geodon-heart trouble?

I have been put on Geodon for bi-polar! I dont understand my illness and dont know why I was put on a anti-psycotic. Does anybody know exactly what is bi-polar? And what should I expect from the geodon concerning my heart? All the information I have gotten on it says there are side effects that effect the heart. Any information on this would be greatly appreciated!!!

Hi Sheila. I was just put on Geodon also because of bi-polar type 2. My understanding is that this drug is approved for treatment of bi-polar but is only FDA "specified" for schizophrenia. In other words, it treats bi-polar too, but the drug company didn't bother to pay for the FDA to say so -- they just went straight to the doctors and told them directly. Geodon acts as a mood stabilizer so you don't have the pendulum effect going between depression and hypo mania (anger or irritability) for bi-polar type 2. In bi-polar 1 (manic depression) the moods swing from depression to hallucinatory mania. Anyway, Geodon is supposed to help stop this swinging effect, usually in combination with another antidepressant/anti-anxiety type drug. In my case, as soon as I ramp up to the full dose (40 mgs. 2X/day) I will be combining Geodon with Prozac to treat the depression. For people with bi-polar type 2, which is what I have, this drug makes the antidepressant work better, it prevents the antidepressant from pushing the person all the way into hypo mania (which happened to me when I took just an antidepressant), and it does this WITHOUT causing weight gain. The other mood stabilizers, like Lithium and Depakote, cause significant weight gain. My doctor prescribed Geodon because I told him I would refuse to take anything else that would make me gain weight. I'm already on a hormone/birth control pill that does that, so I don't need more fat!<br><br>I hope this helps you understand a little better why you have been prescribed Geodon. I am being treated by a neurologist who explains everything really well. Good luck!

I, too, am on Geodon for Bipolar, which is characterized by ups and downs, I call them. More downs than ups. But the geodon has helped me very much. Apparently, you don't have to be psychotic to enjoy its benefits. It seems to keep me pretty level in mood. Hope you have good luck with it. I don't think it affects my heart at all.

there is a web site bipolar.about.com it is real helpful in understanding manic depression (bipolar)

Deb, I know the information you supplied sure has helped me. Thanks.

I just took my daughter to a new therapist after being released from being inpatient. Her first hospitalization was in 2002, when after only 5 days, she was diagnosed as Bi-Polar and schizophrenic. I was SHOCKED to be told by the therapist that in order for a doctor to LEAGALLY diagnose a person as either of the above, the MUST

(continued)....<br>they MUST have 2 years of consistent contact and interaction with the patient to have a verified diagnosis. I'm hoping that the geodone will help my daughter with her mood swings. Good luck to you all

I recently found out too that i am bipolar type 2, i am on effexer and now they just put me on geodone...i havent took it yet because i need to get a blood test done first. I have heard that it causes weight gain and i do not need that. But in the last comment, they said that it didnt cause them weight gain, I am pleased to hear that because i dont want any weight gain either, so i hope when i take this, i wont gain any weight.

Sheila, bi-polar disorder is a very unpredictable disorder and is very different for each victim plagued with this disorder. Most commonly, it is described as extreme euphoric moods followed by sudden manic depressive feelings. The highs and lows are ever changing and very difficult to control internally. The extremes of the disorder vary from being desribed as very moody and unpredictable to being a Jeckel and Hyde type charactor. For some awesome information on Bipolar and other psychiatric illnesses visit www.nami.org or www.nihm.nih.gov.

hi! I was recently diagnosed with bi polar dosorder and im feeling just like u...but the internet is a lot of help, just search for bi polar disorder and the meds your taKING. you'll find it to b helpful.