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Geodon and the Prolonged QT

J

jscedaz

Greenlighter
Joined
Aug 4, 2007
Messages
7
Hi

I'm having trouble trying to find out if the drug Geodon (Ziprasidone) an atypical antipsychotic with its potential side effect of Long QT syndrome is preventable using a beta blocker such as propranolol, so far I have found no potential known interactions between propranolol and ziprasidone used together, the long QT side effect is worrying so my question is does anyone know if beta blockers can prevent this potentially dangerous side effect?

Thanks

Long QT information
Geodon side effects
 
hmmm.... whilst B-blockers have been a mainstay of treatment for patients with congenital long QT syndrome, I don't think its warranted in this case.

In patients taking drugs that can increase the QT interval, it is prudent to perform ECGs and serum electrolyte levels regularly (paying particular attention to potassium, and to a lesser extent magnesium). Your doctor should do this before prescribing any long-term drug that will prolong the QT interval. He/she should also ask you about your cardiovascular health, and whether any close relatives have died suddenly from cardiac causes.

Furthermore, if long QTs did develop, its is standard practice in medicine to remove the offending agent (ziprasidone), rather than add another to counter it.

If you want to read more, here's an article from the British Heart Foundations journal, Heart:
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1767957
 
Nice thanks for finding that out for me I will read the link you have posted too :)
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Going to add this in for anyone who comes across this thread in the future as well.


Moderate Drug-Drug Interaction propranolol and ziprasidone (Moderate Drug-Drug)

MONITOR: Neuroleptic agents may potentiate the hypotensive effect of some medications secondary to their peripheral alpha-1 adrenergic blocking activity. Orthostatic hypotension and syncope associated with vasodilation may occur, particularly during the initial dose titration period of neuroleptic therapy.

MANAGEMENT: Close clinical monitoring for development of hypotension is recommended if neuroleptic agents are prescribed with antihypertensive medications or vasodilators. Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, orthostasis, or tachycardia. A lower starting dosage and slower titration of the neuroleptic agent may be appropriate in patients receiving antihypertensive therapy, especially if they are elderly.
 
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There may be a risk for some people, but for healthy ppl it's not a big risk at all.
 
^ I wouldn't accept that as proof of anything.

You should want better reasoning than that. I'd be concerned about anything anyone just says without providing any rationale. Especially here.
 
Hammilton said:
^ I wouldn't accept that as proof of anything.

You should want better reasoning than that. I'd be concerned about anything anyone just says without providing any rationale. Especially here.
Click to expand...

Ok ill find more information, the post futher up has a very good link to information on it which answers a lot of my questions too.
 
jscedaz said:
Ok ill find more information, the post futher up has a very good link to information on it which answers a lot of my questions too.
Click to expand...

Here is some more if you like...

http://books.google.com.au/books?id...dq=prolonged QT complex ziprasidone&pg=PA1095

Kaplan and Sadock is a fairly widely used and respected psychiatry text, but the ONLY ADVICE I'M WILLING TO STAND BY EVERY TIME is: SPEAK TO YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT IT!. Sorry for caps, but he/she will have the most up to date knowledge on ziprasidone.

I'll find some more when I'm over swine flu (seriously).

dan
 
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