Geodon (Ziprasidone) Attorneys
Ziprasidone is an atypical antipsychotic medication. Atypical antipsychotics are a new class of drugs used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, a severe mental disorder characterized by incoherence, delusions, hallucinations, physical agitation and paranoia. Geodon, which is manufactured by Pfizer, is used to treat manic or mixed episodes in adults with Bipolar I disorder, a mental illness that causes extreme mood swings.
In August 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned health care professionals that Geodon increased the risk of developing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and diabetes. In fact in a recent study, the incidence of diabetes was 50 percent higher in those using antipsychotic drugs similar to Geodon over that in those using older antipsychotics. Pfizer was asked to add a new warning to the drug's label.
Potential side effects of Geodon, however, are not limited to diabetes. The use of Geodon can increase the risk for developing:
- Abnormal heart rhythm - symptoms may include notable change in the way the heart beats, faint, and loss of consciousness
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) - a life-threatening nervous system disorder that can cause high fever, sweating, stiff muscles, irregular heart beat, change in blood pressure, confusion. It can also affect your kidneys. If someone experiences these symptoms after taking Geodon, their doctor should be contacted immediately
- Iardive dyskinesia (TD) - a movement problem in which muscle movements cannot be stopped. Also considered a medical urgency
- Other serious side effects including low blood pressure, increased heart beat, dizziness, fainting, seizures, changes in body temperature, persistent erection, and difficulty swallowing
- Other common side effects may include tiredness, nausea, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, rash, dizziness, restlessness, runny nose, coughing
Before taking Geodon, the patient should let their healthcare professional know if they have experienced any of the symptoms or conditions listed above. The doctor should also be aware of any other medications the patient is taking, and the patient should avoid drinking alcohol when taking Geodon.
If you or a loved one has been injured or suffered serious side effects due to having been given Geodon, you may be entitled to compensation. You may wish to consult with an experienced pharmaceutical injury attorney to find out what your rights are. You should not delay, however - by law you may have a limited time to act.
