Treating Bipolar Mania: a Steady State of Mind

No one knows for sure what causes bipolar disorder. It is believed that certain natural chemicals in the brain that affect the way you feel and act may be out of balance. It is believed that GEODON^® may help balance these chemicals, which, in turn, may help control your symptoms of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder.

Getting Relief with GEODON

Some symptoms of acute manic or mixed episodes may include:

• Extremely high or irritable mood
• Increased energy, activity, and restlessness

• Racing thoughts or talking very fast
• Easily distracted
• Little need for sleep

GEODON may help you treat these symptoms. Only your doctor can tell you if GEODON is right for you. Every patient is different, so you'll react to GEODON in your own way. You may see some improvement in symptoms in the first few days, but if not, give the medicine more time to work. Always be sure to take GEODON with meals so that it will be well absorbed in your body and you can get the most out of your treatment.

Common Side Effects

Like all medicines, GEODON may cause side effects in some people. The most common are:

• Feeling unusually tired or sleepy
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Restlessness

• Abnormal muscle movements, including tremor, shuffling and uncontrolled, involuntary movements
• Diarrhea
• Rash
• Increased cough/runny nose

If you develop any side effects that concern you, talk to your doctor. It's particularly important to tell your doctor if you have diarrhea, vomiting or another illness that can cause you to lose fluids. Your doctor may want to check your blood to make sure that you have the right amount of important salts after such illnesses.

Important Safety Information

Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis (having lost touch with reality due to confusion and memory loss) treated with this type of medicine are at an increased risk of death, compared to placebo (sugar pill). GEODON is not approved for treating these patients.

You should not take GEODON if you have certain kinds of heart conditions or take certain medicines. GEODON may increase the risk of changes to your heart rhythm. It is important to talk to your doctor about this possible side effect. And, be sure to call your doctor right away if you faint, pass out, or feel a change in your heartbeat.

Serious side effects can occur with any antipsychotic medicine, including GEODON. Tell your doctor right away if you experience a high fever, stiff muscles, shaking, confusion, sweating or increased heart rate and blood pressure. These can be signs of a rare condition, called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

Also tell your doctor if you experience abnormal or uncontrollable facial or body movements. These could be signs of tardive dyskinesia (TD), which may become permanent.

Medicines like GEODON may raise blood sugar levels. There have been few reports of high blood sugar or diabetes in people who take GEODON. It is not known if GEODON was the cause.

If you experience a rash, lightheadedness or seizures while taking GEODON, tell your doctor.

The most common side effects of GEODON for bipolar patients are sleepiness, abnormal muscle movements (such as tremors, shuffling, and uncontrolled movement), dizziness, and restlessness.

Ask your doctor if GEODON is right for you.

Please see Full Prescribing Information
Please see Patient Summary of Information

This information is intended for residents of the United States.

© 2007 Pfizer Inc. All rights reserved.

WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.