Indications
Haldol (active ingredient: haloperidol) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- Psychotic Disorders: Haldol is used for the management of symptoms of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
- Tourette Syndrome: It is also indicated for the treatment of severe behavioral problems in children with Tourette syndrome, including tics and vocal utterances.
Haldol belongs to a class of drugs known as typical antipsychotics, which work by blocking the action of dopamine receptors in the brain, thereby reducing the severity of psychotic symptoms and stabilizing behavior.
Uses and Dosage
Haloperidol comes in the form of a tablet and is taken orally, with or without food, as directed by your doctor. It is usually taken two or three times a day. Take haloperidol at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take haloperidol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Haldol (Haloperidol):
- Anxiety
- Difficulty urinating
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Sleep disturbances
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Haldol (Haloperidol):
- Changes in urine output
- Chest pain
- Drooling
- Fainting
- Mask-like facial expression
- Muscle spasm
- Persistent vomiting
- Prolonged erection or priapism
- Restlessness
- Severe abdominal pain
- Shaking or tremors
- Signs of tardive dyskinesia (facial twitching, uncontrollable shaking)
- Slow heartbeat
- Symptoms of the neuroleptic malignant syndrome (fever, muscle weakness, severe tiredness, confusion, irregular heartbeat, sweating, dark urine)
Form and Strength
Haldol (Haloperidol) is available in the following forms and strength:
Haloperidol: Tablet
- 0.5 mg
- 1 mg
- 2 mg
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
Caution
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, especially if you are in the last few months of your pregnancy, or if you plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking haloperidol, contact your doctor immediately.
- Be aware of the potential side effects of Haloperidol, including drowsiness and impaired thinking and movements. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Haloperidol affects you, as it may cause drowsiness or impaired thinking and movements which can be dangerous.
- Taking haloperidol during the last few months of pregnancy may cause problems for the newborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits of using haloperidol with your doctor before taking it while pregnant.
- Tell doctor/pharmacist if allergic to haloperidol or other allergies. Talk to the pharmacist for more info.
- Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of haloperidol, especially the risk of developing uncontrolled movements such as eye-twitching or lip-smacking. Additionally, children may also be more susceptible to the extrapyramidal side effects of haloperidol, such as dystonias.
- Tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking haloperidol if you are having any kind of surgery, including dental surgery. Haloperidol is a prescription medication and can interact with other medications and anesthesia, ensure your doctor or dentist is aware of all the medications that you are taking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is haloperidol administered?
Haloperidol can be taken orally, injected intramuscularly, or given as a depot injection.
What is the usual dosage for haloperidol?
The usual dosage for haloperidol is between 2 and 20 milligrams per day, depending on the condition being treated.
What is the maximum daily dose of haloperidol?
The maximum recommended daily dose of haloperidol is 20 milligrams per day.
What other low potency antipsychotics are available?
Other low potency antipsychotics include chlorpromazine, perphenazine, fluphenazine, thioridazine, and loxapine.
How long does it take for haloperidol to start working?
The effects of haloperidol typically start to be felt within 1 to 2 hours of taking the medication.
What are the long-term side effects of haloperidol?
Long-term side effects of haloperidol can include increased risk of stroke, diabetes, and tardive dyskinesia.
Resources
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682180.html
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-5419/haldol-oral/details
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560892/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/haloperidol-oral-route/description/drg-20064173
- https://www.rxlist.com/haldol-drug.htm
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=af0159a8-dff5-449a-aa2b-a0c430081e21
- https://www.goodrx.com/haloperidol/what-is
REVIEWS