Geodon, or the generic product ziprasidone, is an atypical antipsychotic medication available via a prescription. It is used for the treatment of schizophrenia and symptoms of bipolar disorder. The medication works on the natural substances serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain to treat these disorders. Like all drugs, Geodon can produce many side effects.
Extrapyramidal Symptoms
The extrapyramidal motor system is found in the part of the brain that controls movement; therefore, extrapyramidal symptoms affect normal movement. These movement disorders include akathisia, pseudoparkinsonism, dystonia and tardive dyskinesia. Up to 31 percent of patients may experience these extrapyramidal symptoms, reports the "Drug Information Handbook."
Akathisia, which is described as the inability to sit still or restlessness, and pseudoparkinsonism, which is slowness, rigidity and tremor, are more commonly seen with Geodon, according to "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach." Dystonia, which is uncontrollable muscle contractions or spasms, and tardive dyskinesia, which is abnormal involuntary movements, may also occur with Geodon, but to a lesser degree. If these adverse effects occur, the patient should speak with a physician. Tardive dyskinesia is reversible in the early stages but once it becomes persistent, stopping the medication may not reverse the effects. It is important that the patient report any adverse reaction as soon as possible.
Drowsiness and Dizziness
Drowsiness, or sleepiness, and dizziness are common side effects that may occur with initial therapy. Drowsiness may occur in up to 31 percent of individuals and dizziness in up to 16 percent, reports the "Drug Information Handbook." The patient should use caution when performing tasks that require vigilance, attention or motor behavior. These adverse reactions decrease over time and demonstrate an improvement in attention to detail and memory.
Weight Gain
Geodon may lead to increase in weight. Geodon.com states that, in short-term clinical trials, about 10 percent of individuals with schizophrenia and 4.9 percent of individuals with bipolar mania experienced a weight gain of about 7 percent of their body weight. If weight gain is a concern, the patient may speak with a health care professional.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or NMS, is a disorder characterized by altered mental status, muscle rigidity, irregular heartbeats or blood pressure, increased heart rate, fever, and increased sweating, explains RxList.com. Patients taking atypical antipsychotics may experience this adverse effect. If the patient develops these symptoms, he should stop the medication immediately and go to a hospital.
Insomnia
Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, may occur with the administration of Geodon. The "Drug Information Handbook" reports that this side effect may be present in about 3 percent of patients. This is due to the effect the medication has on the brain. It may increase drowsiness as well. The effect of the drug may impair driving and work function. Usually, lowering the dose of the medication decreases insomnia. However, if the patient's symptoms persist or worsen, she may benefit from changing the medication.
References
- "Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach"; Joseph T. Dipiro, Robert L. Talbert, et al.; 2008
- "Drug Information Handbook"; Charles F. Lacy, Lora L. Armstrong, et al.; 2009
- Geodon: What to Expect With Geodon
- RxList: Geodon
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