What is Haldol?
Haldol is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia.Haldol may also be used to reduce motor and speech tics in people with Tourette syndrome.Haldol can be used by people who cannot take the medication orally.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Haldol.
Side effects of Haldol
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat. Please seek medical help immediately..High doses of haloperidol or long-term usage can cause serious movement disorders that are not always 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);
- Rapid changes in mood or behavior
- You may experience rapid or pounding pulses, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness.
- Cough with chest pain and mucus;
- Lack of energy and decreased thirst
- You may experience muscle spasms, tightness, or difficulty swallowing in your throat.
- Low white blood cell count: fever; mouth sores or skin sores; sore neck; coughing; difficulty breathing.
- SEVERE nervous system reaction: stiff muscles, high fever, sweating and confusion. Fast or uneven heartbeats. Tremors. Feeling like you may pass out.
In older adults, serious side effects are more likely to occur.
Haldol side effects may include:
- Drowsiness;
- Neck stiffness
- Tremors
- Involuntary muscular movements
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report adverse reactions.
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 given to you if:
- Parkinson's disease;
- Lewy body dementia
- This medicine may cause an allergic reaction to sesame oil or peanut butter.
- 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.
Please inform your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
- Heart problems, angina (chest pain);
- Long-qt syndrome
- Low blood pressure
- A seizure;
- Low white blood cell counts
- A thyroid disorder,
- 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, inform your physician as soon as possible and do not abruptly discontinue medication without consulting first with him or her.Haldol should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Haldol?
Before you receive this medication, Haldol may be administered orally for a brief period of time.Haldol can be injected by a healthcare professional into a muscle, typically once every three to four weeks.You may need to undergo frequent medical tests if you take this medication for a long time.Haldol withdrawal symptoms can be unpleasant if you suddenly stop taking it after long-term usage. You should ask your doctor about how to stop Haldol safely.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed your Haldol appointment, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
If you experience overdose symptoms, such as extreme drowsiness or severe muscle stiffness or tremors, shallow or weak breathing, or fainting, call 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A haloperidol overdose can be fatal.
What should be avoided?
Haldol can cause you to feel dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are sure of how they will affect you. Dizziness and drowsiness may cause accidents or serious injuries.Don't drink alcohol. Alcohol can have dangerous side effects.Avoid overheating or dehydration during exercise in hot weather. Haldol may make you more susceptible to heat stroke.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, causing side effects or making them less effective.Haldol may cause serious heart problems if used in conjunction with other medications for asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, 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.
