Haldol
Generic Name:
Haloperidol
Brand Names:
Haldol
Haldol Description:
Haldol belongs to a class of drugs known as conventional antipsychotics. The medication is used in the treatment of schizophrenia and Tourette syndrome. While the exact causes of these conditions are unknown, experts believe they may be the result of abnormal activity in the brain. Haldol works by reducing this activity.
Haldol Side Effects:
Potential side effects of Haldol include:
- Involuntary body movements
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Euphoria
- Agitation
- Drowsiness
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness
For more information, see our Haldol side effects page.
Haldol Uses:
Haldol is used in the treatment of schizophrenia, a chronic psychotic disorder characterized by symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, emotional unresponsiveness and social withdrawal.
Haldol is also used in the treatment of Tourette syndrome, a neurological condition characterized by uncontrollable body movements or tics.
Haldol Interactions:
Haldol may interact with the following medications and substances:
- Lithium
- Warfarin and other anticoagulants
- Anesthetics
- Opiates
- Heart arrhythmia medications
- Antihistamines
- Anxiolytics, antidepressants and other mental illness medications
- Motion sickness medications
- Irritable bowel disease medications
- Rifampin
- Erythromycin
- Sedatives or tranquilizers
- Epinephrine
- Alcohol
- Other central nervous system depressants
Haldol may interact with other medications or substances that are not listed above. In order to avoid potentially hazardous interactions, patients should talk with their doctor about the use of all other medications, vitamins or supplements before beginning treatment with Haldol.
Haldol Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Haldol dosages may vary among patients. Your doctor will establish the size and frequency of your dose according to your individual needs.
Haldol is administered by a health care professional via intramuscular injection. Acutely agitated schizophrenic patients usually receive 2 to 5 mg of the medication. Depending upon patient response, additional doses may be given at four to eight hour intervals.
Patients receiving Haldol injections are typically transferred to oral therapy as soon as possible.
Haldol Overdose
A Haldol overdose may result in an exaggeration of the medication's potential side effects. The most prevalent may include:
- Involuntary body movements
- Restlessness
- Low blood pressure
- Drowsiness
Because Haldol is administered by a health care professional, the risk of an overdose event is relatively low. However, patients should seek immediate medical attention if they have received too much of this medication.
Haldol FDA Approval:
April 12, 1967
Haldol Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Haldol carries a black box warning informing consumers and health care professionals that the medication may increase the risk of death when taken by elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Because of this risk, Haldol is not approved for use in the treatment of such patients.
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