Geodon (ziprasidone) is a medication used to manage such psychiatric illnesses as schizophrenia (condition in which you hallucinate) and the euphoric stage of bipolar disorder, a mental disease characterized by fluctuating depression and extreme happiness. According to MedlinePlus, Geodon is an atypical antipsychotic medication that helps to regulate your mood. Typically, you will start taking 20mg of Geodon daily with food, says the National Library of Medicine.
Common Side Effects
In a placebo-controlled study of 702 patients taking Geodon, the National Library of Medicine reported that 5 percent experienced asthenia (physical weakness), 10 percent developed nausea, 9 percent developed constipation, 8 percent had indigestion and 5 percent developed diarrhea. Also, 4 percent experienced dry mouth, 14 percent developed drowsiness and extrapyramidal symptoms, such as tremors, 8 percent developed dizziness, 4 percent had a rash and 3 percent developed trouble seeing. Notify your physician when these common effects persist for more than two days.
Potentially Fatal Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, Geodon can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NLS), a potentially deadly condition characterized by changes in mental status, muscle stiffness, tachycardia (fast heartbeat), diaphoresis (sweating) and heart rhythm irregularities.
Geodon may also induce hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels). Symptoms of hyperglycemia include extreme hunger or thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and blurry vision. If untreated, hyperglycemia can lead to a potentially life threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Symptoms of DKA include stomach pain, vomiting, deep breathing and a breath that smells of fruit. Call 911 immediately.
Geodon can also cause seizures, suicide and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). Seizures are the result of heavy and disorganized electrical conductivity in your brain. Brain damage and death may result if the seizures are not thwarted. Dysphagia can lead to choking on your own saliva and on food.
Serious Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Geodon can cause priapism, confusion, hostility, agitation and confusion. Priapism refers to a painful condition in which an erection lasts for more than four hours. Although it is not life-threatening, priapism can permanently effect your sexual abilities if left untreated. Geodon can also cause tardive dyskinesias (involuntary movements), a rash, orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure with changes in position), neutropenia and hyperprolactinemia. Neutropenia refers to lowered neutrophil counts in your blood. Neutrophils are special types of white blood cells that protect your body against infection. Hyperprolactinemia can result in galactorrhea (lactating breasts), gynecomastia (development of male breasts) and impotence. Call your doctor if Geodon causes any of these effects.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Geodon if you are allergic to ziprasidone. Potentially life-threatening effects, such as difficulty breathing and throat or tongue swelling, may result.
Tell your doctor if you have heart problems, such as heart failure and long QT syndrome, a heart electrical conduction problem. Geodon can worsen these heart conditions.
Do not take Geodon with such medicines as droperidol, tacrolimus, dolasetron, gatifloxacin or dofetilide. It may lead to the aforementioned side effects.
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