When you see a doctor for a friend or family member with a mental health problem, you may have heard about a medication called Haloperidol. Or you may have heard about this medication somewhere and are curious to know more about it. What is this medication? How does it work? You probably have a lot of questions about these. So, today we will talk about this medication called Haloperidol in a simple way that you can understand.
What is Haloperidol?
Simply put, haloperidol is a drug used to treat mental illnesses. It is most commonly used for conditions like schizophrenia . Our brains contain a chemical called dopamine . When this dopamine level is sometimes unbalanced , things like our mood, behavior, and thoughts become disrupted. So, what this haloperidol drug does is balance that dopamine level in the brain.
This medicine belongs to a group of medicines called ' antipsychotics ' . These medicines are used to treat a number of mental health problems. This means that it can help control not only schizophrenia but also other mental conditions. Sometimes you may find this medicine by other names, for example, the brand name 'Haldol' is very well known. However, since this medicine can also be used for other things, it is best to ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
What should you tell your doctor before using this medicine?
This is very important. Before you are given haloperidol, your healthcare team should be aware of your medical history. It is especially important to tell them if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Health conditions you should report |
|---|
| • A memory impairment condition such as Dementia. |
| • Diabetes Mellitus. |
| • Difficulty swallowing. |
| • Difficulty controlling muscles. |
| • Heart disease. |
| • If you have had an irregular heartbeat. |
| • If you are a regular drinker. |
| • Liver disease. |
| • A condition such as a decrease in the number of white blood cells, platelets, or red blood cells in the blood. |
| • Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood. |
| • A lung or respiratory disease such as Asthma. |
| • Parkinson's disease. |
| • Seizures. |
| • Thyroid disease. |
| • If you have ever had an unusual or allergic reaction to haloperidol, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives. |
| • If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. |
| • If breastfeeding. |
When you tell your doctor these things, he can decide whether this medicine is right for you or not. If not, he can change the dosage or take special care.
How can I give you this medicine?
Haloperidol is a medicine that is given as an injection into a muscle. It is usually given to you by a medical team in a hospital or clinic. It is not a medicine that you can take home.
Special care should be taken when giving this medicine to children . Therefore, if your child has been prescribed this medicine, talk to your medical team about it carefully and find out the details.
If you accidentally take too much of this medicine, that is, if you overdose, you should immediately call a poison control center or emergency room. This is very important.
Remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share this medicine with anyone else for any reason.
What should I do if I miss a dose of medication?
Since this is given as an injection in a hospital, you are less likely to miss a dose. The medical team will take care of that.
What other medications should not be used with this medicine, or should I be careful with?
This is also very important. There are some medications that can cause problems when taken with haloperidol. Therefore, you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, not only about vitamins, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements , but also if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs .
The following medications should never be taken with haloperidol :
| Drugs that should not be taken with Haloperidol (Do NOT take with Haloperidol) |
|---|
| • Cisapride |
| • Dronedarone |
| • Metoclopramide |
| • Pimozide |
| • Thioridazine |
Also, there are other medications that can interact with haloperidol. This means that when these medications are taken together, they may change how haloperidol works or increase side effects.
| Other drugs that may interact with Haloperidol |
|---|
| • Alcohol |
| • Antihistamines for allergies, coughs, and colds |
| • Atropine |
| • Some medications for anxiety or insomnia |
| • Medicines for bladder problems such as Oxybutynin and Tolterodine |
| • Medications for depression such as Amitriptyline, Fluoxetine, and Sertraline |
| • Medicines such as Dicyclomine and Hyoscyamine, which are used for stomach problems |
| • Medicines such as scopolamine, which are used to treat motion sickness |
| • Droperidol |
| • Epinephrine |
| • Medicines used for anesthesia such as Halothane, Isoflurane, Methoxyflurane, Propofol |
| • Levodopa or other medications for Parkinson's disease |
| • Lithium |
| • Blood pressure medication |
| • Medicine for seizures |
| • Muscle relaxants for surgery |
| • Narcotic medications |
| • Other drugs that prolong the QT interval of the heart beat (can cause irregular heart rhythm) |
| • Phenothiazines such as Chlorpromazine and Prochlorperazine |
| • Rifampin |
| • Warfarin |
This list does not include all interactions, so it is important to tell your doctor about everything you take.
What should you be careful about when taking this medicine?
When you are given haloperidol, your condition will be closely monitored by your medical team. However, there are a few things you should be aware of.
- Dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision: This medicine may make you feel dizzy or drowsy. Sometimes your vision may also be blurred. Therefore, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing other activities that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful when standing up or sitting down quickly (especially if you are elderly), as this can cause dizziness and a fall.
- Alcohol: Alcohol can make dizziness and drowsiness worse. Therefore, avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication.
- Blood sugar level :This medicine may cause your blood sugar levels to rise. If you have diabetes , ask your doctor if you need to make any changes to your diet or medication.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is common with this medication. You can manage this by chewing sugarless gum, sucking on a piece of ginger, and drinking plenty of water. However, if this problem persists or is severe, tell your doctor.
- Problems regulating body temperature : This medicine may change the way your body responds to cold and heat. Stay indoors as much as possible during cold weather. If you do go out, wear warm clothes. Your reaction to heat may also be reduced. Therefore, avoid strenuous exercise and limit your exposure to the sun. If you must be in the sun, wear comfortable clothing and drink plenty of water. If you feel that you are having trouble regulating your body temperature, talk to your doctor immediately.
- Sun sensitivity: This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Therefore, avoid sun exposure as much as possible. If you must go out in the sun, wear clothing that covers your skin, use sunscreen, and avoid using sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, haloperidol can cause side effects. Some are serious and should be reported to your doctor immediately. Some are normal and will go away in a few days.
Types and descriptions of side effects that you should report to your medical team immediately:
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Heart rhythm changes | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) Symptoms | High fever, muscle stiffness, increased sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, and confusion. |
| Increased prolactin levels | Abnormal breast development, nipple discharge, change in sexual desire or function, irregular menstrual cycles. |
| Infection signs | Fever, chills, cough, or sore throat. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Seizures | A sudden seizure. |
| Stroke Symptoms | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion, difficulty walking, loss of balance, dizziness, severe headache, changes in vision. |
| Trouble passing urine | Difficulty urinating. |
| Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) | Uncontrolled repetitive body movements, muscle tightening or contractions, tremors, loss of balance, restlessness, shuffling gait. |
| Change in sexual desire or function | Decreased sexual interest or other changes. |
| Constipation | Dry stomach. |
| Drowsiness | Feeling sleepy often. |
| Dry mouth | Feeling of dryness in the mouth. |
| Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site | Slight discomfort where the vaccine was given. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor about it.
Can I keep this medicine at home?
No. This haloperidol injection is given to you in a hospital or clinic. Therefore, it is not a medicine to keep at home. It is administered by medical professionals.
Take-Home Message
- – Haloperidol is a medication given as an injection to treat mental illnesses such as schizophrenia .
- – Before taking this medicine, it is imperative that you tell your doctor about all your health conditions and other medications you are taking.
- – Be careful while taking the medicine as it may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid drinking alcohol.
- – Protect yourself from the sun as it may increase sensitivity to sunlight.
- – Seek immediate medical attention if a serious side effect occurs (e.g. high fever, muscle stiffness, changes in heart rate, signs of a stroke).
- – This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others.
- – If you have any questions about this medicine, don't hesitate to ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
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