Posted by Sunnely on June 9, 2001, at 0:25:17
In reply to Re: Geodon / Ziprasidone questions?, posted by vince on June 6, 2001, at 17:45:29
Ziprasidone (Geodon) has not been studied specifically for depression or bipolar disorder and therefore, not presently recommended as a monotherapy (used alone) for these conditions. However, because of its reuptake inhibition of both serotonin (5HT) and norepinephrine (NE) and 5HT1A agonist effect, ziprasidone may have both anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and antidepressant effects.
Although unlikely to be used primarily for anxiety, one double-blind study of predental anxiety compared a single oral dose of ziprasidone 20 mg to diazepam (Valium) 10 mg in 90 patients. The study found both drugs to be effective in reducing anxiety prior to dental surgery, with ziprasidone producing less sedation. This suggests that ziprasidone does have anxiolytic effects which are not due to sedation.
In the pivotal antipsychotic trials with schizophrenic and schizoaffective patients, both 120 mg/day and 160 mg/day doses of ziprasidone have been found to significantly improve depression and anxiety symptoms as compared to placebo. These findings are similar to findings which have been reported for other atypical antipsychotics, including clozapine (Clozaril) and olanzapine (Zyprexa). The ziprasidone data suggesting effectiveness in improving depressive symptoms in schizophrenia is promising. However, direct comparisons with other atypical antipsychotics are necessary before conclusions can be made about relative effectiveness in treating depressive symptoms.
If you have Bipolar Disorder type 2, you may have to be maintained on a mood stabilizer (and within therapeutic blood level, if possible) along with an antidepressant. The use of an antidepressant alone (e.g., Prozac) in this situation may lead to switch to mania or worse, rapid cycling episodes. The addition of ziprasidone to Prozac may even make it more risky. Just my own 2 cents.
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> > I started on Geodon about four days ago. My pdoc kept me on Prozac. I hate prozac because of the sexual side effects. I have been diagnosed as bipolar II. Can anyone tell me if Geodon can, or should be used alone to treat BP2? I would like to get off the Prozac. Also what is the normal dose for treating BP2?
> >
> > Vince
>
> Since this was posted right before the new period began, I thought I would bring it over so it would have a chance to be read.
>
> Vince
poster:Sunnely
thread:65441
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010605/msgs/65880.html