Have you been prescribed Haloperidol? Let's talk about this medication!

Has your doctor prescribed you a medication called Haloperidol? It's normal to feel a little scared and nervous when you hear the name of a medication like this. Because these are medications given to treat mental illnesses, there are various misconceptions in society. But don't worry. Today, we'll talk about this medication in simple terms, what it does, how to use it, and what you need to be careful about.

Simply put, what is Haloperidol?

Haloperidol is a drug that belongs to the antipsychotic class of drugs. Simply put, this drug helps balance the activity of certain chemicals in our brain. Specifically, a chemical called dopamine . This dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control our mood, behavior, and thoughts.

Doctors mainly prescribe this medicine for several conditions:

Schizophrenia: A mental illness characterized by difficulty distinguishing between reality and non-reality, and hallucinations .
• Tourette Disorder: A condition characterized by involuntary movements (tics) of body parts or vocal cords.
• Severe behavioral problems in children: This medication is also used to control severe, aggressive behavior in children when other treatments have not been successful.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication

For your safety and the success of your treatment, you should definitely tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions before starting this medication. Don't hide anything because it's a minor issue.

• If you have an allergy to Haloperidol or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you have a memory impairment condition such as dementia .
• If you have diabetes .
• If you have a history of heart disease or irregular heartbeat.
• If you are a regular drinker .
• If you have a liver disease .
• If you have Parkinson's disease .
• If you have seizures or convulsions.
• If you have a thyroid problem (thyroid disease) .
• If there are reports of low white blood cell, red blood cell, or platelet counts in the blood.
• In the bloodIf tests have found that your potassium or magnesium levels are low.
• If you have a lung or respiratory condition such as asthma .
• If you have difficulty swallowing food .
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a nursing mother .

How exactly do I use this medicine?

This is very simple. But the most important thing is to follow exactly what the doctor says.

• Swallow this pill whole with a glass of water.
• You can take it with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
• Take the dose prescribed by the doctor at the right time. Do not skip doses.
• Most importantly: Even if you feel better, never stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor. If you do, your symptoms may return and become worse. If you do stop, you should gradually reduce the dose as directed by your doctor.

What to do if the dose increases?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, do not panic and immediately go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .

What if I miss a dose of medication?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, it is within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

You should also be careful about other medications you are taking when taking Haloperidol. Some medications can interact with it and cause adverse effects.

Things to keep in mind when taking medication

• Dizziness and drowsiness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Therefore, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing other activities that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand up slowly when you stand up or get up from a sitting position.
• Dry mouth: Dry mouth is common. You can manage this by chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, and drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Body temperature: This medicine may affect the body's ability to regulate temperature. This means that it may reduce your ability to tolerate extreme cold and extreme heat. Therefore, dress appropriately on cold days. Avoid exposure to the sun on hot days, drink plenty of water, and avoid excessive exercise.
• Sun sensitivity: This medication may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. So if you are going to be in the sun, use sunscreen and wear clothing that covers your body.

What side effects might I experience?

Like any medicine, Haloperidol can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them, but it's important to be aware of them.