Ziprasidone is an antipsychotic medicine that can help you. Taking it as your healthcare provider says is the best way to start treatment. No medicine works the same for everyone, and no medicine can control all of the symptoms all the time. But Ziprasidone should:
1)Improve your understanding of what is real and what is not
2)Help you feel similar to other people
3)Help you feel less lonely and removed from others
4)Help you feel more hopeful and happy
5)Allow you to think and express yourself more clearly
Ziprasidone may not be right for all patients. Only your healthcare provider can tell if it is right for you. Please be sure to talk about all aspects of Ziprasidone with your healthcare provider.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include drowsiness, rash, loss of appetite, cough, runny nose, cold symptoms, or dry mouth. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience difficulty speaking or swallowing; twitching of the face or tongue; loss of sense of balance; uncontrolled movements of the arms or legs; or other unusual body movements; prolonged or painful erection. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience irregular heartbeat, fever, muscle stiffness, decreased alertness, increased sweating, change in amount of urine. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst, increased urination, or vision changes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
How does Ziprasidone work?
Healthcare providers think Ziprasidone helps balance chemicals that occur naturally in your brain. Balancing these chemicals helps control your symptoms. And that can help you feel better.
When will Ziprasidone start to work?
Ziprasidone can start to work as soon as the first week. But each patient responds in their own way to antipsychotic medicine. It may take several weeks to get the full effect of Ziprasidone.
Ziprasidone, can cause side effects. These may make people want to stop using the medicine. Ziprasidone may be easier for some people to take. In general, patients taking Ziprasidone:
Stay about the same weight
Have few problems such as tremor or stiffness
Have very few sexual problems due to the medicine
See little change in cholesterol levels related to the medicine
How do I take Ziprasidone?
Be sure to take Ziprasidone as your healthcare provider says.
Take Ziprasidone 2 times a day or as instructed
Swallow capsules whole — and take Ziprasidone with food
Take Ziprasidone at the same time every day. This can help you remember to take Ziprasidone
How long should I take Ziprasidone?
Take your medicine until your healthcare provider tells you to stop
Take Ziprasidone even when you start to feel better
Staying on your medicine can help you avoid getting ill again
What if I miss a dose of Ziprasidone?
If you miss a dose, just take your next dose of Ziprasidone at the usual time of day.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed
Never take 2 doses at the same time
What else should you know about Ziprasidone?
Ziprasidone is a prescription medicine. You should always take it the way your healthcare provider says. Do not share it with others
Keep Ziprasidone and all other medicines away from children
Do not drink alcohol such as beer, wine, or hard liquor while on Ziprasidone
Don’t drive a car or run a machine until you are sure that you can do so safely while taking Ziprasidone
Let your healthcare provider know if you become pregnant while you are taking Ziprasidone. You should also tell your healthcare provider if you plan to become pregnant or if you want to breast-feed your baby.