Ziprasidone and Drowsiness: What Users Say

• Gia...
• September 23, 2019

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "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 side effect is my emotions or lack thereof. 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."

• Mic...
• November 11, 2008

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "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."

• CJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 29, 2020

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Schizoaffective Disorder "Geodon is a life changer for me. MDD with psychotic features (schizoaffective-ish). It took a while to get past the sleepy side effects, and those were not trivial either. After about three weeks or so, I was able to get adjusted to the medication (120 mg/day), and I can enjoy the benefits of clear thought and presence in reality. I never realized how much of my illness left me feeling disconnected from life and others. Now I feel grounded, and I like life again. No weight gain that I have noticed, and once I got used to the medication, the sleepiness was very manageable."

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

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "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. Over time, 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."

• Kay...
• August 13, 2013

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "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."

• Kay...
• August 13, 2013

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "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."

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

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "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 160 mg (two pills) a day, but it's been reduced to 80 mg (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 100 mg to the current 80 mg. Problem solved."

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

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "Started this medicine about 2 months ago. The first week was hell, had to call and get the approval to cut from 80 mg to 40 mg at bedtime. I was falling asleep right after taking it. Couldn't stay awake for anything. After reducing to 40 mg, it's been wonderful. It's made my appetite almost nonexistent, 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)."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2012

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Schizoaffective Disorder "When I first went on Geodon, it was like a sigh of relief. The first day I slept all day, but the grogginess passed. I took 160 mg once daily (the 80 mg twice daily didn't work, as it made me groggy). I had slight headaches and akathisia, but it was tolerable, and my mood was greatly improved. No rage, mood swings, or delusions. Unfortunately, I started getting depressed and was bumped up to 240 mg. Big mistake. I became a total zombie. I barely laughed, I couldn't read, and I had no emotions or interests. I lay in bed all the time. I lost 20 pounds and didn't have an increased appetite, which was a plus, but I was so tired. This medicine is a good one, just be careful you aren't put on a high dose."

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

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "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."

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

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "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!"

• Dym...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2018

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "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."

• Ban...
• November 29, 2008

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "After my first major breakdown in which I was diagnosed, I spent a year trying different medicines. I felt like a new (or like my old) self within a couple of days on this miracle drug. My dosages have varied depending on the other medicines (antidepressants and ADD medicines) I'm on. The only major side effect I've had that never went away (been on it for 7 years) was the sedation in the morning (I took my whole dose in the evening). Now I take 20 mgs 3x/day and 40 mgs at bedtime, then 20 mgs when required for anxiety. Right now I also take Wellbutrin XL, and I'm titrating up on Abilify due to breakthrough depression. Geodon helps both mania and depression, and I found it to be very weight neutral."

• Ram...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 18, 2016

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "Geodon changed my life. The first thing that happened was it was VERY sedating. Within an hour of taking it, I was asleep so deeply that I could not be woken up no matter what happened. You could yell, shake me, nothing would wake me. I did not wake up groggy, though, and within 3 days my mind no longer raced, and I started thinking clearly. As time went on, the sedating effect lessened, though it took a really long time. While I'm on it, my brain just isn't mean to me, and I sleep like a normal person. Tough to start, as you need someone who can be with you in case there is an emergency because you will not be able to wake up or move for hours, but it works. I wouldn't trade it for the world."

• jes...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 21, 2015

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "I've had a good experience with Geodon. It has controlled my mania, and I have 0 side effects. I started at 40 mg, which was not doing anything, and then switched doctors and am now at 120 mg, 40 mg in the day and 80 mg at night. It's truly been a blessing. I also take Zoloft for depression and anxiety. Together, they work well for me. My 8-year-old son has just been diagnosed with bipolar, and he has just started on Geodon. In the beginning, he was very drowsy, but in a matter of days, his hyperactivity, non-stop pressured speech, risky behavior, and emotional meltdowns and temper tantrums have all but disappeared! We all thought he had ADHD, but so far, no more ADHD meds, just Zoloft and Geodon, and he's doing well!"

• Rir...
• June 26, 2009

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "Geodon has been a lifesaver. It took a while to get the right dose and know when to take it (AM versus PM), but I am doing great now. I take it in the evening and still have morning grogginess after several months. My doctor prescribed Provigil, which really helps (although costly). I take the Geodon in conjunction with Lamictal. I have less agitation and find (at least my family finds) that I am much less hostile than before. Do be careful in the heat, as I got very sick from overheating, and follow instructions and do not drink alcohol. One piña colada felt like a whole case of beer."

• Me1...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 4, 2015

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "This drug is great. I have been more stable than ever since I started taking it. I have to take it at night though because it makes me super sleepy if I take it during the day. I can hardly sleep and get manic if I don't take it for a while. I don't get any side effects either. I was taking two 80 mg pills at night, but now I only take two 60 mg pills. I lost weight while on this medication. Sleepiness is horrible if I take it during the day. I, at one point, was taking 80 mg twice per day, but I almost got fired! I would fall asleep at work. It was uncontrollable sleepiness. No matter what I did to stay awake, I couldn't. Two 80 mg at night made me sleep until real late, so that's why I take two 60 mg pills at night. Haven't been manic."

• mss...
• August 17, 2011

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "I've been taking Geodon for 8-9 years after a horrible experience with Zyprexa and Seroquel. Geodon has been a lifesaver for me. It has changed my life completely. It gave me my life back when everyone gave up hope. It stabilized me 100%. If you knew me 10 years ago, you would swear I was a different person. Nobody I have met over the last 8 years has any idea that I suffer from mental illness at all. It works that well. I still suffer from morning drowsiness. It's still difficult for me to wake up early. I take 60 mg 2 times a day, and it works perfectly for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 21, 2013

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Schizoaffective Disorder "Geodon has been effective in controlling my hallucinations and paranoia. It does make me drowsy and makes me shake after I take it. I have gained about 30 lbs while on it, but it has been the most effective antipsychotic for me to relieve visual and auditory hallucinations and paranoia. I have taken Seroquel, Abilify, and Geodon, and this is the most effective for me."

• Loa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2019

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "I started taking this medication for my mania. I really didn’t notice a difference in my manic episodes while on it. At night, the ziprasidone would make me uncomfortably drowsy, and even then, I would be unable to sleep through the whole night. On nights where I barely slept, I would wake up so terribly drowsy that I couldn’t keep my eyes open. This impaired my driving and made work and school really difficult, if not impossible. My manic episodes remained the same until I tried stopping the ziprasidone, in which they became alarmingly worse than I’d ever had them before. One night without taking ziprasidone, I had a major manic episode and was awake for over 36 hours. I was only able to rest after taking the ziprasidone but could only sleep 9 hours after being awake for so long. I’m still trying to get off the ziprasidone, but I’m unsure how to do this without sacrificing an entire night's sleep and my sanity."

• Lee...
• July 30, 2013

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "This is the only medicine that I have taken without any side effects! I love it! After the initial 2-week period of sleepiness, it wears off and does what it's supposed to. I do miss my mania, no lie, but I know that it wasn't good for me. But it takes most of my depression down, and I can enjoy my life. I've been on Lamictal, which did nothing for me except give me horrid night terrors, Risperdal made me lactate, and Seroquel gave me frequent urination. I was so happy after struggling with my insurance that they put me back on the Geodon. Been on it for 2 months."

• one...
• April 9, 2013

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Schizoaffective Disorder "I have dealt with hearing voices for around 10 years. I have been on medicines that take the edge off. But this, this, was a miracle. I don't hear voices anymore. Worst side effect I have is drowsiness."

• ilu...
• October 30, 2007

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "I was switched from Seroquel to Geodon (Bipolar 1 Disorder) for about 1 1/2 months. My feelings of 'crawling the walls,' restlessness, sleeplessness, and a general feeling that Geodon was not working like my old Seroquel returned in less than 2 weeks. After the 1 1/2 months, I called my doctor back and requested to be switched back to my Seroquel, and life feels back to normal (as normal as it gets) with the combination of Seroquel and Invega. Thank God for the meds. I can begin to live again!"

• ber...
• February 6, 2020

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "I’ve been on this med, Geodon, for about a year for bipolar and BPD. I am on a dose of 160 mg, and I take it all at night. I still have mania symptoms, but the only symptom I have is not sleeping. A couple of weeks ago, I was up for 60 hours nonstop, and this past week, I've been getting 3-4 hours of sleep and have felt fully energized. The first time I took this medication, I slept from 8 PM to 5 PM and was groggy for the 4 hours. I was awake before I went back to bed. I haven’t been tired because of it since, though. I also developed an acute dystonic reaction called an “oculogyric crisis” because of this med. I am on amantadine to stop it. This med has been a game changer for me, despite this. I don’t get severely depressed anymore, and my depressive episodes would be really terrible, and my manic episodes would always end me up in the hospital because I'd go on a bender and overdose, or I'd be up for days and be extremely irritable and cranky."

• bip...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 17, 2021

Geodon (ziprasidone) for Bipolar Disorder "I had a bad experience with this, it didn't really help, it just made me tired. Annoying to take with food. Made me groggy in the morning. I'm so frustrated, I feel like no meds work, and the ones that do give me side effects."