From the Guidelines
Geodon (ziprasidone) is generally considered to be a weight-neutral antipsychotic, but it can still affect diet and eating patterns in some individuals, particularly when compared to other antipsychotics like olanzapine or quetiapine 1.
Key Considerations
- Geodon may increase appetite in some people, potentially leading to weight gain, though the risk is lower compared to other antipsychotics like olanzapine or quetiapine 1.
- The medication should be taken with food (at least 500 calories) to maximize absorption, which may require adjusting meal timing.
- Some people experience nausea, constipation, or dry mouth while taking Geodon, which might affect food choices or eating habits.
- Geodon can alter blood sugar levels, so patients with diabetes should monitor their glucose more carefully and may need dietary adjustments.
- The medication can also raise cholesterol levels in some individuals, potentially necessitating a lower-fat diet.
Monitoring and Recommendations
- It's essential to monitor any changes in weight, appetite, or eating patterns after starting Geodon and discuss them with your healthcare provider.
- Your healthcare provider may recommend specific dietary modifications or nutritional counseling to manage any potential effects of Geodon on diet and eating patterns.
- Given the potential for weight gain, even with weight-neutral antipsychotics like Geodon, regular monitoring of weight and body mass index (BMI) is crucial, especially in patients with a history of weight-related issues or metabolic syndrome 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The absorption of ziprasidone is increased up to two-fold in the presence of food. The answer to whether Geodon (ziprasidone) can affect diet is:
- Yes, food can affect the absorption of ziprasidone, increasing it up to two-fold. However, there is no information on whether ziprasidone affects diet. 2
From the Research
Geodon and Diet
- Geodon, also known as ziprasidone, is an atypical antipsychotic medication that may have an impact on diet and weight [ 3 , 4 ].
- According to a study published in 2002, ziprasidone has been reported to cause weight gain as an infrequent adverse effect [ 3 ].
- However, another study published in 2001 found that ziprasidone has a low propensity for causing weight gain compared to other atypical antipsychotic drugs [ 4 ].
- A more recent study published in 2011 found that open adjunctive ziprasidone was associated with weight loss in obese and overweight patients with bipolar disorder [ 5 ].
- The 2011 study reported that patients who received ziprasidone experienced a significant decrease in weight and body mass index (BMI), with 48% of patients achieving at least 5% weight loss [ 5 ].