haloperidol Health Article

Generic name(s):

haloperidol

Brand name(s):

Haldol

What is the most important information I should know about haloperidol?

Haloperidol can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase drowsiness or dizziness caused by haloperidol.

What is haloperidol?

Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain.

Haloperidol is used to treat schizophrenia. It is also used to control motor and speech tics in people with Tourette's syndrome.

Haloperidol may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking haloperidol?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to haloperidol, or have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have Parkinson's disease.

Before taking haloperidol, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;

• heart disease, angina (chest pain);

• a thyroid disorder;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome";

• an electrolyte imbalance such as low potassium or magnesium levels in your blood.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take haloperidol.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Haloperidol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take haloperidol?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Taking too much of this medication can cause a serious heart rhythm disorder or sudden death. Never take more than your prescribed dose. Take haloperidol with a full glass of water.

Haloperidol can be taken with or without food.

It may take several weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Do not stop using haloperidol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication. Store haloperidol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of haloperidol can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, feeling like you might pass out, tremors, and uncontrolled muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck.