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Acute Manic and Mixed Episodes

In bipolar disorder, periods of high moods are called manic episodes, and times of low moods are called depressive episodes. Some people also have mixed episodes, feeling manic and depressed at the same time. Even with treatment, the average person with bipolar disorder has 4 episodes in the first 10 years of the illness. Without treatment, most people will have episodes more often.

Signs of manic episodes
Symptoms of acute manic or mixed episodes may include:
  • Extremely high or irritable mood
  • Increased energy, activity, and restlessness
  • Racing thoughts or talking very fast
  • Being easily distracted
  • Feeling little need for sleep

Possible consequences of acute manic episodes
An acute manic episode can lead to reckless behaviors, such as:

  • Causing problems at work
  • Spending sprees
  • Risky sex
  • Abuse of alcohol or drugs

Signs of mixed episodes
In a mixed episode of bipolar disorder, you may feel manic and depressive symptoms at the same time. For example, you may feel both irritated and sad.

In an acute manic or mixed episode, you may have thoughts that are unusual. You might even hear voices or see things that are not there. If you are experiencing an acute episode, you should reach out to your doctor or another supportive person you can trust.

GEODON can help treat the symptoms of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Learn more about GEODON

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Important Safety Information

Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis (having lost touch with reality due to confusion and memory loss) treated with this type of medicine are at an increased risk of death, compared to placebo (sugar pill). GEODON is not approved for treating these patients.

You should not take GEODON if you have certain kinds of heart conditions or take certain medicines. GEODON may increase the risk of changes to your heart rhythm. It is important to talk to your doctor about this possible side effect. And be sure to call your doctor right away if you faint, pass out, or feel a change in your heartbeat.

Serious side effects can occur with any antipsychotic medicine, including GEODON. Tell your doctor right away if you experience a high fever, stiff muscles, shaking, confusion, sweating, or increased heart rate or blood pressure. These can be signs of a rare condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

Also tell your doctor if you experience abnormal or uncontrollable facial or body movements. These could be a sign of tardive dyskinesia (TD), which may become permanent.

Medicines like GEODON may raise blood sugar levels. There have been few reports of high blood sugar or diabetes in patients who take GEODON. It is not known if GEODON was the cause.

If you experience a rash, lightheadedness, or seizures while taking GEODON, tell your doctor.

The most common side effects for patients taking GEODON for bipolar mania include sleepiness, abnormal muscle movements (such as tremors, shuffling, and uncontrolled movement), dizziness, and restlessness.

The most common side effects for patients taking GEODON for schizophrenia include sleepiness, increased cough, and runny nose.

In short-term schizophrenia clinical trials, 10% of GEODON-treated patients experienced a weight gain of ≥7% of body weight vs. 4% for placebo.

Please see patient summary of information and full prescribing information.

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