Ziprasidone for Schizoaffective Disorder User Reviews

• CJano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2020

Geodon (ziprasidone) "Geodon is a life changer for me. MDD with Psychotic features (Schizoaffective ish). It took a while to get past the sleepy side effects, and those were not trivial either. After about three weeks, or so, I was able to get adjusted to the medication (120 mg / day) and I can enjoy the benefits of clear thought and presence in reality. I never realized how much of my illness left me feeling disconnected from life and others. Now I feel grounded and I like life again. No weight gain that I have noticed, and once I got used to the medication, the sleepiness was very manageable."

• Michi
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 24, 2020

Geodon (ziprasidone) "I'm schizoaffective and was put on Geodon 2 weeks ago for visual and auditory hallucinations. I had been taking Seroquel and it wasn't working for me so the doctor switched me over to the Geodon. Within a day the visuals had receded and shortly after the auditory as well. I've suffered for over a decade with trying different medications and so far this one has worked the best for me and my body chemistry. I also have major depression so the stimulant properties are a perfect solution for my lethargy."

• Czr
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2019

Geodon (ziprasidone) "Geodon in the beginning sounded like a good idea but it turns out that I was very wrong. After the first day of taking it I developed insomnia, heart palpitations and could not feel any emotions what so ever. These symptoms persisted for the whole time I took Geodon and on top of that, Geodon did nothing to help my psychosis. I then asked my doctor to get me off of Geodon and that is when the real kicker shows. Geodon has horrible withdrawal symptoms that hit despite how slowly I decreased my dose. These withdrawal symptoms for me included really bad insomnia, which made it impossible to go to bed at all and caused hallucinations, flu like symptoms and more heart palpitations. I am currently in week 1 out of 12 of getting off my 120mg dose. So basically if you take this drug, you WILL be hooked on it. Good luck."

• L in ...
• January 12, 2014

Geodon (ziprasidone) "I am 64 and have been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder by some mental health clinicians and a schizo-affective disorder by others. Off and on I have had auditory hallucinations which for the last couple of months have been constant. I was hospitalized for a week and switched from Zyprexa to Geodon. I noticed a difference within the first 24 hours. Now, I am back home and have no hallucinations. Miraculous! I stop and listen for the hallucinations, but they simply are not there. It will take a while for me to "trust" the medication, but nothing has worked so well without severe side effects. So far, I am delighted."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2012

Geodon (ziprasidone) "When I first went on Geodon, it was like a sigh of relief. The first day I slept all day, but the grogginess passed. I took 160 mg once daily (the 80 mg twice daily didn't work, as it made me groggy). I had slight headaches and akathesia, but it was tolerable, and my mood was greatly improved. No rage or mood swings or delusions. Unfortunately, I started getting depressed, and was bumped up to 240 mg. Big mistake. I became a total zombie. I barely laughed, I couldn't read, I had no emotions or interests. I lay in bed all the time. I lost 20 pounds and didn't have increased appetite, which was a plus, but I was so tired. This medicine is a good one, just be careful you aren't put on a high dose."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 3, 2019

Geodon (ziprasidone) "This drug Geodon was amazing, I've felt the best I have ever felt MENTALLY in 12 years. I was literally crying of happiness because I didn't think I could ever feel normal again, it was that good. But unfortunately I got HORRIBLE akithesia (intense restlessness) and tapping of my foot that caused me to stop the drug. The foot tapping took 2 weeks to go away. I also would get watery diarrhea and episodes of overheating where I thought I had a fever but my temperature was normal. Also would get intense dizziness if I took my dose late, and felt like I had to drop dead of sleep no matter where I was, as soon as I took my dose. I wish I didn't have such bad physical side effects!! This is the only thing that has worked for me so far."

• Jill...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2017

Geodon (ziprasidone) "I started taking this in April 2017. I was on 9 medications at the time for manic episodes and severe constant hallucinations. The only medication that ever stopped my hallucinations before this was haldol, but it caused extreme akinesia, so I stopped taking it. Originally was on 20 mg of Geodon twice daily, but have now gone to 80 mg twice daily. This medication is a miracle. The hallucinations have almost completely gone, and my mood is stable for the first time in years. No severe weight gain or weight loss. The only real side effect is that I get sleepy, but it is a welcome rest. I have gone from 9 medications to 3 medications. Recommended."

• Allis...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 28, 2016

Geodon (ziprasidone) "This medication was exactly what I needed for my schizoaffective and bipolar disorders. There has been absolutely no weight gain and no noticeable side effects. It has seriously levelled out my bipolar cycles, no paranoid delusions and the depressive episodes are less painful. I know that one med won't work for some people, but this was exactly what I needed. After being on zyprexa and gaining 10 pounds a month, this was a life saver."

• Singe...
• January 13, 2018

Geodon (ziprasidone) "Tried 2 others with bad side effects. I've just switched to the above & no constipation, quiet in my head no cravings or dry mouth. Think I sneeze a bit & my sinuses are clearer. Bit of runny nose but nothing to complain about. Within 2.5hrs I'm slowly drifting into great sleep & can wake up with no alarm feeling very refreshed & energized. I'm really hoping it continues like this as its perfect for me.on 20mg at night. I've got my fingers crossed."

• Dann_C0
• October 2, 2015

Geodon (ziprasidone) "The doctors diagnosed me with social anxiety, depression and minor schizoaffective symptoms. The first 2 days of taking this I felt great, I felt like I could do anything and I was really happy would rate this medicine higher if this continued for the entire duration of my taking it. However my the end of the first week I was severely delusional, to the point where I didn't even notice it. At the end of week 2 I didn't even know who I was, I thought I was turning into animals and I had no perception of time. A good way to explain it was the worst week long trip ever. I first noticed I was not me when the letters on my phone made no sense. I cold turkey'd it and I experienced hypertension, irregular heart beats and so much more."

• David...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 15, 2015

Geodon (ziprasidone) "I have taking Geodon almost a year now for schizoaffective disorder bipolar type. I always wondered why my doctor never prescribe me anything for bipolar mania and depression but it turns out the Geodon is used for this. I can say that has helped me tremendously. Manias hardly there anymore and sexual appetite has decreased. My wants and need to shop in excess is gone almost. I do have to say though that I have major erectile dysfunction. I take 80 milligrams twice a day with food very important or doesn't absorb."

• Hatchie
• November 14, 2012

Geodon (ziprasidone) "I take this for multiple things. I have been on it for a week. It seemed to work at first but now I can't sleep, seeing and hearing worse. My hands twitch a lot. I'm a non smoker that has the cravings to smoke(not good at all!) hopefully when I call dr office they change this med. I've been on Abilify and lithium with no problems at all but new dr wanted to try something new. Well I don't like it. My 12yr old son thinks I've lost my marbles as he calls it. Not cool if my son can notice a difference!"

• Getting...
• November 27, 2009

Geodon (ziprasidone) "I have been using Geodon for three and a half years. It has been a very good medication for my mental health symptoms, and for that I am grateful. I do have some side-effect issues, however. I get something akin to restless leg syndrome that is especially bad at night when I am lying down, trying to fall asleep. I have taken Mirapex for this and also Cogentin. Both clear up 90% of my discomfort and the last ten percent is tolerable. I have some facial contortions sometimes, like a feeling that I have to make a strange face to relieve tension in my facial muscles, but that is mostly tolerable also. I do know that withdrawal from Geodon can be extremely uncomfortable so don't stop suddenly. Never let yourself run out of medicine."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 21, 2013

Geodon (ziprasidone) "Geodon has been effective in controlling my hallucinations and paranoia. It does make me drowsy and makes me shake after I take it. I have gained about 30 lbs while on it but it has been the most effective antipsychotic for me to relieve visual and auditory hallucinations and paranoia. I have taken Seroquel, Abilify, and Geodon and this is the most effective for me."

• DevJohn
• March 16, 2011

Geodon (ziprasidone) "Geodon is really an effective medicine for Schizoaffective Disorder. One of the most challenging mental disorders to identify accurately and treat appropriately is schizoaffective disorder. This condition involves both psychotic symptoms and conspicuous, long-enduring, severe symptoms of mood disorder. "

• oneey...
• April 9, 2013

Geodon (ziprasidone) "I have dealt with hearing voices for around 10 years. I have been on medicines, that take the edge off. But this, this, was a miracle. I don't hear voices anymore. Worst side affect I have, is drowsiness."

• clannad
• February 14, 2012

Geodon (ziprasidone) "I was originally on 160mg of Geodon mainly for delusions and paranoia. It helped a great deal for paranoia but I wanted to decrease the dosage with a view to coming off it altogether. I managed to get down to 40mg but couldn't get off it altoghether as the resulting insomnia was awful. I just could not sleep without it. Unfortunately, due to paranoia I am now back up to 120mg and I can't see myself ever getting off this medication and I do suffer a lot of bloating with it although it is not as bad as Zyprexa or Clozaril for weight gain. Overall a good medicine for paranoid delusions."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2017

Geodon (ziprasidone) "I was diagnosed in the prodromal stage of schizophrenia 2 1/2 months ago. I was started on Geodon 80mg once a day, which I started taking in the morning and it made me fall asleep for 4-6 hours. After a week of this I started taking it at night, somehow, it doesn't make me drowsy when I would like it to. It has taken away 90% of my symptoms. The first month I would get blurry vision, shaky hands, loss of appetite, large pupils later in the evening. The blurry vision has gone away. I have very little akathisia. I started getting panic attacks 2 months into taking Geodon, I now take it with a beta blocker and the panic attacks are gone. I have lost weight on this medication and have very minimal side effects. I'm grateful for this drug."

• Cat
• November 5, 2018

Geodon (ziprasidone) "Gained 50lbs in 3 months. Ate half a refrigerator a day. The doctor told me that geodon is weight neutral and I need more self control. I've been on oodles of anti-psychotics and other psych drugs. Only zyprexa, lithium, and depakote make me gain weight. Lithium was a pound a week, zyprexa is .75lbs a week, and depakote is 3lbs a week. Geodon is 4lbs a week. A personal high"

• andel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 24, 2013

Geodon (ziprasidone) "My only complaints about this medicine are that it gave me a profoundly spaced out feeling for about three hours after I took it and it had to be taken with food, otherwise I loved it! It really helped with my paranoia and anxiety during the day. It didn't cause any weight gain and helped stabilize my mood. I only discontinued because I went on Saphris and the two do not mix."

• Anonymous
• April 17, 2012

Geodon (ziprasidone) "This is an amazing medicine and I lost 42 lbs on it but maybe that's also why I'm this crazy now because I barely eat anything and it needs to be taken with food to be absorbed properly and I don't eat enough or exercise, which I need to start doing but I hate the fact that it makes me not enjoy eating and plus I need to take it with food. I wish it was like Risperdal and I don't need to take it with food but Risperdal didn't work for me. "

• UT GUY
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 9, 2015

Geodon (ziprasidone) "I have kind of mixed feelings about Geodon. I have only been taking it for a few weeks. It has eliminated my psychotic features...nearly 100%. The side effects are hard for me but I have read that people get more used to it over time so I am not ready to give up on it yet. The side effects I experience are sleepiness, which is a problem at work, but not nearly as bad as Seroquel was. The other side effect that is hard for me is the shakiness it gives me. I have to take Artane, which is a drug for Parkinson's disease, but that does calm down the shakiness. Other than that, my appetite is normal, my moods are calmed down (but I also take Lamictal for that). As far as Geodon's effect on the psychotic features goes, it's amazing."

• ohthe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2013

Geodon (ziprasidone) "Geodon for a month now; ZERO weight loss from 6 years of Risperidal. Discouraged but won't give up. I'm crying more lately... which is just plain weird. I never cry. Still, no hallucinations; my mood is decent."

• Bstrong
• August 26, 2015

Geodon (ziprasidone) "I was just diagnosed schizoaffective recently. Geodon has proven a good antipsychotic. side effects have been minimal with face twitch at the start. Highly recommend this and Abilify for psychotic disorders."

• Intense
• January 19, 2011

Geodon (ziprasidone) "Geodon has been the best antipsychotic for me from a physical point of view - I lost ten kilograms that I had put on while Zyprexa. Concentration is not very good on it though - I cannot study as well as I did on Zyprexa. I lowered the dose to 80mg and suddenly it was not sufficient and I started getting symptoms again. Now I am on 120mg and symptoms have gone away but am a bit hazy and unclear, struggling to concentrate and wanting to sleep late in the mornings. I want to try 100mg to see if I will stay stable on this dose."