Ziprasidone capsule

What is this medicine?

ZIPRASIDONE is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• dementia
• diabetes or high blood sugar
• heart disease, including heart failure
• irregular heartbeat
• liver disease
• low potassium level in the blood
• Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders
• previous heart attack or stroke
• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
• an unusual or allergic reaction to ziprasidone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Take with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• alfuzosin
• arsenic trioxide
• certain antidepressants
• certain macrolide antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, and troleandomycin
• certain quinolone antibiotics like gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and sparfloxacin
• chloroquine
• cisapride
• clozapine
• dolasetron
• droperidol
• halofantrine
• haloperidol
• levomethadyl
• medicines for treating heart-rhythm problems like amiodarone, dofetilide, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, and sotalol
• methadone
• palonosetron
• pentamidine
• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine and thioridazine
• pimozide
• probucol
• propafenone
• risperidone
• sertindole
• tacrolimus
• vardenafil

This medicine may also interact with the following:

• carbamazepine
• diuretics
• medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole
• medicines for Parkinson's disease
• some medications for high blood pressure
• stimulants like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the dose.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

This medicine can change the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• change in emotion or behavior such as feeling depressed, angry, or anxious
• chest pain
• difficulty breathing
• difficulty swallowing
• excessive thirst and/or hunger
• fast or irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• fever
• frequently needing to urinate
• inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs
• loss of balance or difficulty walking
• prolonged erection
• seizures
• skin rash or hives
• stiff muscles or jaw
• tremor
• uncontrollable movements or spasms of the face, tongue or mouth
• weakness or loss of strength

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation
• drowsiness
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.