Posted by Sunnely on May 30, 2001, at 23:47:25
In reply to Having heart problems w/ Geodon, posted by kellyR. on May 30, 2001, at 15:41:18
Hi Kelly,
You should call your doctor immediately.
Ziprasidone (Geodon) can prolong QTc (and electrocardiogram abnormality). QTc is a measure of the time needed for the heart to depolarize and repolarize. The longer the QTc, the longer the time required. Slight increases in QTc are common. However, large prolongations of QTc are a marker of increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias (serious heart rhythm irregularities). A specific arrhythmia known as "torsades de pointes" is associated with long QTc and sudden death.
Do you have any heart condition? If you do, Geodon may not be good for you. In fact, you should not be taking Geodon or at least you should have a cardiology clearance if you have any heart condition before taking Geodon.
Also, if you have past history of palpitations, lightheadedness, fainting spells, or rapid heart beat, you should have an electrocardiogram (ECG) done with normal reading before taking Geodon.
If you have history of eating disorders, are dehydrated, vomiting, having diarrhea, taking diuretics, have alcohol abuse or dependence, you should have an electrolyte panel with magnesium levels and ECG, and should be normal prior to Geodon treatment.
You should also be aware that there are other drugs that can prolong QTc and therefore should not be taken along with Geodon. You should ask your doctor or pharmacist about these drugs.
While on Geodon, you should immediately report to your doctor if you experience rapid heart beat, lightheadedness, palpitations, chest pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or other illness that can cause loss of fluids. You should avoid excessive use of alcohol. You should notify your doctor before taking any prescription, over-the-counter drugs, or herbal preparations.
****************
> Since I started taking geodon I been having alote of heart pain like I was having a heart attack, I see my Dr. this friday, I was going to call him but I have trouble maying phone calls.& half of me hopes that it true & I'll die. Is anyone else having problems w/ geodon?
poster:Sunnely
thread:64767
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010530/msgs/64825.html