Details

Ziprasidone is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain. Ziprasidone is used to treat schizophrenia and the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression) in adults and children who are at least 10 years old. You should not use this medicine if you have a heart rhythm disorder, a history of Long QT syndrome, uncontrolled heart failure, or if you have recently had a heart attack. To make sure ziprasidone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have any heart problems a history of heart attack or stroke a history of bone marrow or blood cell disorder a history of breast cancer low blood levels of potassium or magnesium diabetes (ziprasidone may raise your blood sugar) seizures or epilepsy a history of suicidal thoughts Alzheimer's disease trouble swallowing liver disease or kidney disease. Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn.

Typical Uses

Ziprasidone is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder). This medication can decrease hallucinations and help you to think more clearly and positively about yourself, feel less agitated, and take a more active part in everyday life. Ziprasidone belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain. This drug has also been used in combination with other medication to treat depression.

Side Effects

Common ziprasidone side effects may include a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement) low white blood cell counts-sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, pain when swallowing high blood sugar-increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odour, drowsiness, dry skin, blurred vision, weight loss severe nervous system reaction-very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, agitation or severe skin reaction-fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Drug Interactions

• Ziprasidone+anagrelide- Using ziprasidone together with anagrelide is not recommended. Combining these medications can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.
• Ziprasidone+bupropion- Bupropion may rarely cause seizures, and combining it with other medications that can also cause seizures such as ziprasidone may increase that risk. The interaction may be more likely if you are elderly, undergoing alcohol or drug withdrawal, have a history of seizures, or have a condition affecting the central nervous system such as a brain tumour or head trauma.
• Ziprasidone+clomipramine- Using ziprasidone together with clomipramine is not recommended. Combining these medications can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.
• Ziprasidone+fluconazole- Using ziprasidone together with fluconazole is not recommended. Combining these medications can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte

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Mechanism of action

Ziprasidone belongs to a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.

Pregnancy Category : C