What is Haldol?
Haldol, an antipsychotic medication, is used in the treatment of schizophrenia.Haldol can also be used to reduce motor and speech tics in people with Tourette syndrome.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Haldol.
Side effects of Haldol
Symptoms of allergic reactions include hives, difficulty breathing and swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat. Seek medical assistance immediately if these occur.A serious movement disorder can be caused by high doses of haloperidol or long-term usage. This may not be reversible. Haldol can cause serious movement disorders, which may not be reversible.
Haldol can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Uncontrolled facial movements (such as lip smacking and frowning; tongue movement or blinking);
- You may experience muscle spasms, tightness, or difficulty swallowing in your throat.
- Rapid changes in mood or behavior
- You may experience rapid or pounding pulses, fluttering of the chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.
- Cough, feeling of shortness of breath, chest pain, and mucus;
- Low white blood cell count: fever; mouth sores or skin sores; sore neck; coughing; difficulty breathing.
- Severe nervous system reaction: very stiff (rigid muscles), high fever, shuddering, confusion, fast heartbeats, or irregular heartbeats.
Haldol side effects may include:
- Drowsiness;
- Headache;
- Dizziness, spinning sensation;
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Feeling restless or anxious
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
- Breast enlargement and irregular menstrual cycles.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor.Reaching out to the FDA to report adverse events is simple - call their toll-free hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088!
Similar/related drugs
hydroxyzine, ondansetron, lorazepam, diazepam, risperidone, meclizine, and Benadryl
Warnings
Haldol has not been approved for older adults who have dementia-related psychosis.
Before you take this drug
Haldol should not be used if:
- Parkinson disease
- Certain conditions affect the central nervous system. (For example, severe drowsiness or slow thinking due to taking other medications or drinking alcohol.)
Haldol can increase the risk of death in older adults who have dementia-related psychosis. It is not approved to be used in this way.
Notify your doctor of any of the following conditions:
- Heart problems, angina (chest pain);
- Long-qt syndrome
- Low blood pressure
- A seizure;
- A thyroid disorder
- Breast cancer
- An electrolyte imbalance (such as a low potassium or magnesium level in the blood) is a problem.
Antipsychotic medication taken in the last three months of pregnancy can cause serious problems for the baby. If you become pregnant, immediately notify your physician. Do not discontinue medication without consulting with them first.Haldol can be used safely while breastfeeding.
How to take Haldol?
Read and follow all instructions or guides provided with your medication.Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.Too much Haldol may cause serious heart rhythm disorders or even sudden death. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage.
Use the syringe provided or a dosing device to measure liquid medicines (not a spoon).You may experience symptoms that persist for several weeks.Haldol withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking it. Before stopping Haldol, consult your doctor.Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Liquid medicines should not be allowed to freeze.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Haldol overdoses can be deadly.
What should be avoided?
Alcohol consumption with Haldol may cause side effects.Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may have impaired reactions. You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying position. Dizziness and severe drowsiness may cause you to fall, break bones, or suffer other injuries.
Interaction with other drug
Haldol may cause serious heart problems if used in conjunction with other medications for asthma, heart disease, depression, mental illness, or HIV.Haldol can make you more drowsy. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pill, muscle relaxer, or medicine to treat anxiety or seizures, consult your doctor.
Tell your doctor about your other medications, including:
- Lithium;
- Rifampin;
- Parkinson's disease treatment;
- Seizure medicine;
- A blood thinner: warfarin coumadin jantoven
This list is incomplete. Haldol may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines and vitamin and herb products. This list does not include all possible interactions with other drugs.
