Availability of Ziprasidone in the UK.....

[Jena_C]

I would like to know if Ziprasidone (Geodon) has a licensed use for Schizophrenia in the UK?
Thank you,
Jena

[ILADVOCATE]

Geodon was approved as an antipsychotic for its primary use all over the world. Geodon has some concerns such as heart arrythmia though and its the only antipsychotic with this problem (out of the ones approved in the U.S. at least). Generally out of all of the antipsychotics Abilify is the least likely to cause weight gain and diabetes and sedation. Geodon was used more for a while because of this but Abilify is generally used more now. Did you ask about that one?

[Jena_C]

Thanks for your kind reply.   Yes, I am aware of the side effects of Geodon but the
reason I asked this Q  was I am told Ziprasidone(Geodon) is not available in the UK.
I am sure our daughter's psychiatrist knows and she's right but its so strange that a
med widely used in USA and also approved in Canada (Zeldox), just is not available n the UK !
Our daughter has been on Abilify(Aripiprazole) for the last 17 months and is now
symptom free.  Her motivation even improved and she's back to Uni doing a masters
now.    Unfortunately, even Abilify caused her gaining weight.  Its not as bad as
Seroquel (Quetiapine).   Seroquel made her Diabetic at the age of 25, so that
needed discontinuation.
Unfortunately when many people did not gain weight, our D gained weight with
Abilify.   I asked her psychiatrist and according to her, with any atypical AP, there
is possibility of weight gain!
Very kind of you and thank you for your reply.
Jena

[ILADVOCATE]

Actually Abilify is the least likely out of all the antipsychotics to cause weight gain (although it can and does happen) and its side effect profile is safer than Geodon so I would not change that. As for the antipsychotic agent I am on, glycine, I gave you what information is available for that. When the case study regarding my specific recovery and more importantly some publicly available statements about its usage overall are published I'll make them available. In the meantime, some psychopharmocologists might use it as an adjunct antipsychotic agent. I'll keep people updated with up to date clinical literature as its published to bring to their psychiatrist to discuss it.

[drifter0213]

abilify gave me weight gain,since august i gained 50 pounds

[ILADVOCATE]

Yes that is a drawback of all the current atypical antipsychotics but generally Abilify is the least likely. I gained 35 pounds on Zyprexa but that's very typical. Zyprexa is the most likely to do that. Generally I'd suggest seeing a nutritionist for a weight reduction diet so the weight gain doesn't turn into diabetes which can be a concern if weight gain goes unchecked. Sometimes its a matter of reducing snacks, desserts and soda and the like. I was able to lose all the weight I gained from the Zyprexa in that manner. The mood stabilizer I am on now Clonidine can cause weight gain but I do the same thing. The antipsychotic agent I am on can't cause weight gain but as I've said its still in Phase II FDA study. I'll post more information on it when it is publicly available and I obtain permission to.