Haldol (Haloperidol)

tablets

0.5-2 mg 2 or 3 x a day up to 30 mg a day

maximum: 100 mg a day

children: not specified

elderly: lower dose

major tranquilizer

control of hyperactive behaviour in children

use of tranquilizers, drugs for tension (within 14 days)

use of other antipsychotic/neuroleptic drugs

use of lithium, levodopa

use of sedatives, sleeping pills, pain killers

use of alcohol

use of antacids

alcohol withdrawal

coma (passed out)

severe depression

Parkinson's disease or Parkinson's-like symptoms

epilepsy

diabetes

liver or kidney disease

bone marrow or blood cell disease

heart disease, low blood pressure

glaucoma

thyroid disease

lupus

brain damage

allergies, especially to other drugs

pregnancy, nursing

breast cancer

surgery

strengthening the effects of alcohol

increases effect of other drugs, especially sedatives

Parkinson-like symptoms: shakiness, lack of muscle co-ordination, muscle stiffness

restlessness, sleeplessness

drowsiness

blurred eyesight

dry mouth

constipation

urination problems

confusion, lack of judgement

sometimes:
tardive dyskinesia: uncontrolled movements of the tongue, mouth, arms and legs, which may be permanent and may come after stopping the drug

increased psychotic symptoms

changes in mood and behaviour

anxiety, excitement, agitation, restlessness

depression

weakness, being tired, sleeplessness

fever

headache

dizziness, fainting

internal and external spasms

in epileptics: seizures

in the elderly: no thirst sensation, leading to pneumonia

heart problems, heart attack

low white blood cell counts, causing infections

irregular pulse or blood pressure

liver disease

stomach problems, loss of appetite

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

bloating

skin rash, sensitivity to sun

eye damage

impotence (20%), painful, continuous erection

breast swelling (male and female)

menstrual problems

rarely:
death, sometimes sudden, from any of these causes: disordered body temperature

bone marrow poisoning

convulsions

blood clots

paralysis of the intestines

cardiac arrest (heart stoppage)

despair leading to suicide

vomiting into lungs*

* (30% of psychiatric patient deaths)

• This drug should be used only when there is no other choice.

• Sudden death is a (rare) possibility with Haldol.

• This is one of a group of psychiatric drugs which causes a serious and sometimes fatal reaction called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. It may cause body temperature raising, rigid muscles and coma (passing out), rapid heart beat and breathing, sweating, shaking and seizures. The death rate is 20%.

• Haldol causes brain and eye damage with long-term use. With epilepsy, it can change the pattern of seizures.

• This drug is eliminated in breast milk and affects an unborn child. It should not be given to nursing or pregnant women.

• Children are sensitive to the nervous system reactions of this drug.

• Avoid overheating your body in the sun, saunas, hot baths, etc.

• Tell your nurse, doctor, pharmacist or dentist about any other drugs you are taking before any new treatment. Check with them before you take any medicine, even if it isn't a prescription drug.

• There is no known treatment for tardive dyskinesia (TD). The brain damage done with this drug can be permanent. If symptoms appear, the drug must be stopped. One of the early signs of TD is a "worm-like" movement of the tongue. Stop the drug and see your doctor immediately if this happens to you.

• You should not drive, operate machines, play sports, or do dangerous things until you know what this drug does to you.

• Stop taking this drug and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the problems or conditions listed or anything unusual is happening, especially changes in your eyesight.

• Withdrawal symptoms can be severe with psychiatric drugs. If you stop using them, do it slowly.

[Table of Contents]