You should not use  ziprasidone if you have a heart rhythm disorder, long QT syndrome, uncontrolled heart failure, or if you have recently had a heart attack.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using. Many drugs can interact, and some drugs should not be used together.
Stop taking ziprasidone and call your doctor right away if you have sudden dizziness, fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, or a new or worsening skin rash with fever, or swollen glands.
Ziprasidone is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to ziprasidone, or if you have:
a heart rhythm disorder;
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
uncontrolled or untreated heart failure; or
if you have recently had a heart attack.
Ziprasidone can cause a serious heart problem. Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines. Your doctor may change your treatment plan if you also use:
an antidepressant;
bronchodilator asthma medication;
cancer medicine;
certain medicines for infections;
heart or blood pressure medication;
medicine to treat or prevent malaria;
medicine to prevent nausea or vomiting;
medicine to treat a psychiatric disorder; or
medicine to treat HIV or AIDS.
Ziprasidone may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
any heart problems;
a heart attack or stroke;
fainting spells;
breast cancer;
low blood levels of potassium or magnesium;
diabetes (ziprasidone may raise your blood sugar);
seizures or epilepsy;
suicidal thoughts;
Alzheimer's disease;
trouble swallowing;
liver disease; or
kidney disease.
Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop taking ziprasidone without your doctor's advice.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.
Ziprasidone is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take ziprasidone?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Ziprasidone oral is taken by mouth.
Ziprasidone injection is injected into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.
Take  ziprasidone with food. Swallow the capsule whole.
You may need frequent medical tests.
If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking ziprasidone.
It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve. Do not stop using ziprasidone suddenly, even if you feel fine. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
