Ziprasidone is a prescription medication used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia and symptoms of mania in patients who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It may be prescribed in conjunction with other forms of medication and therapy as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan for these psychotic disorders.

Ziprasidone is available as a generic drug or under the brand name Geodon.

Ziprasidone is primarily prescribed to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia. While it cannot cure schizophrenia, ziprasidone can help patients manage the adverse effects caused by this disease.

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that affects an individual’s ability to think, feel, and behave. Individuals who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia may experience symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, illogical thoughts or behaviors, and abnormal movement behavior. Cognition may be affected by this disease, leading to problems with attention, memory, and concentration.

There is no common cause of schizophrenia. It is thought that genetics, environment, and life stressors may play a role in the development of this condition. While it cannot be cured, schizophrenia can be managed through medication, therapy, and support.

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes periods of mood swings that range from depression to manic highs. Patients often need help to manage periods of mania, which can be characterized as episodes of a frenzied, hyperactive, or irritated mood. Mania is commonly followed by depressive episodes that can intense feelings of sadness, isolation, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts.

Ziprasidone belongs to a classification of medications known as antipsychotics. Antipsychotics generally work by blocking certain dopamine receptors in the brain; neurotransmission signals that aggravate psychotic symptoms. By blocking these receptors, antipsychotics slow brain activity which can minimize psychotic symptoms caused by schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

It’s important to note that ziprasidone is not a cure for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. These are chronic conditions that require treatment over the course of a lifetime. Ziprasidone is prescribed to reduce symptoms of these diseases, which can help patients manage their mental health.

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS

Antipsychotic medication used for the treatment of psychotic and behavior disorders may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Antipsychotic medication, such as ziprasidone, may change mental health conditions (such as mood and behavior) in unexpected ways. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or other sudden changes in your mental health. Before starting treatment with ziprasidone, or any other antipsychotic, discuss the risks and benefits of the medication with your doctor.

Ziprasidone has been shown to cause some adverse side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these side effects become severe, or do not go away within a few days.

Common symptoms reported while taking ziprasidone include:

• Headache
  
• Stomach pain
  
• Gas
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Constipation
  
• Indigestion
  
• Nausea
  
• Weakness
  
• Weight gain
  
  

More serious side effects include:

• Uncontrollable movements
  
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
  
• Skin rash
  
• Hives
  
• Blisters
  
• Mouth sores
  
• Restlessness
  
• Shaking
  
• Muscle stiffness
  
• Loss of consciousness
  
• Confusion
  
  

Seek medical attention right away if you begin to notice any of these symptoms. These are signs of a serious adverse reaction and medical treatment is required.

As with all prescription medication, inform your doctor of any medical conditions you are currently managing. Tell them about any and all medication, prescription drugs, and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with ziprasidone. This medication can interact with substances in the body, causing potentially serious adverse reactions.

Let your provider know if you have or have had heart failure, heart conditions, or a recent heart attack. You should also inform your provider if you have or have had heart, liver, or kidney disease.

Ziprasidone can cause drowsiness. Because of this, you should not operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

Finally, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant before starting treatment with ziprasidone. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, inform your health care provider immediately.

Ziprasidone is commonly supplied as an oral capsule. The specific dosage and form of ziprasidone ordered by your health care provider will depend on your condition, age, and body weight. Take this medication exactly as ordered. Do not increase or discontinue the dosage without consulting with your health care provider first.

Ziprasidone should be taken at the same time every day with food. Do not crush, split or chew the capsule. Swallow the capsule whole with water.

Keep all medication bottles out of reach of small children, and at room temperature. Avoid exposing the medication to excess heat or moisture.

If you begin to notice any adverse side effects like those listed above, notify your health care provider immediately.

If you miss a dose of ziprasidone, take it as soon as you can. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of ziprasidone.

Ziprasidone is currently only available via prescription. This means that a licensed health care provider must authorize the use of this medication.

If you are looking for a prescription, doctors on Sesame can write a prescription–or refill an existing one–during a virtual or in-person visit. Note that not all drugs can be prescribed via an online video appointment. In some cases, an in-person doctor visit is required for a prescription.

Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at your pharmacy. Book an appointment with a provider on Sesame today to discuss whether or not ziprasidone is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Sesame cannot guarantee that you will be provided a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Providers on Sesame are unable to prescribe controlled substances. For more information about controlled substances, check out the Drug Enforcement Agency’s scheduling guidelines here.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for ziprasidone to be picked up near you – often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.