Angel asked
I was taking clonazepam 1mg to 2mg a day for anxiety. My psychiatrist has always trying to get me off it. Recently whe said that there has been a study that links benzos to Alzheimers. She wants me to take an EKg and blood test so I can go on Geodon. I have prolapsed mytra valve and high cholesterol. What I would like to know is Geodon used in treating anxiety and is it safe for me to take.
Answer
Geodon (Ziprasidone) is technically classified as an atypical antipsychotic drug, and it has many different indications for its use. Most commonly, it is used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, mania, depression and sometimes anxiety (although not often used solely for anxiety). The class of atypical antipsychotics has well known and well defined side effects.
Two of the more well known side effects are metabolic side effects and cardiovascular side effects. Potential for weight gain is very high, but varies significantly among the different atypical antipsychotic drugs. Geodon Ziprasidone appears to have the fewest adverse metabolic effects however. American Psychiatric Association treatment guidelines and others recommend routine monitoring of weight, waist circumference, serum lipids, and fasting glucose in all patients receiving atypical antipsychotics.
The other concern is the cardiovascular side effects. QTc prolongation (a type of arrhythmia) is seen with most atypical antipsychotics, and ziprasidone is associated with the most significant effects. It is certainly something that will be monitored by your doctor.
