Haldol (Haloperidol)

Haldol is used for treating schizophrenia. It is also used to control symptoms associated with Tourette disorder. It also may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Haldol is an antipsychotic agent. Exactly how it works is not known, but it may work by blocking certain chemicals in the brain.

Do not use Haldol if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Haldol;
• you are in a coma, have Parkinson disease, or have severe central nervous system depression;
• you are taking dofetilide, an H1 antagonist (e.g., astemizole, terfenadine), or sodium oxybate (GHB).

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have the blood disease porphyria, electrolyte problems (eg, low blood magnesium, low blood potassium), or a history of dementia, Alzheimer disease, seizures, or thyroid problems
• if you have heart problems or irregular heartbeat (eg, QT prolongation), or if a member of your family has a history of these conditions

• Cisapride, dofetilide, H1 antagonists (eg, astemizole, terfenadine), macrolides or ketolides (eg, erythromycin, telithromycin), phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), or pimozide because the risk of serious heart-related side effects may be increased
• Lithium because the risk of unexpected toxic effects, including weakness, severe tiredness, confusion, or unusual muscle movements, may be increased
• Rifampin because it may decrease Haldol 's effectiveness. Carbamazepine because side effects of Haldol may be increased or the effectiveness of Haldol may be decreased
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or sodium oxybate (GHB) because their actions and the risk of their side effects may be increased by Haldol

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• blurred vision; constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach upset; trouble sleeping.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); confusion; decreased urination; difficulty speaking or swallowing; drooling; excessive or unusual sweating; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; mental or mood changes (e.g., abnormal thinking, agitation, anxiety, depression); prolonged, painful erection; rigid or stiff muscles; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness, headache, or vomiting; shuffling walk; uncontrolled muscle movements (e.g., of the arms, legs, tongue, jaw, cheeks; twitching; tremors); vision problems or changes; yellowing of skin or eyes.

Haldol is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.