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Zeldox Side Effects

Sep 7, 2010 | By Dominique Brooks

Physicians use the antipsychotic medication ziprasidone--which is also known as Zeldox--to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, according to the British Columbia Mental Health and Addictions Services. Zeldox should not be used in elderly patients with dementia who have behavior issues because it can increase the risk for strokes in this population. This medication has some side effects that require immediate physician notification and others that may require further evaluation and management.

Extrapyramidal Symptoms

Zeldox can cause extrapyramidal symptoms, which are movement problems, according to DailyMed. According to MedicalNewsToday, patients with extrapyramidal symptoms may develop tremors, abnormal mouth and facial movements, speech problems, muscle spasms, and difficulties with walking. If these symptoms occur early in treatment, removing the Zeldox or lowering the dose may improve the movement problems. For some patients, discontinuing the medication may not be possible so adding other medications to combat the movement symptoms may help.

Metabolic Effects

The use of antipsychotic medications such as Zeldox can cause weight gain in some patients, according to the National Prescribing Service. This medication can also include the levels of lipids or fats in the blood of patients.The amount of increase with Zeldox has been found to be less than with other antipsychotic medications but it is still important for the prescribing physician to monitor these levels in these patients. Other antipyschotic medications such as olanzapine or quetiapine can increase the blood glucose levels in some patients, but Zeldox has not shown a significant risk of hyperglycemia. Patients with diabetes prior to starting Zeldox should have blood glucose levels measured regularly because of the association of antipsychotic medications and high glucose levels.

QT Prolongation

Physicians should evaluate the cardiac status of patients before prescribing Zeldox because this medication can cause cardiac problems. One problem is the prolonging of the QT interval which can lead to cardiac arrhythmias in susceptible patients, according to National Prescribing Service. Patients who are at risk for electrolyte imbalances such as high potassium or high magnesium levels may not be able to take Zeldox because these may cause cardiac arrhythmias as well. Patients who develop an irregular heart rate should let the physician know about the condition immediately for further management.

Orthostatic Hypotension

During the initial treatment period, patients who take Zeldox may experience low blood pressure, dizziness and rapid heart rate, according to DailyMed. Few patients may actually faint. The prescribing doctor should be alerted as soon as possible if a patient taking Zeldox develops these symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com.

Somnolence

Patients who take Zeldox may also develop somnolence or drowsiness. According to MayoClinic.com, drowsiness is also a symptom of overdose of Zeldox medication; if a patient experiences this symptom, the doctor should be notified as soon as possible so the patient can be further evaluated.

Other Side Effects

Zeldox may cause other side effects that may require further evaluation if they do not improve or are bothersome to the patient. Patients may develop a rash, nausea and vomiting, respiratory tract infections, feeling of anxiety and heartburn, according to DailyMed. Some patients have had to discontinue Zeldox because of some of these effects like rash, vomiting and feelings of anxiety. Some of these side effects may improve over time, however.

References

Article reviewed by Libby Swope Wiersema Last updated on: Sep 7, 2010

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