What is Geodon Used For?
Geodon (ziprasidone) is an atypical second-generation antipsychotic medication (SGA) that has been available since 2001 in the US. Studies and case reports have shown a link between Geodon and risks to the heart, however, the drug causes weight gain to a lesser degree than most other SGAs.11,12
Geodon (ziprasidone) is FDA approved for treating schizophrenia, acute agitation in schizophrenic patients, bipolar mania, and mixed episodes of mania and depression.1,7
Antipsychotic medications in all their many versions are not a cure for the conditions for which they are prescribed. The field of research has shown there are gaps in the understanding of conditions such as schizophrenia, and that drug therapy alone may not produce results that lead to a more satisfying quality of life. We highly recommend learning more about alternatives to antipsychotic medications to enhance the quality of each and every beautiful life, at whatever stage of healing a person may find themself.13
There are other conditions that drugs such as Geodon are prescribed for besides the officially FDA-approved uses. According to a 2012 review of the medical literature, there is not sufficient evidence of the efficacy of any off-label prescribing of atypical antipsychotics. The FDA put a black box warning on Geodon specifically warning against the increased risk of death for dementia patients. Nonetheless, the practice of off-label prescribing continues. 8
Off-label uses for Geodon include:
- Depression
- Autism
- PTSD
- OCD
- Aggression/agitated state, acute agitation in dementia
- Paranoid disorder
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Tourette’s syndrome
*Women are diagnosed with depression more often than men according to Dr. Paul Albert.4 Women of childbearing age should take note that in clinical drug trials on pregnant rabbits, birth defects and stillborn births showed much reason for concern.
Geodon (ziprasidone) Alternative Names and Slang
Geodon has developed less of a street presence than similar atypical antipsychotic drugs such as Quetiapine. However, any drug can wind up being sold illegally through diversion. Geodon (ziprasidone) flattens out sensations rather than enhances them. However, research shows that some drug users may use antipsychotics as a way to end off a binge of stimulant drugs, or as a way to counteract other drug-induced adverse effects.5,9
Ziprasidone hydrochloride is the generic name for Geodon in capsule form. The generic drug in injectable form is called ziprasidone mesylate.1
Geodon Side Effects
There are some troubling, though relatively rare, side effects and health risks that can occur while taking Geodon. Of particular note, some are severe, causing the FDA to place a black box warning on the drug packaging.1
Severe Geodon side effects include:
- Increased mortality in elderly patients where signs of dementia-related psychosis are present
- Risk of stroke, mini-stroke, and other heart issues
- Dystonia (repetitive and sustained muscle contractions)
- DRESS (a life-threatening skin rash that can spread and cause ulcers in and under the skin, mucous membranes such as the throat, mouth, eyes, and internal organs including the liver, pancreas, etc.)
- Akathisia (compulsive, unrelenting need to stay in motion, sometimes so severe as to induce suicidal ideation for relief)
- Parkinsonism (stiffening muscles, rigidity, inability to move)
- Mania in bipolar patients
- Heart issues, i.e., palpitations, tachycardia, fainting, etc.
- Birth defects (found in animal studies, no human trials were done but data has been collected for statistical purposes) 2
Common side effects of Geodon include:
- Digestive issues, i.e., loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting
- Fainting, especially if getting up too quickly from a seated or lying position
- Losing consciousness
- Enlarged breasts, nipple discharge
- Fatigue, drowsiness
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Involuntary motor movements, i.e., muscle tics, tremors, rolling tongue, facial contortions, etc.
- Shuffling walk
- Muscle pain
- Symptoms of a cold, i.e., runny or stuffed nose, sneezing, etc.
- Coughing
- Lack of energy
These symptoms may change over time, and if they intensify a person should seek medical attention immediately to ensure health and safety, according to the manufacturer’s drug label.1
Discontinuing/Quitting Geodon
Oftentimes, Geodon is given to a person who is in a crisis. Antipsychotics are commonly used to control extreme episodes. Unfortunately, little attention is given to whether or not the crisis is a temporary situation. More times than not, the person is left on a high dose, under the assumption that their diagnosis is permanently fixed. Although it is relatively easy to find doctors who will induct these kinds of medications, it is often a virtual ghost town when it comes to finding a professional who is versed in how to properly reduce or eliminate the medication when that time comes. You may find that you have to provide information to your doctor that he or she was not aware of when it comes to medication reduction. The subject is not taught in medical school.
Always seek competent medical guidance should you decide to discontinue a medication like Geodon, and talk to your doctor about the steps you need to take for successful and gentle tapering.
Also, be sure to ask your doctor if they are familiar with the steps you need to take for a successful Geodon withdrawal.
Geodon withdrawal may be an option to consider if Geodon side effects become crushingly intolerable, or if the drug has not performed the way it was hoped.
Rather than deal with the extreme changes all on your own, it may seem more appealing to do the withdrawal in a comfortable and private inpatient setting, where meals are prepared, and a stress-free environment is offered, with adequate nurturing support, monitoring, and personal attention.
