Haldol

Haldol Drug Information

• Haldol Overview

  Haloperidol is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders). This medicine helps you to think more clearly, feel less nervous, and take part in everyday life. It can also help prevent suicide in people who are likely to harm themselves. It also reduces aggression and the desire to hurt others. It can decrease negative thoughts and hallucinations. Haloperidol can also be used to treat uncontrolled movements and outbursts of words/sounds related to Tourette's syndrome. Haloperidol is also used for severe behavior problems in hyperactive children when other treatments or medications have not worked. Haloperidol is a psychiatric medication (antipsychotic-type) that works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (neurotransmitters).

• Haldol Warnings

  There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat, pneumonia) when Haldol is used by older adults with dementia. Haldol is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related behavior problems. Discuss the risks and benefits of Haldol, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related behavior problems, with the doctor.

• How to Use Haldol

  Take Haldol by mouth with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. If you are using the liquid form of the medication, use the measuring dropper provided in the package to measure your dose. If you do not have the dropper, ask your pharmacist for a measured oral syringe so that your dose will be correct. Dosage of Haldol is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use Haldol regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not stop taking Haldol without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually reduced. Inform your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.

• Haldol Precautions

  Before taking haloperidol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Haldol may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Haldol, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,a certain severe nervous system problem (severe CNS depression), Parkinson's disease, bipolar disorder, difficulty urinating (for example, due to prostate problems), glaucoma, heart problems (e.g., angina), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), seizures, low white blood cell count. Haloperidol may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away. The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using haloperidol,certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death). Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/"water pills") or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using haloperidol safely. Haldol may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Haldol can reduce sweating, making you more likely to get heatstroke. Avoid hard work and exercise in hot weather. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Haldol, especially drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty urinating, and heart effects such as QT prolongation (see above). Drowsiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness can increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, Haldol should be used only when clearly needed. Babies born to mothers who have used Haldol during the last 3 months of pregnancy may rarely develop symptoms including muscle stiffness or shakiness, drowsiness, feeding/breathing difficulties, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn especially during their first month, tell the doctor right away. Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking Haldol unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Haldol during pregnancy. Haldol passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Haldol Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Haldol, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Haldol Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.anticholinergic medications (for example, antispasmodics such as belladonna alkaloids, scopolamine), cabergoline, ketoconazole, lithium, methyldopa, drugs for Parkinson's disease (such as levodopa and carbidopa, selegiline), paroxetine, pergolide, quinupristin-dalfopristin, rifampin, saquinavir. Many drugs besides haloperidol may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), among others. Therefore, before using haloperidol, report all medications you are currently using to your doctor or pharmacist. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

• Haldol Side Effects

  What are Haldol side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Haldol may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Haldol as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Haldol

  The side effects of Haldol may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Haldol. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Haldol may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Haldol, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Haldol.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Haldol, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Haldol and the side effects associated with Haldol are described in the following:

  Common Haldol Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  Less Frequent Haldol Side Effects

  Severe

  • tardive dyskinesia
  • decreased thirst
  • hallucinations
  • skin rash
  • tachycardia

  Less Severe

  • visual changes
  • xerostomia
  • constipation
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • skin photosensitivity
  • drowsy
  • nausea
  • vomiting

  Rare or Very Rare Haldol Side Effects

  Severe

  • agranulocytosis
  • cataracts
  • extrapyramidal disease
  • neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • hypertension
  • torsades de pointes
  • prolonged QT interval
  • ventricular arrhythmias
  • bronchospastic pulmonary disease
  • hyponatremia
  • laryngismus
  • akathisia
  • retinal disorder
  • heat stroke
  • priapism
  • neutropenic disorder
  • leukopenia
  • disease of liver
  • Jaundice
  • seizure disorder
  • accidental fall
  • orthostatic hypotension

  Less Severe

  • acneiform eruption
  • Acquired Dystonia
  • gynecomastia
  • galactorrhea not associated with childbirth
  • mastalgia
  • irregular menstrual periods
  • hypotension
  • anorexia
  • Maculopapular Rash
  • urinary retention
  • diarrhea
  • insomnia
  • nervousness
  • euphoria
  • agitation
  • depression
  • lethargy
  • headache disorder
  • acute confusion
  • vertigo
  • fever
  • alopecia
  • dyspepsia
  • hyperhidrosis

• Haldol Storage

  Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Haldol when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.