Has your doctor prescribed you a haloperidol injection? It's normal to feel a little scared and curious when that happens. "What kind of medicine is this? Why am I being given this? What will happen?" You probably have a lot of questions in your mind. Don't think about it. Today, we'll answer all your questions about this haloperidol long-term injection, very simply and in a way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is Haloperidol?
Haloperidol is a medication used to treat certain mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia. Think about it, our brains have chemicals that help control our emotions, behavior, and thoughts. Dopamine is one such chemical. Sometimes, when these dopamine levels become unbalanced, it can affect our mental health.
So what this haloperidol injection does is balance the dopamine levels in the brain . This medicine belongs to a class of drugs called antipsychotics. This type of medicine is used to treat various mental illnesses. The doctor has given you a long-acting injection. This means that after one injection, it will be active in the body for several weeks. One of the well-known brands of this is Haldol Decanoate.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
For your safety, it is extremely important that you clearly tell your doctor about the following information before starting this treatment. If any of these apply to you, please tell your doctor.
| The situation that concerns you | Should I inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| A forgetful disease like dementia | Yes, definitely say it. |
| Diabetes | Yes, definitely say it. |
| Difficulty swallowing food and drink | Yes, tell me. |
| Difficulty controlling muscles or Parkinson's disease | Yes, definitely say it. |
| A history of heart disease or heart rhythm irregularities | Yes, definitely say it. |
| Liver disease | Yes, tell me. |
| If you drink alcohol frequently | Yes, definitely say it. |
| A decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets in the blood | Yes, tell me. |
| If you have low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood | Yes, tell me. |
| Lung or breathing diseases (e.g. asthma) | Yes, tell me. |
| A disease that causes seizures | Yes, definitely say it. |
| Thyroid disease | Yes, tell me. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Yes, definitely say it. |
| If the baby is breastfed | Yes, definitely say it. |
| If you have an allergy to haloperidol or any other medicine or food. | Yes, definitely say it. |
How is this vaccine used?
This is not a medicine you can take home. This is an injection into a muscle . This means it is given to you in a hospital or clinic by a doctor or trained nurse.
Important: This is a medicine prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
What if the medication dose increases?
This is given in a clinic so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you suspect that you have overdosed on the medicine, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss the day to get vaccinated?
It is very important to get this vaccine on the scheduled date and time. If for some reason you are unable to attend the clinic on the scheduled date, please inform your doctor or clinic in advance .
What other medications may interact with this medicine?
You should tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and even supplements, because some medications can interact with haloperidol.
| Do not take haloperidol with this medicine! | |
|---|---|
| Cisapride | Dronedarone |
| Metoclopramide | Pimozide |
| Thioridazine | |
| These things can also cause problems - ask your doctor | |
| |
This list is not complete, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Dizziness and drowsiness: You may feel dizzy and drowsy. Your vision may also be slightly blurred. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Don't stand up suddenly: Don't stand up from a sitting position or get up from bed suddenly. Especially if you are elderly, get up slowly. This will reduce the chance of dizziness and falling.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can make dizziness and drowsiness worse. So avoid alcohol completely .
- Dry mouth: Your mouth may be dry. You can manage this by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and drinking plenty of water.
- Body temperature: This medicine may affect your body's temperature control. Your tolerance to extreme cold and extreme heat may decrease. Therefore, wear warm clothes on very cold days. Limit exposure to the sun and excessive exercise on very hot days. Drink plenty of water.
- Sunlight: This medicine may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. So be careful in the sun. If you are going to be in the sun, wear clothes that cover your skin and use sunscreen.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, haloperidol can cause side effects. Some of them are serious, while others are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately! | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) | Sudden onset of high fever, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, and confusion. This is an emergency. |
| Stroke | Sudden numbness/weakness on one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking. |
| Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) | Symptoms include uncontrollable repetitive movements of body parts, muscle stiffness, tremors, restlessness, and dragging of the feet when walking. |
| Other serious symptoms | Seizures, difficulty urinating, signs of infection (fever, body aches, sore throat). |
| These side effects are usually not serious (but tell your doctor if they persist). | |
| |
Take-Home Message
- Haloperidol is a long-acting injection prescribed by a doctor and given in a clinic.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your other illnesses and all medications you are taking.
- Never miss your scheduled vaccination date. If you have any concerns, please let the clinic know in advance.
- Avoid activities that require alertness until your body gets used to the medication, as drowsiness and dizziness may occur.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as high fever, muscle stiffness, or uncontrollable movements, notify your doctor immediately.
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