What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

dementia

diabetes or high blood sugar

heart disease, including heart failure

rregular heartbeat

liver disease

low potassium level in the blood

Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders

previous heart attack or stroke

suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member

an unusual or allergic reaction to ziprasidone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.
A patient information sheet for the product will be given with each prescription and refill. Read this sheet carefully each time. The sheet may change frequently.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

alfuzosin

arsenic trioxide

certain antidepressants

certain macrolide antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, and troleandomycin

certain quinolone antibiotics like gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and sparfloxacin

chloroquine

cisapride

clozapine

dolasetron

droperidol

halofantrine

haloperidol

levomethadyl

medicines for treating heart-rhythm problems like amiodarone, dofetilide, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, and sotalol

methadone

palonosetron

pentamidine

phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine and thioridazine

pimozide

probucol

propafenone

risperidone

sertindole

tacrolimus

vardenafil

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

carbamazepine

diuretics

medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole

medicines for Parkinson's disease

some medications for high blood pressure

stimulants like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the dose.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
This medicine can change the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

change in emotion or behavior such as feeling depressed, angry, or anxious

chest pain

difficulty breathing

difficulty swallowing

excessive thirst and/or hunger

fast or irregular heartbeat or palpitations

fever or chills, sore throat

frequently needing to urinate

nability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs

loss of balance or difficulty walking

prolonged erection

seizures

skin rash or hives

stiff muscles or jaw

tremor

uncontrollable movements or spasms of the face, tongue or mouth

weakness or loss of strength

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

constipation

drowsiness

headache

nausea or vomiting

upset stomach

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.