[Moreta]

So from what I know and have read the max dose of Geodon is 160 mg, which I'm on. I went to the pdoc today, and he upped the dose another 80 mg, since I've been seeing things, blah blah blah.

I was just wondering if anyone had any experience taking so much at a time. The plan is to take 80 mg at lunch, and 160 mg at night.

I believe when I was in the hospital, they had me on that amount, but it was only for a few days and they lowered it again. I think I was usually on 60-80mg if I remember right.

[-jimi-]

You get an EKG with that I hope? That is important.

[bipolarmedstudent]

According to my book:

"doses >80 mg bid generally not recommended" (80 bid = 160 mg/day) and
"short-term efficacy data for 100 mg bid but limited safety data" (100 mg bid = 200 mg/day)

You are now on 240 mg/day, which is really high. Geodon can prolong the QT interval, so you need to have an EKG done to check your heart. You may also be at a higher risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome on that dose.

Honestly, if the Geodon isn't working at 160 mg/day, perhaps it's time to try a different antipsychotic. Have you tried clozapine? It's a very potent antipsychotic that generally works better than the rest.

[netsavy006]

I don't know much about a 240mg per day dosage, but I have heard of it. I would do like others recommend and get an EKG to make sure your heart is healthy. I know that Geodon does affect the Qtc interval (something to do with the heart), which is why we recommend getting the EKG.

I wish you the best with the increased Geodon.
~ Andy

[PurpleFlyingMonkeys]

I agree. My experience with the lowest dose of geodon was very unpleasant and it never helped. If it's not helping, instead of risking anything perhaps try a different med? That seems way too high for me, but I hate medicine so any dose really is too much for me.

[MaDdSnow]

I was up at 160mg , and my pulse was sky high. They had to take me off of it completely due to an abnormal EKG.

However, now I am back on it. I am only on 60mg so I am hoping I don't have the cardiac side effects once more.

I would proceed with caution with this drug, especially at such a high dosage. I cannot believe your doctor would subject you to so much of this medication.

Alas, I'm not the one with the degree, but still...it is dangerous.

[MsAspiring]

I took up to four 80 mg pills each night for over 4 years.

[Moreta]

it's been a little over a week on the new dosage, and it seems to be working. no more hallucinations...yay! surprisingly it hasn't made me more tired than i usually am.

i am going to ask my GP if i should get an EKG when i go see him next week.

[MaDdSnow]

Originally Posted by Moreta

it's been a little over a week on the new dosage, and it seems to be working. no more hallucinations...yay! surprisingly it hasn't made me more tired than i usually am.

i am going to ask my GP if i should get an EKG when i go see him next week.

That's great! Yeah, I think that would be a good idea. However, he might decide not to if you're not having symptoms. I couldn't breathe right and I could feel my hear flutter in my chest - it was weird.

Hopefully, you can remain on this new dosage for a while, since it is working.

I am still scared about even taking Geodon at 60 mg. But I have been fine, so far. I just get sleepy, which is why I take it at night.

[jamie1982]

i take 160mg at 5pm with dinner everyday and it knocks me out sometimes at 6:30 pm -- i fall asleep

[Twisti]

I took that much at one time...but had to go down to the usual 160mg...im supposed to take it twice a day 80mg each time but I cant function during the day like that so i take it all at night...its better..if you do start having issues again concider asking for a med change...it really isnt good taking that high of a dose.