GEODON is used to treat acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. GEODON is also used as maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder when added to lithium or valproate. For full symptoms and diagnostic criteria, see the DSM-IV-TR® (2000).
GEODON is used to treat schizophrenia. For full symptoms and diagnostic criteria, see the DSM-IV-TR® (2000).
GEODON is used to treat schizophrenia and acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. GEODON is also used as maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder when added to lithium or valproate. For full symptoms and diagnostic criteria, see the DSM-IV-TR® (2000).
E-mail a friend |       
GEODON is used to treat acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. GEODON is also used as maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder when added to lithium or valproate. For full symptoms and diagnostic criteria, see the DSM-IV-TR® (2000).
GEODON is used to treat schizophrenia. For full symptoms and diagnostic criteria, see the DSM-IV-TR® (2000).
GEODON is used to treat schizophrenia and acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. GEODON is also used as maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder when added to lithium or valproate. For full symptoms and diagnostic criteria, see the DSM-IV-TR® (2000).

Even with treatment, a person with schizophrenia might still have setbacks. No one can tell for sure how well or for how long a given medicine will work. And in many cases, symptoms come back because the person has stopped taking the medicine as prescribed. That’s why you and your family and friends should learn to recognize your symptoms in case they return.

If you feel your symptoms are returning and you need help, don’t be embarrassed or afraid to ask for it. If you tell your doctor how you’re feeling, he or she can work with you to prevent your symptoms from getting worse.

“I stopped taking my medicine and I started hearing voices again. I said, ‘Doc, I don’t want to live like this. I’m ready to take my medicine every day.’”

—Justin

The symptoms of schizophrenia vary from one person to another. But most people have a combination of positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms.

Positive symptoms include:

  • Hallucinations: hearing, seeing, feeling, tasting, or smelling things that are not there
  • Delusions: believing things that are not true
  • Paranoia: unusual suspiciousness
  • Disordered thinking: when a person has difficulty “thinking straight.” Thoughts may come and go quickly. Or it may be hard to focus on one thought for very long

Negative symptoms include:

  • Flat emotions: showing little emotion or speaking in a voice that sounds flat, with little or no expression
  • Social withdrawal
  • Lack of motivation

Symptoms that affect the way a person with schizophrenia thinks are called cognitive symptoms. They may include slow thinking, poor memory, and difficulty expressing thoughts.

Learn to recognize the warning signs of relapse
Call your doctor right away if you think your symptoms are coming back. Some common signs of relapse are:

  • Feeling some of the same symptoms again
  • Having trouble sleeping
  • Feeling anxious or worried without knowing why
  • Having trouble thinking clearly, remembering, or concentrating
  • Feeling cranky or irritable for no reason
  • Withdrawing from usual activities

Getting help in emergencies
People with schizophrenia—and their friends and family—should know that there are times when medical attention is needed right away. This may mean calling your doctor, calling 911, or going to the emergency room. Signs that emergency help is needed include: thoughts of suicide, thoughts of self-harm, or violent behavior.

“I recommend patients talk with their families about what to do in case of severe symptoms. Discuss things like when to call for help, who to call, and which treatments you’re comfortable with and why.”

—Dr. Suarez†

Crisis plan
It’s important to have a plan that guides your family and friends regarding what to do in the event of an emergency. Download the crisis plan (PDF) and fill it out, so you and your family will be prepared in advance if you need help.

* Based on conversations with real patients.
† Dr. Suarez is a practicing psychiatrist. He did not treat the patients depicted on this Web site. Dr. Suarez received compensation from Pfizer, the makers of GEODON, for his contributions to this site.

Next: For family & friends

When you click on a PDF document, it will open in a new window. To view PDF files, Adobe® Acrobat® Reader® must be installed on your computer. If you do not have this program, download it now for free.

Note: When you click on the link above, you will leave the GEODON.com Web site. Links to other sites are provided as a convenience to the viewer. Pfizer accepts no responsibility for the content of linked sites.

E-mail a friend |       
GEODON is used to treat acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. GEODON is also used as maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder when added to lithium or valproate. For full symptoms and diagnostic criteria, see the DSM-IV-TR® (2000).
GEODON is used to treat schizophrenia. For full symptoms and diagnostic criteria, see the DSM-IV-TR® (2000).
GEODON is used to treat schizophrenia and acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. GEODON is also used as maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder when added to lithium or valproate. For full symptoms and diagnostic criteria, see the DSM-IV-TR® (2000).
GEODON for schizophrenia
Schizophrenia: Working with your doctor
Helping people with schizophrenia

This tool can help you get answers to important questions about treatment.

Get it now