Patient/caregiver was instructed upon Geodon and mechanism of action as follows:
- There are various neurotransmitters such as, dopamine, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, histamine, and serotonin released in the brain. A balance of communication by these various neurotransmitters is essential for maintenance of mood and prevention of psychotic symptoms.
- Excessive activity of dopamine in the brain, with contributions from excessive activity of norepinephrine and histamine is reportedly responsible for positive symptoms of schizophrenia and psychosis, such as, agitation, hallucinations, delusions, and racing thoughts.
- Excessive activity of serotonin in the brain reportedly contribute to the negative symptoms of schizophrenia and psychosis, such as, apathy, social withdrawal, and poor attention.
- Geodon is a medication, belonging to the class of atypical antipsychotics, used to treat symptoms of psychosis and mood disorders.
- The exact mechanism of action of Geodon is not clearly known. But, it is believed that Geodon mainly binds to and inhibits receptors for dopamine and serotonin, with partial inhibition of receptors for histamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine.
- Geodon, by inhibiting the excessive dopamine activity in the brain of schizophrenic patients, can result in calming the agitation and provide relief with hallucinations and racing thoughts. Also, by inhibiting the excessive serotonin activity in the brain of schizophrenic patients, Geodon can help improve apathy, inattention, and social withdrawal.
- By affecting these chemicals in the brain, Geodon helps with balancing the communication by different neurotransmitters and appropriate desired nerve stimulation.
- This action of Geodon contributes to controlling symptoms of schizophrenia, agitation and anxiety associated with panic disorders, psychosis, and bipolar disorder.
