Side Effects of Geodon
As with any other medications side effects are common with Geodon. However, not each and every person taking this drug will experience side effect because majority of patients tolerate this drug well. Most of the side effects associated with Geodon are quite common and usually go away with the regular use of the drug. Some of the common side effects reported with Geodon include:
- Dizziness & Drowsiness
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Cough
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Weight gain
- Respiratory tract infections
Some of the severe side effects which a person might face while taking Geodon are as follows:
- Drooling, fear or nervousness and restlessness
- Difficulty with speaking
- Inability to sit still and loss of balance control
- Twisted movements in the body
- Uncontrolled movements of face, neck and back
- Jerks or stiffness in the muscle
- Rapid weight gain
- Suicidal thoughts
- Irregular pulse or blood pressure
Patients upon experiencing any of these side effects must immediately stop taking Geodon and must consult to the doctor.
Geodon Drug Interactions
In clinical studies it has been proved that Geodon or Ziprasidone hydrochloride can potentially interact with some medications. Thus, patients are advised to discuss with doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medication taken by them. Some of the medicines that may interact with Ziprasidone include:
- Luvox
- Erythromycin
- Cardizem
- Calan (verapamil)
- Prozac ( fluoxetine)
- Norvir
- Crixivan
- Biaxin
- Nizoral
- Posicor
- Sporanox
- Cordarone (amiodarone)
- Viracept (nelfinavir)
Warnings Use of Geodon
Guidance from a registered healthcare practitioner is must for the patients who are prescribed with Geodon. Every patient is strictly advised to take medication under the doctor’s supervision so that they are aware of warnings and important precautions associated with the drug. Following warnings related with Ziprasidone must be kept in mind by the patients while using this drug:
- Elderly patients with dementia are advised to avoid this drug because it poses great amount of risk and threats to their health.
- Diabetic and heart disease patients should consult doctor prior using Geodon. It is advised because this drug may cause increase in blood sugar in patients.
- Patients suffering from QT prolongation should avoid taking Geodon.
- Patients having epilepsy or history of seizures must consult doctor prior taking Geodon, as this drug may increase the risk of seizures.
- Pregnant women and lactating mothers should avoid using this medication.
- Alcohol should be avoided while taking Geodon.
- This drug may cause drowsiness or dizziness, thus patients using this drug should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
Patients suffering from any of the following problems must cautiously use Geodon
- Heart problems
- Dizziness
- Liver disease
- Alzheimer's disease
- Nervous system problems
- Low white blood cell count
