ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.
Overview
It must be taken with food to be absorbed.
What it's used for
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar mania and maintenance
How to take it
- Take it twice a day with meals (at least 500 calories).
Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
Side effects
Common side effects
- Sleepiness
- Restlessness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Call 911Fainting or a fast, irregular heartbeat
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Call 911Rash with fever and swollen glands (DRESS)
Call your provider todayUncontrolled movements
Warnings
- Boxed warning: higher risk of death in older adults with dementia.
- It can affect heart rhythm; not for people with long QT.
Other medicines, foods, and alcohol
- Other medicines that affect heart rhythm add to the risk.
- Carbamazepine lowers its level.
Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Talk with your provider.
Missed doses, overdose, and storage
If you miss a dose
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.
If someone takes too much
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.
Storing it
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.
Conditions it's used for
Sources
- DailyMed: FDA drug label for Ziprasidone (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- MedlinePlus: Drugs, herbs, and supplements
- FDA: Drugs@FDA
Last updated 2026-11-13.