What is Geodon?
Geodon is an effective modern neuroleptic used to treat manic depression, schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders in adult patients and children from the age of ten.
Geodon medication contains in its composition the active ingredient Ziprasidone. The drug interacts with neuro receptors. Geodon most optimally correlates the blockade of serotonin and dopamine receptors, and also has a strong blocking effect on the receptors responsible for anxiety. Ziprasidone has an affinity for neuronal serotonin transporters and other receptors that influence the appearance of drowsiness and orthostatic hypotension. The drug also has antidepressant activity.
The medicine can be used for the purpose of stopping acute psychotic states. Geodon medicine improves cognitive functions and reduces the manifestation of adverse symptoms with noticeable improvement in the social activity of patients.
Geodon: Side Effects
Geodon, although an effective medication, can have a number of unpleasant side effects and potential risks:
- asthenia;
- headache;
- constipation;
- dry mouth;
- dyspepsia;
- salivation (salivation);
- nausea and vomiting;
- dizziness;
- dystonia;
- extrapyramidal disorders;
- drowsiness, tremor;
- visual disturbances;
- epileptic seizures;
- weight gain;
- increased prolactin levels;
- skin rash;
- edema;
- increased sensitivity to light;
- arrhythmias and heart problems;
- erectile dysfunction, menstrual changes, gynecomastia;
- anemia.
Some cases may require immediate medical consultation, such as seizures, loss of consciousness, muscle stiffness, or arrhythmias.
The malignant neuroleptic syndrome may develop, sometimes leading to the patient's death. Although the risks are small, strict control of the doses prescribed to the patient is important.
Geodon: dosage
The recommended dose for the emergency treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar mania is 40 mg twice daily with meals. Depending on the individual characteristics of the clinical condition, daily dose can be further increased up to the maximum level, which is 80 mg twice a day. In the presence of indications, the maximum recommended daily dose may be used as early as 3rd day of treatment.
For maintenance treatment of patients with schizophrenia, Geodon should be used in the minimum effective dose. In many cases, the use of 20 mg of the drug twice a day may be sufficient.
It is inadmissible to independently adjust the dose and regimen of the drug without the participation of the doctor. The selection of the dose, its adjustment and control of the drug level in the blood is carried out by the attending physician, taking into account the clinical condition of the patient and individual tolerance.
Where is Geodon used?
There are various disorders in which the drug Geodon is used:
- for the supportive therapy of schizophrenia;
- to stop and supportive therapy of manic and mixed episodes in bipolar disorder, and as an additional agent in combination with lithium salts or valproic acid in supportive therapy of bipolar disorder;
- various forms and stages of depression;
- anxiety and panic attacks;
- aggressive conditions and antisocial behavior (confidentiality);
- dementia and any disorders;
- memory and concentration;
- hyperactivity and Attention Deficit Disorder in childhood and adolescence;
- obsessive-compulsive disorders;
- childhood autism and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.
It may take several weeks for symptoms to improve. Do not stop taking Geodon suddenly, even if you feel an improvement. Continue to use the medicine as prescribed and tell your doctor if you do not notice any effect.
Geodon: half-life
Excretion of Geodon occurs through the liver with an average final half-life of about 7 hours in the suggested clinical dose range. Equilibrium concentration is reached within one to three days of administration. The mean apparent systemic clearance is 7.5 mL/min/kg.
Geodon for depression
Geodon medication is prescribed for conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Neuroleptics are rarely used to treat depression.
Geodon has little effect on the symptoms of depression and does not improve patients' well-being or ability to lead a normal life. At the same time, the drug may cause unwanted side effects such as anxiety, drowsiness, and weight gain. Some laboratory tests have also shown abnormal results, such as elevated blood cholesterol levels.
Alcohol and Geodon
Alcoholic beverages with Geodon are toxic poisons causing poisoning of the body, up to complete liver malfunction.
Ethanol contributes to CNS depression. Alcohol also causes drowsiness. Psychotropic medications have exactly the same effect. The sleep that occurs in the patient can turn into a coma or even lead to cardiac arrest.
If poisoned, call an ambulance immediately. Unconscious patients should be laid without a pillow, on their side or stomach, head turned to the side to avoid vomiting masses into the airways during spontaneous vomiting.
Does Geodon cause drowsiness?
In psychiatry, impaired sleep regulation is common in patients suffering from schizophrenia, mania, depression, delirium, suicidal tendencies, psychiatric disorders with irritability, delirium, agitation, aggression, and other mental disorders.
Geodon, classified as an anxiolytic, is prescribed for the short-term treatment of sleep disorders.
Geodon with food
The bioavailability of the drug in a dose of 20 mg when taken with food is about 60%. The absorption of the active ingredient Ziprasidone is doubled when taken with food. Therefore, it is important to take the drug with food.
Contraindications
Do not take the drug if you have an acute myocardial infarction; decompensated heart failure; arrhythmias requiring the use of antiarrhythmic drugs of class IA and III; hypersensitivity to the active substance Ziprasidone or to the additional components of the preparation.
Use with caution in patients with a history of seizures. Also, Geodon medication use with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. During the treatment, it is not recommended to drive vehicles and work with moving mechanisms.
The efficacy and safety of using ziprasidone in patients under 18 years of age have not been studied. Therefore, Geodon is not prescribed in pediatrics.
