Ziprasidone
Ziprasidone is an atypical antipsychotic used in selected treatment of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It can affect the heart’s QT interval and must be reviewed alongside other medicines and risk factors.
Key points
- Heart disease, fainting, low potassium or magnesium, and other QT-prolonging medicines can increase rhythm risk.
- Do not stop ziprasidone suddenly without the treating clinician, because psychiatric symptoms can recur or worsen.
- Fever with severe muscle stiffness or new uncontrolled movements needs prompt medical assessment.
Listings are for comparison only; suitability and supply depend on psychiatric assessment, prescription, heart-rhythm and interaction checks, and pharmacy review.
What ziprasidone is used for
Ziprasidone may be used in selected treatment of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The treatment goal and duration depend on the diagnosis and response.
How it works
Ziprasidone changes dopamine and serotonin receptor signalling. This may reduce psychotic or mood symptoms but can also cause drowsiness, restlessness or movement-related adverse effects.
Important safety checks
Review fainting, heart disease, family rhythm history, electrolyte loss from vomiting or diarrhoea, diabetes risk, movement symptoms and all medicines. An ECG or laboratory checks may be needed for people with relevant risk factors.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent help for fainting, a new rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, fever with severe stiffness or confusion, a seizure, suicidal thoughts, facial swelling or breathing difficulty.