Geodon, which has the generic name ziprasidone, is a prescription medication belonging to the class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. Atypical antipsychotics, like Geodon, are prescribed to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression). When Geodon became available on February 5, 2001, it was the fifth atypical antipsychotic drug to gain Food and Drug Administration approval. Although it is usually prescribed in pill form, Geodon may also be administered by injection. 

Geodon & Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a brain disorder characterized by delusional thinking and a distorted sense of reality. Although Schizophrenia has no cure, Geodon helps improve many patients’ symptoms. For example, Geodon helps manage schizophrenia’s “positive symptoms,” such as visual and auditory hallucinations, delusions, and thought disturbances. Geodon may also

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help in treating the “negative symptoms” of schizophrenia, which include social withdrawal, apathy, lack of motivation, and an inability to experience pleasure.

Geodon & Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is an illness characterized by severe mood swings. Patients with bipolar disorder go back and forth from high moods (mania) to low moods (depression). Geodon may help stabilize the moods of people suffering from bipolar disorder by reducing the symptoms of both manic and mixed bipolar episodes. Symptoms of manic and mixed bipolar episodes may include:

  • Extreme irritability
  • Restlessness and unusually increased energy
  • Decreased need for sleep
  • Racing thoughts and unusually fast speech
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Poor judgment

How Geodon works

While doctors do not know precisely how Geodon works, they believe that Geodon helps alleviate the symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder by managing the balance of neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain. Specifically, it is believed that Geodon blocks two of the brain’s natural chemicals, serotonin and dopamine, at specific chemical receptor points. Because patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder produce too much of these chemicals in certain areas of the brain, Geodon helps them attain a better chemical balance.

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Injured by Geodon? Contact our offices today as you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

  • Bernstein Liebhard LLP is no longer accepting Geoden cases.