Geodon for Bipolar Disorder User Reviews

• Anonymous
• February 3, 2020

"Three years ago I was put on Geodon for auditory hallucinations. It has been the only antipsychotic medication I have ever used that has no side effects and no weight gain, and I sleep like a baby at night. 80 mg at bedtime is all I take. This drug has totally changed my life for the better, and has blessed me in a hundred ways. I felt so much better after my first month on it that I went out and got a job at McDonald's restaurant and have been in management there as a trainer for the last three years. This drug has been a huge success with me when all others failed and I plan to take it for the rest of my life. I would highly recommend it at low doses to anyone. The higher doses cause horrible dizziness, so the lower doses work better. I have not heard a single voice in three years and Geodon has made a believer out of me. Bravo!"

• Lobo
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 25, 2020

"I've been on geodon for several months now. I take it twice a day. So far, I have had no side effects whatsoever! It has really helped with my bipolar symptoms. I am calmer and clearer. I was scared to start it because of all the negative reviews. I finally decided to go ahead and take it. No sleepiness, no muscle stiffness, no anything! Just feel so much better! Haven't had any major depression, or psychotic episodes, or anger issues. I also take lamotrigine once a day. Great combo! Life is finally looking up for me! Been on all sorts of different meds. This is working for me! Very happy about the results!"

• Dani
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 27, 2019

"I was placed on Geodon while inpatient for Bipolar 1, rapid cycling, dysphoric mixed episodes. It helped within a few days and the dysphoria, rapid cycling and mixed state stopped. I take 40 mg at dinner and it starts to mellow me out and drowsiness kicks in at bedtime and I am ready to sleep. Works wonders because sedatives were not helping my insomnia. This has helped me maintain a healthy sleep schedule. I wake up refreshed and remain focused throughout the day. I have lost weight on Geodon as it seems to be suppressing my appetite, but after med after med that made me gain weight I am ok with this side effect. I have had zero side effects from this med thankfully, but know some people that do. I would say it either works great or it doesn’t. Everyone’s brain chemistry is different so that is probably why. If it doesn’t work for you, hang in there. I hope that you find something as effective as this has been for me."

• Gia
• September 23, 2019

"I've been taking Geodon for years and now take the generic Ziprasidone. I can't tell any differences and are unremarkable. It has NOT made me gain weight and that is one reason I started taking this particular antipsychotic. I sleep like a rock but am a little groggy when I first wake up but that goes away pretty fast. The only really remarkable slide affect is my emotions or lack there of. I have total radical acceptance on most issues in life. I'm never overly happy or overly sad. I'm just on cruise control and it takes a lot to make me angry. It has definitely slowed down my rapid cycling which I'm very grateful for. I am glad my doctor put me on this medication. It has literally been a lifesaver for me."

• NY bi...
• December 13, 2020

"After trying several drugs that made me feel like a complete zombie, I tried Geodon in 2006, and I have had great results. My psychiatrist says I am the poster child for this drug. No more mania. No more hospitalizations. I was able to finish my masters and have held a stable, professional position for almost 17 years. Happily married for 21 years. Two kids finishing up their undergrads and going on to grad school. I did gain weight, but I’d rather be a little chubby and able to maintain beautiful relationships, than worry about a few pounds. Therapy and Geodon were my cures to get out of the bipolar nightmare I was living in."

• Mich
• November 11, 2008

"I have been bipolar since I was fifteen. I have struggled with my life, sense of who I am, losing great jobs, ruining relationships, and never knowing when I would lose control was the worst part. I'm now on 80 mg of Geodon for 6 months. For the first two weeks, waking up was hard, and I felt groggy, but you can get through it if you give it a chance. This medication has changed my entire life. I've even lost weight. I'm living now. I just hope this can help someone because I never believed any medicine would work. I have been on all A-Z. I only wish I had found Geodon sooner."

• Anthr...
• October 12, 2015

"My doctor told me I had the worst bipolar disorder he had ever seen. When I talked to my doctor, I told him I wanted a little bit of mania because I could get my school work done easier, I didn't want to be depressed all the time, I wanted minimal weight gain because everything else I had been on made me gain weight, and I wanted to sleep at night because I was going weeks without sleep, and it was making be sick. He put me on 80mg, twice a day. He ended up changing that to 2 80mg pills before bedtime because when I took it in the morning, it was like I was drunk and I couldn't go to my college classes. That was 4 years ago, and I haven't been depressed since, I sleep, and lost 20lbs. It's been a miracle for me."

• Lisa
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2020

"I was put on this medication after a really bad manic episode and it’s been about a month and a half now. This saved my life. I used to ignore this class of medication because of the stigma attached to it, but I’m glad I finally found Geodon. 20mg morning and night, Geodon keeps me focused and present. I don’t act out anymore at all. I feel more patience and it takes a lot to make me mad. Finally some peace. Only downside is you have to take it with a lot of food which is inconvenient for my lifestyle, other than that, no issues."

• bette...
• June 2, 2021

"Hi. I'm 40 years old and we've finally figured out I'm bi-polar and not anxiety ridden and depressed. I was put on Geodon going on 4 weeks now. As far as mood, its amazing. I have headaches, and last Saturday night my heart was racing and felt like my whole throat, neck and head was pounding and going to explode. I sat up the entire night on the couch so I wouldn't fall asleep because I was so afraid I was going to have a heart attack. I took my regular dose the following morning and it went away. I just now read online about consuming 500+calories when taking it. I wasn't doing that, I was never told to, nor was any emphasis put on the seriousness of eating enough each dosage. I would just love to hear if anyone else has experiences the severe heart pounding for hours. This medication is changing my life, my kids life, my husband's life and I want it to be great like it has been so far. Any advice or your experiences would be so very appreciated."

• LJano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2019

"I was on Latuda & Lamictal & was still having major irritability; I could feel the mania trying to breakthrough. My psych kept me on the Lamictal but switched me to Geodon. Within a day I could feel a difference. I no longer had the rage that had been bubbling under the surface for weeks it had died down. I have rapid cycling Bipolar 1 but mania is my biggest problem. The only side effect I’m having is a hard time falling asleep. For sleep I take gabapentin, trazodone & last night I added in some benadryl to be safe. I’m sleeping 8 hours & waking up without an alarm but I’m now foggy in the morning. But, halfway through my second cup of coffee I’m fine and awake. I’m on 20mg twice a day & I’m hoping my psych will add in a third dose mid day because I feel like it’s wearing off a couple of hours before I take my evening dose. Overall I think Geodon is working for me & I’m glad I gave it a try. Being angry all the time is exhausting."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 14, 2014

"I started taking this medication about 6-7 months ago. The first (and only) side effect I experienced while taking it was drowsiness; it made me extremely tired to the point that I was sleeping 12-14 hours a night, I would wake up exhausted, and around noontime I would have to take a 1-2 hour nap. Overtime, my body adjusted to the medication and I am no longer tired on it. Overall, this medication has helped me significantly. I had a manic episode associated with bipolar disorder, and psychosis along with it. Geodon helped clear my mind, and it has given me virtually no side effects. I used to take it three times a day with food, then I dropped it to two times a day, and now I only take it once a day. I take this medication for bipolar."

• nursi...
• March 29, 2014

"After having about the worst case of bipolar one you can imagine...yes I was hospitalized twice... I am a productive and absolutely a normally functioning member of society. I am in nursing school for my BSN at a very esteemed university and am married happily. The only thing I don't like about Geodon is if I'm manic and have to take it during the day instead of before bed.... I literally eat 3x as much as I normally would. Other than that this medicine has saved my life."

• Geonot
• November 2, 2019

"Can’t say too much as I was on Geodon maybe 3 weeks. However during that time I felt like I was seeing life through a bizarre perspective. I had no control over my voice levels and was yelling without realizing it. I think I almost walked into traffic. I remember being at a meeting and felt high and disjointed in thought. Couldn’t take the akasthasia. That’s about it. That was enough for me. Surreal. I currently don’t take any anti psychotics so that I can work and support my family which I have been doing now for several years. Been off them for years. And that was the secret to my success."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 24, 2020

"I was prescribed geodon 20mg BID and have started calling this drug a “miracle drug” over the past couple months my life has had some serious stressful situations, and Geodon has really helped me keep a clear head. My emotions could and would have been on a rollercoaster, but instead they were controlled and I was able to make clear headed decisions. I was recently diagnosed with bipolar 2 after years of being misdiagnosed with ADHD and the difference in how I feel is life changing. I haven’t tried any other medications because geodon seems to be working very well for me."

• Anonymous
• July 18, 2010

"Do not be afraid to give Geodon a go. After reading many horrifying reviews, I was kind of afraid to try it. Start of small, ask for that. I have had positive results I was beginning to think were not possible. It actually seems to have an antidepressant effect and with my designation (I have Bipolar I with psychotic features) I am allowed no other antidepressants except Lamictal which doesn't do much. Just thought I would post this for someone else who might be "in my shoes. ""

• Chris...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2012

"I was told by several doctors that I may be bipolar and finally went in to the psychiatrist recently. I was experiencing major mood swings and mixed emotions, paranoia. I couldn't even go to the grocery store without my heart racing and my chest tightening and thinking horrible gruesome thoughts. I have always been on Effexor XR 150 mg a day for my depression and anxiety. The doc added to it 40 mg of Geodon at night to start with, and I have never felt so free. I can think clearly and not dwell on every racing thought. The racing and paranoid thoughts are actually gone and I can handle reality again. I could probably stand to up the dosage a bit but this medicine has been a miracle for me. I have felt amazing."

• Insom...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 17, 2019

"I've been on this medication for years. My doctor prescribed me Geodon because I was really depressed and suicidal. At one point I was taking 160mg (two pills) a day, but it's been reduced to 80mg (one pill) a day. No drowsiness (I take it with dinner and I can drive on it just fine). No sadness. No suicidal thoughts. I don't have any complaints about brain fog either. I was in a really bad place, where it took everything just to go to the appointment and admit I needed something changed. I did notice it messed with my menstrual cycle though? I've read that could happen, talked with my doctor, and the dose was lowered from 100mg to the current 80mg. Problem solved."

• KayKay
• August 13, 2013

"Have been on Geodon for a little over 2 months & I LOVE IT! It is definitely a life saver! It helps with my depression and mood swings. I take 40mg at night it helps me sleep & feel refreshed in the morning. I even started back college for Nursing. Helps me make good choices and makes me a lot more positive and energetic! I started off at 120mg at night but left me groggy & drowsy the next day until it was time for me to take it again at night so I dropped down to 40mg & it works wonders! I agree that every medicine isn't for everybody but definitely give it a try."

• Sikki...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2018

"I'd rate this a 10 but I am still fairly new to it and don't want to be overly optimistic. However my life has turned completely around on this medication. I did have a negative side effect that cause uncontrollable face and tongue movements but once the dosage was adjusted and another medication called cogentin, added to it, those movements have gone away. It was like night and day and I didn't have to wait weeks to feel different. There is a euphoria that comes with it , a sense of well being. It's helped my bipolar symptoms regarding concentration, mood, sleep and over all well being. Yes I know many don't have a pleasant experience with anti or atypical psychotic drugs but for some of us it can really change your life. If the pros outweigh the cons then I'm down to keep using this medication. I take it with lithium and this is the best I've felt in the 15 years that I've been diagnosed as bipolar."

• Wishf...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 10, 2016

"Started this medicine about 2 months ago. The first week was hell, had to call and get the approval to cut from 80mg to 40mg at bedtime. I was falling asleep right after taking it. Couldn't stay awake for anything. After reducing to 40mg it's been wonderful. It's made my appetite almost non existent, which for me is nice. I currently take 600 mg 3x daily of Gabapentin, 20 mg of Lexapro in the am, 40 mg of Geodon at bedtime, and 0.5 mg of Ativan as needed. This combo for me, has saved my sanity! I finally feel somewhat normal (which has been life changing)."

• soofq...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 30, 2020

"I've been on Geodon for almost a year now. Started it because zyprexa made me unbearably tired and confused and abilify made me insanely anxious. For the first three weeks I felt tired within two hours of taking it at dinner so I was going to bed at like 8 every night and waking up at 3 or 4 in the morning. I was also incredibly nauseous to the point where I didn't eat hardly anything for about a month and lost about 15 pounds. After that the side effects basically went away (about once a month I'll get the sleepiness again) and it's been great at controlling my symptoms!"

• A Ny ...
• November 25, 2016

"I warn you to be VERY careful with regards to this medication. I started taking it in July 2012, and was at one point up to 120 mg a day. ( I absolutely no longer see the "Dr" who had me on such a high dose) It caused me to suffer neurological damage that took over a year to correct itself. I had involuntary muscle movements, rocking motions, tremors, as well as having to learn how to walk again normally, as it caused marked damage to the left side of my body. I was treated with physical therapy twice for the condition this medication left my body in. It is just not worth it!!! Do your research, as I am sure you are, since you are in this forum. This medication is even more dangerous than desribed!!"

• Dymphna
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2018

"I'm surprised by the negative reviews for geodon it saved my life. I was given geodon two months ago when I was hospitalized for mixed episodes. If you've never had one I pray you never do. Geodon stopped the episode after one dose. If you experience sleepiness ask your doctor if you can take it in one dose at dinner. Also when reading reviews remember that at some doses it is sedating and at others energizing. For me it has been weight neutral in fact I've lost weight while on it. YMMV (your mileage may vary) good luck finding something that works for you."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 25, 2012

"I have tried many medications for bipolar disorder. All had to be discontinued due to side effects. Then I finally tried Geodon. I have been on it for about a month. This has been the best tolerated and effective medicine for me so far. It really stabilizes my mood shifts. And I tolerate it well. The major side effects for me are restlessness, anorexia (a welcome side effect!), a little anxiety, and morning drowsiness. I went from taking this medication 40 mg twice a day to just 80 mg at night, and my morning drowsiness subsided. I am glad I tried Geodon. I hope its positive effects continue."

• KaySt...
• July 11, 2013

"This medicine made me really suicidal and depressed. I was wrought with paranoid thinking, dark depression, and a host of physical side effects. I have been coming off of it and I'm feeling my mood improve. Things are seeming brighter again. I had speech problems while on this, I had a hard time working out, my eyes felt so sensitive to sunlight, and my head felt really weird, especially in the morning. I cannot believe I took it for so long. I didn't know that what I was going through was related to this medicine. It was awful for me."