Haloperidol is primarily used to treat schizophrenia. It is also used to control symptoms associated with Tourette's syndrome.
What is Haloperidol?
Haloperidol is an antipsychotic. Its exact mechanism of action is not yet known. It is thought to work by blocking the activity of certain molecules in the brain.
How should Haloperidol be taken?
Haloperidol may be administered via injection or orally in the form of tablets or concentrated solution.
Side effects associated with Haloperidol
Haloperidol can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome or reduce immune defenses. It also increases the skin's sensitivity to the sun and in the event of overheating; it can increase the risk of heat stroke.
Among the other possible side effects of haloperidol include the following:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Stomach discomfort
- Insomnia
You should consult with a doctor immediately if you experience:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Itch
- Difficulty breathing
- Tightness in the chest;
- Swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue
- Vision problems
- Chest pains
- Confusion
- Dark urine
- Difficult or reduced urination
- Sexual problems
- Dehydration
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Excessive saliva
- Increase in breast volume
- Excessive sweating
- Fainting
- Irregular or accelerated heartbeat
- Persistent fever, chills or sore throat
- Hallucinations
- Mood or behavior changes
- Menstrual irregularities
- Nipple discharge
- Prolonged and painful erections
- Stiff muscles
- Severe or persistent dizziness, headaches or vomiting
- Shortness of breath or cough
- Uncontrollable muscle movements
- Jaundice
- Walking by dragging the feet
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Haloperidol
Haloperidol should not be taken if you are dehydrated, often exposed to high temperatures or if you drink alcohol. Alcohol can aggravate drowsiness and impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery. This side effect can worsen if taken in combination with other drugs.
Before starting treatment with haloperidol, it is important to tell your doctor if:
- You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drugs or food
- You are taking any other medications, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: astemizole, dofetilide, dronedarone, nilotinib, propafenone, sodium oxybate, terfenadine, tetrabenazine, antiarrhythmics, antipsychotics, arsenic trioxide, bepridil, chloroquine, cispride, dolasetron, domperidone, droperidol , halofantrine, ketolides, kinase inhibitors, macrolides, maprotiline, methadone, phenothiazines, pimozide, quinolone, lithium, tramadol, anticholinergics, carbamazepine, azole antifungals, rifampicin, anticoagulants, narcotics and drugs that increase the risk of irregular heart beat or electrolyte imbalances
- You are suffering (or have suffered) from Parkinson's disease, diabetes, depression, low levels of neutrophils and other white blood cells, porphyria, high or low blood pressure, electrolyte disturbances, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, seizures, abnormalities in electroencephalograms, thyroid problems, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, high levels of prolactin in the blood, tumors and if you are at risk of developing breast cancer
- You are pregnant or breast-feeding
It is also important to inform physicians, surgeons and dentists of any ongoing treatment with Haloperidol.
