Posted by Sunnely on April 22, 2001, at 18:02:15
In reply to Geodon and nausea, anyone?, posted by anita on April 22, 2001, at 9:10:22
Hi Anita,
Geodon and nausea: Initial nausea can occur in 20% of patients on Geodon. It tends to occur in the first 2 weeks of treatment and then to subside on its own. The nausea appears to be sensitive to dosing adjustments and responds to a lowering of the dose or giving Geodon with meals. (Incidentally, taking Geodon with food not only alleviates nausea but also increases its absorption and "biovailability." I will not suggst dissolving Geodon capsule powder in water. May worsen nausea. You don't need to take Geodon with full meals. Geodon with snacks or even milk, if you can tolerate it, is OK, too.)
Geodon and respiratory symptoms: Approximately 5% of patient on Geodon report some form of "respiratory disorder" - described as "cold symptoms" including nasal stuffiness ("rhinorrhea"). This symptom tends to subside on its own.
Other common side effects of Geodon is insomnia and "awakening effects."
Geodon and Insomnia: Insomnia tends to occur in about 50% of patients started on Geodon. It usually happens soon after the start or switch to Geodon - within a few days to the first week. Ways to alleviate Geodon-induced insomnia include: 1) adding a benzodiazepine for sleep. For example 2-3 mg of lorazepam (Ativan) at bedtime. Once the insomnia has abated, lorazepam can then be tapered and discontinued. It takes about 3-4 weeks on its own for insomnia to abate; 2) give more Geodon in the morning and less in the evening; and 3) postpone increasing Geodon dose until insomnia resolves.
Geodon and "Awakening" reactions: In some, Geodon "awakening" can be quite dramatic, perhaps due to combination of clinical response and decreased sedation, so that the patient is more awake. Patients who experienced Geodon "awakening" seems to be much more talkative about their inner emotional life. My hunch is, its reuptake inhibition of serotonin and norepinephrine may be playing a major role.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Hiya,
>
> I took just one 20mg dose of Geodon and had terrible nausea, as well as a runny nose and tearing eyes. I even dreamt I was vomiting. I'm going to try dissolving the powder in water and take half the dose, I guess. Do you know if this side effect tends to go away over time? I had high hopes for this med and am really distressed that I can't seem to tolerate it.
>
> thanks,
> anita
poster:Sunnely
thread:60754
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010417/msgs/60783.html