Geodon

Geodon is an antipsychotic medication that is used to treat schizophrenia and manic symptoms of bipolar disorder. The drug works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain, and has been prescribed to adults and children as early as 10 years old. Geodon was approved by the FDA in 2001 and is manufactured by Pfizer.

Although the Geodon label warned of mild side effects, a few years after the drug was approved side effects such as diabetes, Torsade de Pointes, Tardive Dyskinesia and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome were discovered.

In 2004, the FDA warned doctors about these side effects that may accompany the use of Geodon. In one study, it was found that Geodon and similar drugs were 50 percent more likely to cause diabetes than older antipsychotic drugs.

Geodon has also been seen to cause heart rhythm problems as well. It has been seen in cases of Torsade de Pointes, which literally means “twisting of the points” in French.

Serious side effects may include:

• Dizziness, feeling light-headed, fainting, fast or pounding heartbeat
• Stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats
• Fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
• White patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips
• Tremor (uncontrolled shaking), restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck
• Agitation, hostility, confusion
• Increased thirst or urination, weakness, extreme hunger
• Penis erection that is painful or lasts four hours or longer

Less serious Geodon side effects may include:

• Mild skin rash
• Anxiety, headache, depressed mood
• Dizziness, drowsiness
• Muscle pain or twitching
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
• Runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat
• Weight gain