What is Haldol Decanoate?
Schizophrenia . Decanoate is a medicine used for treating schizophrenia.Haldol decanoate can also be used to reduce motor or speech tics in people who have Tourette syndrome.Haldol decanoate can be used by people who cannot take medicine orally.Haldol decanoate can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Side effects of Haldol Decanoate
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergy: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongueIf you use haloperidol in high doses or for a long time, it can lead to a movement disorder. This may be irreversible. This disorder is more common if you have diabetes or are older.
Haldol decanoate can cause severe side effects. If you experience:
- Uncontrolled facial movements (such as lip-smacking or frowning; tongue movement; blinking and eye movements);
- Rapid changes in mood and behavior
- You may experience rapid or pounding pulses, fluttering of the chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.
- Cough, feeling of shortness of breath, with chest pain and mucus;
- Lack of energy and decreased thirst
- You may experience muscle spasms, a tightening in the throat or neck area, and difficulty swallowing.
- Low white blood cells: fever; mouth sores or skin sores; sore neck; coughing; difficulty breathing.
- Severe nervous system reaction: very stiff muscles (rigid), high fever, excessive sweating, confusion, rapid or irregular heartbeats, feelings of passing out, etc.
In older adults, serious side effects are more common.
Haldol decanoate side effects include:
- Drowsiness;
- Neck stiffness
- Tremors
- Involuntary muscular movements
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report side effects by calling the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Hydroxyzine, Ondansetron, Lorazepam, Diazepam, Risperidone, Meclizine, and Benadryl
Warnings
Haldol decanoate has not been approved to be used in dementia-related psychosis.
Before you take this drug
Haldol decanoate should not be given to you if:
- Parkinson's disease;
- Lewy body dementia
- This medicine may cause an allergic reaction to sesame (this medication contains sesame).
- Certain conditions can affect the central nervous system. (For example, severe sleepiness or slow thinking due to taking alcohol or other medications.)
Haldol decanoate is not recommended for use in dementia-related psychosis.
If you've ever:
- Heart problems, angina (chest pain);
- Long qt syndrome
- Low blood pressure
- A seizure;
- Low white blood cell (wbc) count;
- A thyroid disease;
- An electrolyte imbalance (such as a low potassium or magnesium level in the blood) is a problem.
Antipsychotic medication taken in the final 3 months of pregnancy can cause severe problems for the baby.If you become pregnant, inform your physician as soon as possible. You should not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor.Haldol decanoate should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Haldol Decanoate?
Before you receive this medication, Haldol Decanoate may be administered to you orally for a brief period of time.Haldol decanoate can be injected by your healthcare provider into the muscle, typically once or twice every three to four weeks.You may require frequent medical testing if you take this medication for a long time.If you suddenly stop taking Haldol Decanoate after a long period of use, it may cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. You should ask your doctor about how you can safely discontinue this medication.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed your Haldol Decanoate appointment, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
If you experience overdose symptoms, such as extreme drowsiness or muscle rigidity, shallow or weak breathing, or fainting, call 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A haloperidol overdose can lead to death.
What should be avoided?
Haldol decanoate can cause you to feel dizzy or drowsy. Avoid dangerous activities until you are sure how they will affect you. Drowsiness or dizziness can lead to accidents or serious injuries.Don't drink alcohol. Alcohol can have dangerous side effects.Avoid overheating or becoming dehydrated when exercising in warm weather. Haldol decanoate may make you more susceptible to a heat stroke.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain drugs at the same time. Certain drugs may affect the blood level of drugs that you are taking, causing side effects to increase or making them less effective.Haldol decanoate may cause serious heart problems. This risk is higher if other medications are also being used to treat infections, asthma, high blood pressure, mental illnesses, cancer, HIV, depression, or asthma.Haldol decanoate can make this worse. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety or seizures, ask your doctor.
Inform your physician of all medications being taken, including:
- Lithium;
- Rifampin;
- Parkinson's disease treatment;
- Seizure medicine;
- A blood thinner: warfarin coumadin jantoven
The list below is not exhaustive. Haldol decanoate may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription or over-the-counter medicines and vitamin and herb products. This list does not include all possible interactions with other drugs.
