Geodon is usually taken in capsule form. An injectable version is
available for quick relief of agitated patients. Injectable Geodon is
generally used for no more than a few days.
Most important fact about Geodon
In some people with heart problems or a slow heartbeat, Geodon can
cause serious and potentially fatal heartbeat irregularities. The
chance of a problem is greater if you are taking a water pill
(diuretic) or a medication that prolongs a part of the heartbeat known
as the QT interval. Many of the drugs prescribed for heartbeat
irregularities prolong the QT interval and should never be combined
with Geodon. Other drugs to avoid when taking Geodon include
chlorpromazine, gatifloxacin, mefloquine, mesoridazine, moxifloxacin,
pentamidine, pimozide, soarfloxacin, tacrolimus, and thioridazine. If
you're uncertain about the risks of any drug you're taking, be sure to
check with your doctor before combining it with Geodon.
Geodon is not approved for elderly patients with dementia-related
psychosis (such as the type that may occur with Alzheimer's disease)
due to the risk of sudden death, heart failure, pneumonia, and stroke.
How should you take Geodon?
Geodon capsules should be taken twice a day with food.
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If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do
not take 2 doses at once.
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Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can
determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Geodon.
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Side effects may include:
Accidental injury, anorexia, cold symptoms, constipation, cough,
diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, energy loss, headache,
indigestion, involuntary muscle contractions, muscle aches, muscle
tightness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, rash, skin fungus, stuffy and runny
nose, twitching, upper respiratory infection, vision problems,
vomiting, weakness
Why should Geodon not be prescribed?
Do not take Geodon if you have the heartbeat irregularity known as
QT prolongation, have had a recent heart attack, or suffer from heart
failure. You'll also need to avoid this drug if it gives you an
allergic reaction.
Special warnings about Geodon
Remember that Geodon can cause dangerous—even fatal—heartbeat
irregularities. Warning signs include dizziness, palpitations, and
fainting. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these
symptoms. Be careful to avoid drugs that prolong the QT interval of the
heartbeat. Check with your doctor before combining any other medication
with Geodon.
Particularly during the first few days of therapy, Geodon can cause
low blood pressure, with accompanying dizziness, fainting, and rapid
heartbeat. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these side
effects. To minimize such problems, your doctor will increase your dose
gradually. If you are prone to low blood pressure, take blood pressure
medicine, become dehydrated, or have heart disease or poor circulation
in the brain, use Geodon with caution.
Geodon may cause drowsiness and can impair your judgment, thinking,
and motor skills. Use caution while driving and don't operate
potentially dangerous machinery until you know how this drug affects
you.
Geodon poses a very slight risk of seizures, especially if you are
over age 65, have a history of seizures, or have Alzheimer's disease.
Drugs such as Geodon sometimes cause a condition called Neuroleptic
Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Symptoms include high fever, muscle rigidity,
irregular pulse or blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, excessive
perspiration, and changes in heart rhythm. If these symptoms appear,
tell your doctor immediately. You'll need to stop taking Geodon while
the condition is under treatment.
There also is the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia, a condition
marked by slow, rhythmical, involuntary movements. This problem is more
likely to occur in mature adults, especially older women. When it does,
use of Geodon is usually stopped.
While taking Geodon, some patients with bipolar disorder reported
having anxiety, restlessness, depression, dizziness, muscle twitching,
rashes, and vomiting. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop
these symptoms.
Geodon can suppress the cough reflex; you may have trouble clearing
your airway. Some people taking Geodon also develop a rash. Tell your
doctor when this happens. If the rash doesn't clear up with treatment,
you may have to discontinue the drug.
Other antipsychotic medications have been known to interfere with
the body's temperature-regulating mechanism, causing the body to
overheat. Although this problem has not occurred with Geodon, caution
is still advisable. Avoid exposure to extreme heat, strenuous exercise,
and dehydration. There also is a remote chance that this medication may
cause abnormal, prolonged and painful erections.
Animal studies suggest that Geodon may increase the risk of breast
cancer, although human studies have not confirmed such a risk. If you
have a history of breast cancer, see your doctor regularly for checkups.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Geodon
Remember that you must never combine Geodon with any drug that
prolongs the part of the heartbeat known as the QT interval (see "Most
important fact about this drug"). Check with your doctor or pharmacist
if you have any doubts about a drug you're taking.
If Geodon is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Geodon with the following:
- Carbamazepine
- Certain blood pressure medications
- Drugs that boost the effects of dopamine such as bromocriptine, pramipexole, and ropinirole
- Drugs that affect the brain and nervous system, such as sedatives, tranquilizers, and antidepressants
- Ketoconazole
- Levodopa
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Geodon has caused fetal harm when tested in animals. It should be
taken during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the potential
risk. Notify your doctor as soon as you become pregnant or plan to
become pregnant.
It is not known whether Geodon appears in breast milk, and breastfeeding is not recommended.
Recommended dosage for Geodon
GEODON
Schizophrenia
The usual starting dose is 20 milligrams twice a day. If needed, the
dosage may be increased at several-week intervals up to a maximum of 80
milligrams twice a day.
Acute Manic Episodes Associated with Bipolar Disorder
The usual starting dose is 40 milligrams twice a day with food. On
the second day of treatment, the doctor will increase the dose to 60 or
80 milligrams twice a day. For maintenance treatment, the dosage range
is usually 40 to 80 milligrams twice a day.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical help immediately.
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Symptoms of Geodon overdose may include:
Anxiety, drowsiness, tremors, slurred speech, high blood pressure
