Drug Notes

Ziprasidone (By mouth)

Ziprasidone (zi-PRAS-i-done)

Treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Brand Name(s):

Geodon

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• It is best to take this medicine with food at the same time every day.
• Swallow the capsule whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine together with amiodarone, arsenic trioxide, chlorpromazine, disopyramide, dofetilide, dolasetron mesylate, droperidol, gatifloxacin, halofantrine, levomethadyl acetate, mefloquine, mesoridazine, moxifloxacin, pentamidine, pimozide, probucol, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol, sparfloxacin, tacrolimus, or thioridazine.
• Some foods and medicines can affect how ziprasidone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Carbamazepine, ketoconazole, levodopa
  • Blood pressure medicines
  • Diuretic (water pill)

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, blood or bone marrow problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a history of seizures or breast cancer. Tell your doctor if you have heart rhythm problems or any heart or blood vessel problems, including low blood pressure, heart failure, or a history of a heart attack.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Heart rhythm problems
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (possibly life-threatening neurological disorder)
  • Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which can damage organs such as the liver, kidney, or heart
  • Serious skin reactions
  • Tardive dyskinesia (trouble controlling muscle movements)
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
• You may get overheated more easily while you are using this medicine. Use caution when you exercise strenuously or are outside in hot weather. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
• Chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, skin rash, or swollen glands in your armpits, neck, or groin
• Fever, sweating, confusion, muscle stiffness, seizures
• Increased thirst, hunger, or urination
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Painful, prolonged erection of your penis
• Twitching or muscle movements you cannot control (especially in your face, tongue, or jaw)
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, nausea, stomach upset
• Headache
• Sleepiness, tiredness
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Weight gain

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017