Geodon for Bipolar (Ziprasidone)

[?] Subscribe To This Site

Geodon for Bipolar (Ziprasidone)

by Sarah from Bipolar-Lives
(US)

US BRAND NAME: Geodon

GENERIC NAME: Ziprasidone

TYPE: Atypical antipsychotic.

USE: Used to treat symptoms of mental or psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, mania, or bipolar disorder. Geodon can help reduce symptoms of mania, such as feeling upset, having racing thoughts, and not being able to sleep. It is FDA approved for treatment of acute mania and mixed states associated with bipolar disorder.

COMMENTS: Some evidence suggests that Geodon is not as bad as some of the other atypical antipsychotics (namely olanzapine (Zyprexa)) at causing insulin resistance and weight gain.

EVIDENCE: One study found that half of people felt better with Geodon, as compared with one third of people who felt better when taking a pretend treatment (a placebo).

SIDE EFFECTS: Include but not limited to: fear or nervousness or anxiety/panic attacks, pronounced sedation, diabetes, dizziness, headaches, hyperglycemia, muscle stiffness, Parkinsonism.

CAUTIONS: NOT not be used to treat elderly patients who have dementia. Although used as an anti-manic, it is actually known to activate mania in some bipolar patients.

Geodon Medicine - Effective or Fashionable?

Comments for
Geodon for Bipolar (Ziprasidone)

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Apr 18, 2012
Rating

Not for Me
by: DR from Midwest

I tripped above the concern limit of 1.2 mg/dl on the serum creatinine enzyme blood test in my physical late last year with my family doctor, indicating a change in kidney function. After a clear ultrasound I ended up going to a nephrologist who recommended going off the maintenance ER lithium that I've taken for 10 years for a trial period and six-month creatinine re-checks. I was referred to a new psychiatrist at the same clinic, with doc one year removed from his residency who prescribed me Geodon/Ziprasidone. The trial period didn't last long. I experienced extreme sedation (at work) while ramping down the lithium, excessive salivation, and the re-start of manic symptoms that I recognized. I am transitioning back to my stable self with lithium and finding a better behavioral health clinic in my area and psychiatrist.

Aug 05, 2011
Rating

Geodon for bipolar and panic attacks
by: Anonymous

Geodon seemed to help a little for about a year then I started having horrible panic attacks. I got to where I didn't even want to leave the house. Also caused muscle pains, facial twitching, headaches and more. The one good thing I can say about it is that it helped me lose weight.

Aug 02, 2010
Rating

Not for me, would love to hear something positive
by: Sarah from Bipolar_lives

Geodon was a disaster for me personally - easily my worst medication experience ever. There were two reasons for this. One was the extremely pronounced sedation, although that possibly would have improved in time. The second, and main reason, was that I have a long-standing anxiety disorder and Geodon triggered the worst panic attacks I have ever experienced. This was after being panic attack free for some years. I quit the Geodon 4 years ago but am still having panic problems. The evidence for Geodon as an all around treatment for bipolar disorder is not great. However, I do acknowledge that it was a particularly bad fit for me because of my own personal makeup. Please submit a comment if you have had a more positive experience with Geodon, (or not as the case may be).

Click here to add your own comments

Geodon for Bipolar (Ziprasidone)

Comments for Geodon for Bipolar (Ziprasidone)

Comments for
Geodon for Bipolar (Ziprasidone)