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Geodon & the Effect of Serotonin

Geodon is the proprietary name for a generic drug known as ziprasidone that the FDA has approved as a treatment for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Geodon affects both dopamine and serotonin levels within the brain.

  1. How It Works

    • Pfizer, the company that manufactures Geodon, acknowledges that the drug's exact mechanism of action in people with both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia is unknown.

    Theory

    • The prescribing information published by Pfizer proposes that Geodon works as an antagonist for specific types of serotonin within the brain.

    Effects

    • People with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder often have high levels of serotonin. As a serotonin antagonist, Geodon blocks serotonin release and also lessens its effect on the brain.

    Significance

    • Serotonin helps to regulate mood, sleep, and learning. As Geodon reduces the impact of excess serotonin on the brain, it typically reduces agitation, improves sleep patterns, and promotes thinking skills in people with mental illness.

    Considerations

    • While Geodon cannot cure the underlying psychiatric disorder, its impact on serotonin levels may help individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder live a more normal life.

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