Bipolar Mania: Symptoms Taking Over Your Life

Treating Bipolar Mania: Team Up with Your Doctor

To make the most of your treatment, talk to your doctor openly and honestly. Working closely with your doctor is the key to managing your illness.

Here are some topics you'll want to discuss with your doctor:

How you're really feeling
Other medicines or supplements you take
Problems or improvements you're having
Any medical problems in your family
Whether you're pregnant or plan to become pregnant
Any health related issues or questions
Talking to your family about managing your illness

To help you remember what you want to ask about GEODON^®, take this list of questions to your next doctor's appointment:

What is GEODON and how can it help?
What are the most common side effects?
How do I know it's working?
Why is it important take it with food?
How long should I take it?
What can I expect?
How can I make the most of my treatment?

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.

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