Ziprasidone is a prescription drug used for treating bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. This page on the eMedTV site describes the effects of ziprasidone, lists possible side effects of the drug, and offers some general dosing guidelines.
Indigestion, drowsiness, and constipation are some of the most common ziprasidone side effects. This eMedTV page also lists side effects that require medical attention, as well as some less common problems that occur in less than 2 percent of people.
What is ziprasidone used for? As this part of the eMedTV library explains, ziprasidone is used for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The drug can also be used "off-label" for the treatment of Tourette syndrome and certain behavior problems.
For the treatment of schizophrenia, ziprasidone dosing usually starts at 20 mg twice daily. This eMedTV page also offers ziprasidone dosage guidelines for bipolar disorder and explains the importance of taking your dose at the same times each day.
Clozapine and pimozide are among the drugs that can potentially interact with ziprasidone. This eMedTV page describes how drug interactions with ziprasidone can make ziprasidone less effective or increase your risk of side effects, among other things.
Ziprasidone can cause a life-threatening condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome in some people. This eMedTV page offers other precautions and warnings with ziprasidone, including important information on who should not take the drug.
