Does Geodon Help the Memory?

Geodon, or Ziprasidone HCI as it is known generically, is a "second generation" anti-psychotic medication used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Approved by the FDA in 2001, Geodon is classed as an atypical anti-psychotic drug. It acts on serotonin receptors and also blocks the dopamine receptors in the brain. According to Pfizer, the company that manufactures the drug, it is used to treat mania (i.e., fast talking, increased energy, restlessness, inability to pay attention) and severe irritability (i.e., mood swings and prolonged wakefulness). (See Reference 1)

Geodon and Memory

• According to research performed by the Schizophrenia International Research Society published in 2006, there was some improvement in patients taking Geodon in the areas of cognition and memory. However, the study disclaims that the improvement may be due to pseudospecificity (an undetected improvement in the patient's negative symptoms that coincides with the study being done) and may not reflect actual improvement in memory and cognition. (See Reference 2)

Depressed Cognition

• There is an abundance of "anecdotal" evidence that appears to support the theory that Geodon can actually hinder memory and cognitive function, but this evidence is not backed up by formal studies or analysis. People who are taking Geodon in conjunction with other medications, such as benzodiazepines like Valium or Xanax, or even narcotic pain medications like Vicodin or Lortab, should be aware that the combination of these medications may act together to create cognitive dysfunction. If you feel that you are experiencing memory loss or cognitive dysfunction, talk to your doctor immediately. It may be that your dosage needs to be adjusted or that you need to alter your medication.

Dosages and Results

• More studies will examine the relationship between loss of cognition due to schizophrenia and cognitive enhancements that from anti-psychotic medications. Scientists will continue to analyze the corelationship between proper dosing and increased cognitive functioning in the second-generation medicines. According to a study published in the Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology in 2009, Ziprasidone can perhaps alleviate impaired memory due to schizophrenia through stimulation of certain receptors in the frontal lobe that can affect cognition. (See Reference 3) There is strong indication, according to the Journal of Psychiatric Research, that Geodon may have "neuro-protective effects." In other words, there is evidence that the drug can actually protect cognitive function and prevent the memory loss associated with unmedicated schizophrenia. In a study performed on rats in 2008, Geodon was analyzed in conjunction with the neuro-protective protein in the hippocampus (the part of the brain that stores and accesses memory and certain cognitive functioning). In every case, there was a significant effect on the protein in question, which bodes well for continued use to support cognitive function. (See Reference 4 in Comments box)