantly less serious, some side effects may occur at the start of Geodon use that effect the digestive system. The person may feel upset in the stomach that may occur as strong as nausea. This may induce him to vomit, Drugs.com indicates. He may lose his appetite because of the medication. His lower digestive tract also may have temporary problems such as diarrhea or constipation. While either of these side effects can produce abdominal pain in the form of cramps, in most cases they should cease as his body grows used to having Geodon in it. If not, he should talk to his doctor.
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