Zipratic 40 mg and 80 mg

Zipratic 40 mg and 80 mg

Ziprasidone Capsules

Zipratic (Ziprasidone Capsules) contains ziprasidone, an atypical antipsychotic used under psychiatric supervision for schizophrenia and for acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Ziprasidone balances key brain messengers by blocking dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors while also acting at other serotonin receptors. This dual action helps reduce hallucinations, delusions, racing thoughts, agitation, and mood swings, and can improve sleep and thinking. Zipratic should be taken with food because a meal markedly increases the amount of medicine absorbed and makes the effect more reliable. Some people may feel drowsy, light-headed, restless, or nauseated at first; others notice tremor, stiffness, or trouble sleeping. Most effects are mild and tend to settle, but seek urgent help for fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever with muscle rigidity, or a severe skin rash.

Zipratic 40 or Zipratic 80 is prescribed for adults with schizophrenia to treat acute symptoms and for ongoing control when continued as advised by the treating doctor. It is also used in bipolar I disorder for short-term treatment of acute mania or mixed states and may be continued for maintenance if clinically appropriate. Any use in adolescents or for other conditions is specialist-directed.

Your clinician will individualize the dose. Treatment commonly starts at a lower total daily amount and is adjusted according to response and tolerability, with Zipratic 40 mg capsules often used for initiation and Zipratic 80 mg capsules for higher daily needs. The capsules are usually taken twice daily with meals; swallowing them whole with water is recommended. Do not stop Zipratic abruptly unless your doctor asks you to taper. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember with food, unless it is close to the next dose. Older adults and people with liver, kidney, or heart conditions may require more cautious dosing and closer monitoring.

Storage: Keep Zipratic in its original blister at room temperature in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and direct light. Store it out of reach of children and pets. Do not use the capsules after the expiry date and don’t split, crush, or open them. If you travel, keep Zipratic in your hand luggage and avoid leaving it in a hot car. Dispose of unused or expired capsules according to local guidance rather than in household trash.

Common side effects: Many people taking Zipratic notice mild drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, indigestion, dry mouth, constipation, or a sense of inner restlessness (akathisia), especially when starting treatment. Headache, tremor, anxiety, or trouble sleeping can also occur. Taking Zipratic with food often lessens stomach upset and improves absorption. Most effects are temporary, but contact your doctor if they persist or bother you. Seek urgent care for warning signs such as fainting, a racing or irregular heartbeat, severe rash, fever with muscle stiffness, confusion, uncontrolled movements, or thoughts of self-harm.

Drug Warnings: Before taking Zipratic, tell your doctor about any heart disease, family history of sudden cardiac death, low potassium or magnesium, fainting spells, stroke, seizure disorder, diabetes, high cholesterol, liver or kidney problems, or a history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome or tardive dyskinesia. Ziprasidone can prolong the QT interval in some people; your doctor may check an ECG and electrolytes, especially if you have cardiac risk or are on other medicines that affect heart rhythm. Zipratic is not approved for dementia-related psychosis and may increase mortality in elderly patients with this condition. Avoid alcohol and activities requiring full alertness until you know how you respond.

Drug–drug interactions: Zipratic should not be combined with strong QT-prolonging drugs such as certain antiarrhythmics (for example amiodarone, sotalol, quinidine), some macrolide or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, or other antipsychotics known to prolong QT. Medicines that affect liver enzymes may alter levels of ziprasidone; strong CYP3A4 inducers like carbamazepine can lower its effect, while potent inhibitors such as ketoconazole can increase exposure. Using Zipratic with benzodiazepines, opioids, sedating antihistamines, or alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Tell your doctor about all prescription and non-prescription medicines and herbal products, including antidepressants, as serotonergic combinations may rarely increase the risk of serotonin toxicity.

Drug–food interactions: Always take Zipratic with food; a substantial meal improves absorption and clinical effect. Limit alcohol because it adds to sedation and may impair judgment.

Drug–disease interactions: Use Zipratic with caution if you have cardiac conduction problems, a history of long QT, electrolyte disturbances, seizures, diabetes or risk of diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or severe liver impairment. Report palpitations, syncope, persistent restlessness, uncontrolled movements, signs of high blood sugar, or fever with muscle stiffness without delay.

Storage and patient advice: Keep capsules in a cool, dry place away from direct light and out of children’s reach. Continue Zipratic exactly as prescribed even when you start to feel better, and keep regular follow-ups so your clinician can monitor response, weight, metabolic parameters, and, when indicated, ECG.