GEODON is used to treat acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. GEODON is also used as maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder when added to lithium or valproate. For full symptoms and diagnostic criteria, see the DSM-IV-TR® (2000).
GEODON is used to treat schizophrenia. For full symptoms and diagnostic criteria, see the DSM-IV-TR® (2000).
GEODON is used to treat schizophrenia and acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. GEODON is also used as maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder when added to lithium or valproate. For full symptoms and diagnostic criteria, see the DSM-IV-TR® (2000).
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GEODON is used to treat acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. GEODON is also used as maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder when added to lithium or valproate. For full symptoms and diagnostic criteria, see the DSM-IV-TR® (2000).
GEODON is used to treat schizophrenia. For full symptoms and diagnostic criteria, see the DSM-IV-TR® (2000).
GEODON is used to treat schizophrenia and acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. GEODON is also used as maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder when added to lithium or valproate. For full symptoms and diagnostic criteria, see the DSM-IV-TR® (2000).

Working closely with your doctor is essential to managing your condition. Ask questions. And learn as much as you can about any medicine your doctor prescribes, including GEODON.

Ask lots of questions. Take the time to learn everything you can from your doctor about bipolar disorder and any medicine he or she prescribes. Download questions to ask your doctor (PDF) about treatment, and bring this list to your next doctor visit.

Be open with your doctor. To get the best results, your doctor needs to know:

  • All about your moods before treatment and after you started your medicine
  • Any side effects you experience
  • All medicines you take and any illnesses you may have
  • Any major changes in your life
  • Any medical problems in your family
  • Any heart problems you may have had
  • If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant

“Tell your doctor about any symptoms you experience before and during treatment, and about side effects. If you don’t talk about these issues, your doctor can’t address them.”

—Dr. Suarez

Keep your appointments and be on time for them. There may be times when you forget your doctor appointments—or just don’t feel up to going. So you may want to consider asking a family member or friend to remind you of your appointments. Or to join you for your visit and give support.

Keep a daily diary. It’s important to share the patterns of your symptoms with your doctor. Download the daily diary (PDF). Use it to record your symptoms. And to keep track of your medicine and events that affect your mood. Bring it to your appointments. It can help you and your doctor understand your condition.

“I keep a diary to record how I’m doing. It helps my doctor and me watch my progress or see if I might be heading for an episode.”

—Amelia

Be your doctor’s partner. Getting improvement in your symptoms of bipolar disorder is worth the effort. Working closely with your doctor and any other health care professionals involved in your care will make it more likely that you’ll get the full benefits of treatment.

Don’t stop taking your medicine or try to adjust your dose on your own. If your symptoms improve, you may feel cured. If you don’t see improvement right away, you may think your treatment isn’t working. Or you may find your medicine is causing side effects you can’t live with. If any of these things happen, be sure to tell your doctor. Don’t stop taking your medicine without talking to your doctor first. If you stop taking your medicine, you run the risk of your symptoms returning.

* Based on conversations with real patients.
† Dr. Suarez is a practicing psychiatrist. He did not treat the patients depicted on this Web site. Dr. Suarez received compensation from Pfizer, the makers of GEODON, for his contributions to this site.

Next: About bipolar disorder

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E-mail a friend |       
GEODON is used to treat acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. GEODON is also used as maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder when added to lithium or valproate. For full symptoms and diagnostic criteria, see the DSM-IV-TR® (2000).
GEODON is used to treat schizophrenia. For full symptoms and diagnostic criteria, see the DSM-IV-TR® (2000).
GEODON is used to treat schizophrenia and acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. GEODON is also used as maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder when added to lithium or valproate. For full symptoms and diagnostic criteria, see the DSM-IV-TR® (2000).
Getting a correct diagnosis
Is GEODON right for you?
Helping people with bipolar disorder

This tool will help make it easier to talk to your doctor about how you feel (coming soon).