Print this Page |
Common Questions about GEODON
How does GEODON work?
No drug works the same for everyone. And no drug treats all the signs of an illness all the time. But GEODON should help treat manic symptoms like:
- High, edgy moods
- Fast thinking and talking
- Feeling hyper
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling hopeless
- Very happy or very sad moods
- Feeling restless
When will GEODON start to work?
You may see some symptom improvement in the first few days. Every person is different and will respond to medicine for bipolar mania in his or her own way.
What are the benefits and side effects of GEODON?
All medicines for bipolar mania, including GEODON, can cause side effects that may make people want to stop taking their medicine. Talk to your doctor before stopping your medication.
In general, patients taking GEODON:
- Experience improvement in symptoms of bipolar mania and mixed episodes
- Have very few sexual problems related to the medicine
- See little change in cholesterol levels related to the medicine
Side effects
All medicines can cause side effects. The most common side effects of GEODON are:
- Feeling very tired or sleepy
- Upset stomach
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Feeling dizzy
- Muscle movements that you are not able to control, such as tremor or shuffling
- Rash
- Restlessness
- Increased cough/runny nose
Although these are the most common side effects for GEODON, others may occur. To learn more about side effects, talk to your doctor.
How do I take GEODON?
Be sure to take GEODON exactly as your doctor says.
- Be sure to take GEODON with food, and swallow capsules whole.
- Take GEODON at the same time every day. This can help you remember to take GEODON.
- If you miss a dose, just take your next dose of GEODON at the usual time of day. Do not take a double dose to make up for one you missed.
- Medicine calendars or pill boxes can help you remember to take your medicine.
How long should I take GEODON?
- Take your medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
- Take GEODON even when you start to feel better.
- Staying on your medicine can help you avoid having the manic symptoms or mixed episodes of bipolar disorder again.
What if I miss a dose of GEODON?
- If you miss a dose, just take your next dose of GEODON at the same time the next day.
- Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed.
What if I run out of GEODON?
Be sure to tell your doctor when you need more GEODON. Do this before you run out of your supply.
- Call your doctor for a new prescription and take it to your local pharmacy
OR
Go to your local pharmacy and ask them to call your doctor for you
What do GEODON capsules look like?
GEODON capsules are differentiated by pill color/size and are imprinted in black ink with "Pfizer" and a unique number:
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Color | Blue/White | Blue/Blue | White/White | Blue/White |
| Imprint | Pfizer 396 |
Pfizer 397 |
Pfizer 398 |
Pfizer 399 |
If you have questions about GEODON or the dosing that is right for you, ask your doctor.
How can I make the most of my treatment with GEODON?
Talk to your doctor. Ask questions, and learn as much as you can about GEODON. Working closely with your doctor is the key to managing your bipolar mania or mixed episode.
- Be honest when talking to your doctor about how you feel.
- Tell your doctor about any other medicines that you take.
- Tell your doctor about any changes you notice.
- Tell your doctor about any medical problems in your family.
Be sure to partner with your doctor. This is the best way to get the most from your treatment.
Answers to other common questions about GEODON
- GEODON is a prescription medicine. You should always take it the way your doctor says. Do not share it with others.
- Keep GEODON and all other medicines away from children.
- Do not drink alcohol, such as beer, wine, or hard liquor, while on GEODON.
- Do not drive a car or run a machine until you are sure that you can do these things safely while taking GEODON.
- Let your doctor know if you become pregnant while you are taking GEODON. You should also tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or if you want to breast-feed your baby.
