PTE - I haven't had any clinical experience with Geodon™ (ziprasidone), but from what I've read it is one of those medications that either works for you or doesn't. I haven't seen much middle ground in what I have read on it so far.

Ihave heard that it can cause, or exacerbate existing, heart problems. It's that old Q-T prolongation thing seen with Mellaril™ (thioridazine) and Orap™ (pimozide), as well as a couple other of the "traditional" antipsychotics. I believe that Q-T prolongation is a form of irregular heartbeat.

I do believe that Geodon is good at treating agitation and that there is an intramuscular version that is fast-acting; although I do not know how well it works in a clinical setting.

Geodon needs to be started at low doses and increased gradually, as it can, especially when first taking it, cause a drop in blood pressure.This can cause problems with dizziness and fainting. Geodon can also cause problems with the body's ability to regulate heat.

I do know that there is (was?) a study done in Canada testing Geodon against Risperdal™ (risperdal) that showed both to be sorta equivalent. I know the pdoc who ran the study, so all I can say is that there may be some funding bias as to the conclusions found by that study. Professional courtesy (as well as "my" personal bias, and the possibility of a slander lawsuit) prevent me from saying any more.

I hope that this is of some help. - Cam