What is ziprasidone?

Ziprasidone is an antipsychotic medicine.  It is used in the treatment of schizophrenia and treatment of mania and mixed conditions in bipolar disorder.  When used in combination with lithium, the drug is also effective in maintaining bipolar disorder.  Like other atypical antipsychotic drugs, however, it is assumed that ziprasidone inhibits brain dopamine receptors.  It is also assumed that it inhibits brain serotonin receptors. The capsules, the more common form collected, usually come at a dose of 20, 40, 60 or 80 milligrams.  They are usually taken twice a day.  Less drugs are absorbed if it is taken on an empty stomach, so it should be taken with food.  The physician could initiate a patient with a minimum dose and increase the dosage as needed to alleviate the patient's symptoms. The common side effects of ziprasidone include fatigue, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, rash, dizziness or muscle tremor.  It can also increase blood sugar levels.  Diabetic patients must therefore carefully monitor blood sugar levels.  

In addition, it is known that ziprasidone affects the rhythm of the heart.  Patients who have a history of heart problems should make sure that their doctor is aware of their history, because the drug can be contraindicated for them.  Sometimes patients on antipsychotic medicines such as ziprasidone may develop a condition known as tardive dyskinesia, which causes involuntary movements.  Stopping the drug could stop the condition, but dyskinesis could be permanent.

One potentially fatal side effect that could occur in antipsychotic drugs such as ziprasidone is a complex called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).  Symptoms of NM include fever, muscle stiffness, shaking, confusion, sweating or increased pulse and blood pressure.  Patients who experience some of these symptoms should contact their doctor immediately after taking ziprasidone.

Another potentially fatal side effect of this drug sometimes occurs in Starthe sewing of patients who have dementia.  These patients have an increased risk of stroke or death during treatment.  They should contact your doctor immediately if they have speech problems, dizziness, weakness or weakness or dullness in their arms or legs. 

Ziprasidone may have negative interactions with a number of other drugs.  For example, carbamazepine may be less effective.  Ketoconazole can increase antipsychotics levels in the body and increase its side effects.  These possible unfavorable interactions are why it is important for patients to communicate with their doctors and make sure that their doctors know all the drugs they take.