Haldol: Medication, Injection and Side Effects

What is Haldol?

A form of Haloperidol, Haldol is an antipsychotic first developed in 1957. Haldol is a neuroleptic and a butyrophenone used to control the symptoms resulting from acute psychosis, acute manic phases, schizophrenia, delirium, hyperactivity, and aggression. Haldol is also used in the treatment of some neurological disorders such as Tourette syndrome. In the treatment of schizophrenia, weeks or even months of treatment may be needed before a significant improvement is noted. Haldol is used very effectively to treat delusions and hallucinations.

How To Use Haldol

Haldol is available in oral and injection forms. Orally, Haldol is taken by tablet or in solution form, and ingested by mouth. Usually, a starting dose of 500 micrograms to 5 milligrams taken two or three times a day is prescribed for oral ingestion. You should take Haldol only as prescribed by your physician.

What Are The Possible Side Effects of Using Haldol?

There is no threat of psychological dependence on Haldol, but there are some side effects associated with this drug. In long-term treatment, or in patients who are receiving very high doses of Haldol, the following side effects have been reported:

  • Dry mouth
  • Lethargy
  • Restlessness
  • Tremors
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Muscle pain
  • Weight gain
  • Depression with suicidal tendencies

Haldol has a sedative reaction to most patients, so many may feel listless or tired immediately following a dosage. Very rarely seen side effects include:

  • Hypotension
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth

 However, there are some potential side effects of Haldol that can be life-threatening or dangerous. You should stop taking Haldol and seek medical attention immediately if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Fast heartbeat or irregular pulse
  • Seizures
  • Difficult in breathing
  • High fever
  • Abnormally high or low blood pressure
  • Sudden loss of bladder control
  • Profuse sweating
  • Severe muscle stiffness
  • Unusually pale skin

If you experience any of the following side effects, you should consult with your physician immediately:

  • Inability to move eyes
  • Mask-like face
  • Difficulty speaking or swallowing
  • Loss of balance, severe vertigo
  • Severe restlessness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Trembling of hands and fingers
  • Stiffness in extremities
  • Shuffling walk
  • Weakness in limbs
  • Difficulty in urination
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Decreased thirst
  • Hallucinations
  • Puffing of cheeks
  • Rapid movements of tongue
  • Uncontrolled chewing movements
  • Skin rash
  • Uncontrolled movements of arms and legs

Some side effects associated with the drug are much less severe. However, you should check with your doctor if anything is troubling you or if you notice a symptom chronically appearing.

  • Blurred vision
  • Dryness of mouth
  • Swelling or pain in breasts (females)
  • Weight gain
  • Drowsiness
  • Lack of sexual drive
  • Nausea, vomiting

Warnings and Precautions before Taking Haldol

Some patients taking Haldol have suffered from neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which is a neurological disorder. Those taking Haldol for a longer period of time have noticed increased feelings of depression and suicidal thoughts. Patients using Haldol for a long-term basis should receive depression counseling. In both males and females, Haldol has been known to increase the release of the hormone prolactin. This causes breasts to grow larger and secrete milk.

Haldol should not be taken by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, and should not be prescribed to pregnant mothers. Be sure to give your doctor a full medical history and complete list of other medications you are taking before considering taking Haldol.

What Should You Do If You Miss a Dose of Haldol?

If you accidentally skip or miss a dose of Haldol, take that dosage as soon as you realize it has been skipped. However, skip the dose if your normal dosing schedule calls for another dose of Haldol. You do not want to double dose or over dose this medication.

How To Store Haldol

Haldol should be kept out of the reach of children and away from direct heat and light. Do not store this medication in the bathroom and keep it from freezing.

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