The medication Haldol belongs to a class of drugs known as antipsychotics. It is used for the management of chronic manifestations of schizophrenia. The medication Haldol affects the chemicals in the brain that allow communication between the nerve cells (neurotransmitters). These chemicals are called dopamine and serotonin. Haldol seems to readjust the balance of dopamine and serotonin in brain. Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will decide the best dose for you. Dose is individualized based on the severity of your symptoms, your age, weight, health, other diseases you may have, and previous response to drugs similar to haloperidol. The usual initial dose is 1-2 mg twice or three times a day. The injection of Haldol should be administered by deep intramuscular injection, preferably in the gluteus maximus, as prescribed.
Manufacturer Information
The brand Haldol comes from United Kingdom and is manufactured by Janssen Cilag. The generic equivalent of Haldol is Haloperidol; it comes from Canada and United Kingdom manufactured by different manufacturers. The generic equivalent of Haldol is available as tablets in dosage forms of 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. It is also available as intramuscular injection in strengths of 5 mg/ml/1 ml vial and 100 mg/ml/5 ml vial.
Stop taking Haldol and call your doctor at once if you have one of these serious side effects:
• Allergic reactions
• Blood clots
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Increased blood sugar
• Jaundice
• Long lasting and painful erection
• Low blood pressure
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (high fever, sweating, unstable blood pressure, reduced consciousness, muscle stiffness and reduced automatic bodily functions)
• Respiratory tract infection
• Seizures
• Vision changes
Less serious side effects include sweating, urinary incontinence, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nasal congestion, nausea and vomiting, headache, menstrual changes, change in libido, swelling of the breasts and milk production in both men and women, weight changes and blurred vision. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.
Haldol may increase the effects of alcohol. Hence, you should avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while treatment with Haldol. This medication may lead to impairment of mental or physical abilities required for driving, or operating machinery, especially during the first few days of therapy. You should be cautious while performing these tasks when undergoing treatment with Haldol. Do not take Haldol if you are allergic to haloperidol or any other ingredients in this medication or to phenothiazines, have a tumor of the adrenal gland, severe heart or blood vessel disorder, kidney or liver problems, blood disorder like anemia or low white blood cell count, have had brain damage, experience dizziness, slow breathing, are in a coma state. Haldol may interact with barbiturates (such as phenobarbital) used to treat seizures, painkillers, narcotics or antihistamines that cause drowsiness, muscle relaxants, anti-anxiety and anti-depressant medications, high blood pressure medications, cough and cold products.
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