Geodon is prescribed to patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, which are caused by imbalances of brain chemicals. Geodon can help reduce the risk of suicide in these patients as well as some of the symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, Geodon has been linked to increased mortality in elderly patients and is not approved for use in patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis, especially elderly patients.
Symptoms of schizophrenia include mood swings, speaking problems, social withdrawal, decreased movement and an inability to feel pleasure. These are called “negative symptoms” of schizophrenia. Positive symptoms include delusional thinking and hearing and seeing things that are only in the imagination.
Schizophrenia is caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals, particularly dopamine and seratonin, although researchers are not certain why these chemicals become imbalanced. Some believe it is a combination of in utero exposure to viruses, malnutrition or birth complications. Schizophrenia usually starts during one’s teen years or in early adulthood.
Bipolar disorder is caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals as well. Bipolar disorder causes severe mood swings, energy shifts and makes it difficult for people to complete daily tasks. Almost 6 million people in the U.S. suffer from bipolar disorder.
Geodon can be taken orally or can be injected. It works to decrease symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, reducing severe mood swings and helping people function better.
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
- potentially fatal
- has been linked to the administration of antipsychotic drugs
- patients experience hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, irregular pulse or blood pressure, acute renal failure
- Tardive Dyskinesia
- incurable syndrome
- involuntary movements that are irreversible
- highest among elderly women
- Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus
- patients with established diabetes mellitus must be monitored regularly
- patients with risk factors for diabetes mellitus should undergo blood testing before and while taking Geodon
Talk to your doctor about any drug allergies and concerns you have before taking Geodon.