Should I continue with Geodon?

Question

Geodon seems like it works. The problem is it makes you soo darn tired and drowsy. I reduced my intake to one pill a day, in the evening, at only 60mg. In the morning the effects of the pills have not worn off. I can't take it any earlier than 9 or 10pm because of the drowsiness. I was thinking of asking for another type of medication. Any suggestions?

SERIOUS REPLIES ONLY!!!!

Answer 1

I take Geodon for bi-polar with psychosis.

My dose is lower than yours at 40 mg.

I've been on as high as 160 mg (At the hospital-- not sure of the exact dose because I was pretty out of it.) The higher doses completely zoned me out.

Even at 40 mg (which I take at night)...... I have problems getting up in the morning...... err, afternoon. :)

But I have great results otherwise on this low dose of Geodon. No racing thoughts. Great grades in college. (I do force myself to get up in the morning for that.)

No other medication controls my mania/psychosis like Geodon!

I still have a problem with depression, but that's not a particular strength of Geodon.

(I do take Abilify at 10 mg for depression. And Lamictal, too, as a mood stabilizer at 200 mg.)

So I would try a lower dose of Geodon.

40 mg.
20 mg.

I've found that it doesn't take much to control my symptoms.

Also you can try going off it or switching to another medication. My doctor wanted to try me at a real high dose of Abilify and take me off the Geodon completely. I switched doctors because I have been off Geodon before and it was a train wreck.

Med mixes take time to get right. Experiment. Work with your doctor or even switch doctors. You have to have side-effects that you can live with.

Good luck to you!

Answer 2

A lot depends on why you take it - my experience with it was taking Geodan for bipolar disorder. I stopped taking Geodan for 2 reasons - 1. I could not get over the sedating effects. I was scared of falling asleep while driving, or even just walking. It made me so sleepy! 2. The second problem I had was it gave me panic attacks. However, to give you a good answer it would help to know what you are taking Geodan for. If you are taking it for bipolar then swap to something else immediately, for example a traditional mood stabilizer. If you are taking it to prevent psychosis DO NOT discontinue without talking to your psychiatrist. You need to get professional advice from a qualified medical expert. The only medical condition I can make medication suggestions for is bipolar. If that is your problem I suggest tried and true lithium. Good luck, and I hope you feel better soon.

Answer 3

Geodon, or atleast the dose you are taking, may not be right for you. Get on the phone with your Dr. TODAY. Let him stay informed and direct your dosage or med changes.

There are other meds out there that should address your symptoms.