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Ziprasidone |
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What is Ziprasidone and why is it prescribed? Ziprasidone is used in the treatment of schizophrenia. Researchers believe that it works by opposing the action of serotonin and dopamine, two of the brain's major chemical messengers. Because of its potentially serious side effects, Ziprasidone is typically prescribed only after other medications have proved inadequate. Ziprasidone is usually taken in capsule form. An injectable version is available for quick relief of agitated patients. Injectable Ziprasidone is generally used for no more than a few days. In some people with heart problems or a slow heartbeat, Ziprasidone can cause serious and potentially fatal heartbeat irregularities. The chance of a problem is greater if you are taking a water pill or a medication that prolongs a part of the heartbeat known as the QT interval. Many of the drugs prescribed for heartbeat irregularities prolong the QT interval and should never be combined with Ziprasidone. Other drugs to avoid when taking Ziprasidone include Anzemet, Avelox, Halfan, Inapsine, Lariam, Mellaril, Nebupent, Orap, Orlaam, Pentam, Probucol, Prograf, Serentil, Tequin, Thorazine, Trisenox, and Zagam. If you are uncertain about the risks of any drug you are taking, be sure to check with your doctor before combining it with Ziprasidone. How should you take Ziprasidone? Follow your doctors directions for taking Ziprasidone. Ziprasidone capsules should be taken twice a day with food. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once. Store Ziprasidone at room temperature. Are there any Ziprasidone side effects? Ziprasidone side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Ziprasidone side effects may include accidental injury, cold symptoms, constipation, cough, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, indigestion, muscle tightness, nausea, rash, stuffy and runny nose, upper respiratory infection, vision problems, and weakness. Other Ziprasidone side effects may include abdominal pain, abnormal body movements, abnormal ejaculation, abnormal secretion of milk, abnormal walk, abnormally low cholesterol, agitation, amnesia, anemia, bleeding gums, bleeding in the eye, blood clots, blood disorders, blood in urine, body spasms, breast development in males, bruising or purple spots, cataracts, chest pain, chills, clogged bowels, confusion, conjunctivitis, coordination problems, decreased blood flow to the heart, delirium, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, difficulty with orgasm, double vision, dry eyes, enlarged heart, eyelid inflammation, female sexual problems, fever, flank pain, flu-like symptoms, fungal infections, gout, hair loss, heavy menstruation, heavy uterine or vaginal bleeding, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, hives, hostility, impotence, increased reflexes, increased sensitivity to touch or sound, inflammation of the cornea, inflammation of the heart, involuntary or jerky movements, irregular heartbeat, liver problems, lockjaw, loss of appetite, loss of menstruation, low blood sugar, low blood pressure, low body temperature, lymph disorders, male sexual problems, muscle disorders, muscle pain, muscle weakness, nighttime urination, nosebleed, pneumonia, prickling or tingling sensation, rapid heartbeat, rectal bleeding, rigid muscle movement, ringing in ears, rolling of the eyeballs, sensitivity to sunlight, skin problems, slow heartbeat, slowed movement, speech problems, stroke, sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing up, swelling in the arms and legs, swelling in the face, swollen lymph nodes, swollen tongue, tarry stools, tendon inflammation, thirst, throat spasms, thyroid disorders, tremor, twitching, uncontrolled eye movement, urination decrease or increase, vaginal bleeding, vein inflammation, vertigo, vision disorders, vomiting, vomiting or spitting blood, yellowed skin and eyes, weight gain, and white spots in the mouth. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Ziprasidone? If Ziprasidone is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Remember that you must never combine Ziprasidone with any drug that prolongs the part of the heartbeat known as the QT interval. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Ziprasidone with Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Certain blood pressure medications, Drugs that boost the effects of dopamine (such as Mirapex, Parlodel, Permax, and Requip), Drugs that affect the brain and nervous system (such as sedatives, tranquilizers, and antidepressants), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), or Levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet). Are there any special warnings about Ziprasidone? Remember that Ziprasidone can cause dangerous, even fatal, heartbeat irregularities. Warning signs include dizziness, palpitations, and fainting. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Be careful to avoid drugs that prolong the QT interval of the heartbeat. Check with your doctor before combining any other medication with Ziprasidone. Particularly during the first few days of therapy, Ziprasidone can cause low blood pressure, with accompanying dizziness, fainting, and rapid heartbeat. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these side effects. To minimize such problems, your doctor will increase your dose gradually. If you are prone to low blood pressure, take blood pressure medicine, become dehydrated, or have heart disease or poor circulation in the brain, use Ziprasidone with caution. Ziprasidone may cause drowsiness and can impair your judgment, thinking, and motor skills. Ziprasidone poses a very slight risk of seizures, especially if you are over age 65, have a history of seizures, or have Alzheimer's disease. Drugs such as Ziprasidone sometimes cause a condition called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. Symptoms include high fever, muscle rigidity, irregular pulse or blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, excessive perspiration, and changes in heart rhythm. If these symptoms appear, tell your doctor immediately. You'll need to stop taking Ziprasidone while the condition is under treatment. There also is the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia, a condition marked by slow, rhythmical, involuntary movements. This problem is more likely to occur in mature adults, especially older women. When it does, use of Ziprasidone is usually stopped. Ziprasidone can suppress the cough reflex. Some people taking Ziprasidone also develop a rash. Tell your doctor when this happens. If the rash doesn't clear up with treatment, you may have to discontinue the drug. Other antipsychotic medications have been known to interfere with the body's temperature-regulating mechanism, causing the body to overheat. Although this problem has not occurred with Ziprasidone, caution is still advisable. Avoid exposure to extreme heat, strenuous exercise, and dehydration. There also is a remote chance that this medication may cause abnormal, prolonged and painful erections. |
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