Haloperidol

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Haloperidol.

Body temperature: Haloperidol, like other antipsychotic medications, can disrupt the body's ability to control body temperature. People who exercise vigorously, who are exposed to extreme heat, are dehydrated, or are taking anticholinergic medications (e.g., Benztropine, Oxybutynin) are more at risk. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you feel very hot and are unable to cool down.

Blood Clots: Haloperidol has been associated with blood clots in the legs and lungs. If you experience unusual pain, heat, or swelling in one leg or sudden difficulty breathing and chest pain, get immediate medical help.

Blood counts: Haloperidol can decrease the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection), red blood cells (which carry oxygen), and platelets (which help your blood to clot). Your doctor will do blood tests to monitor this. If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, or sore throat) or unusual bleeding or bruising, contact your doctor immediately.

Blood sugar: Haloperidol may cause an increase in blood sugar levels (may cause a loss of blood glucose control) and glucose tolerance may change. This may happen to people who have never had high blood glucose levels. People with Diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Haloperidol.

If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Haloperidol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Haloperidol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Cardiovascular effects: Cases of sudden death or altered heartbeats (torsade de pointes) have been reported by people receiving haloperidol, especially at higher than recommended doses of any formulation. If you have a heart condition called QT prolongation and electrolyte imbalances (especially potassium and magnesium) or are taking other medications that are associated with QT prolongation you should discuss with your doctor how Haloperidol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Haloperidol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Dizziness when standing up: Haloperidol can cause dizziness, especially when standing from a sitting or lying position. If you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or are a senior, discuss with your doctor how Haloperidol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Haloperidol, and whether any special monitoring is needed, since you may be more likely to experience this side effect.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Haloperidol may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery, particularly when you first start taking the medication or increase your dose. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Haloperidol affects you.

Hyperthyroidism: If you have uncontrolled high Thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism), discuss with your doctor how Haloperidol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Haloperidol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney function: If you have decreased kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Haloperidol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Haloperidol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: If you have decreased liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Haloperidol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Haloperidol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Movement disorders: The use of haloperidol has been associated with a potentially irreversible movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia (TD). This syndrome involves the involuntary movements of facial muscles and the tongue. The risk of a person developing this syndrome is usually but not always linked to treatment duration and the total amount of antipsychotic medications taken.

If you develop signs and symptoms of TD during treatment with haloperidol, including sticking the tongue out, smacking the lips, pursing or puckering of lips, and blinking eyes rapidly, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Haloperidol, like other antipsychotic medications, can cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you notice the symptoms of NMS such as high fever; muscle stiffness; confusion or loss of consciousness; sweating; racing, or irregular heartbeat; or fainting; get immediate medical attention.

Prolonged erection (priapism): If an erection lasts longer than 4 hours (a rare occurrence), seek immediate medical assistance. If this condition is not treated quickly, tissue damage and permanent loss of the ability to have an erection could result.

Seizure disorders: Haloperidol may increase the frequency of seizures. If you have a seizure disorder or a history of drug- or medication-induced seizures, abnormal EEG, or head trauma, discuss with your doctor how Haloperidol may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Haloperidol, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Stopping the medication: If Haloperidol needs to be stopped, it should be done gradually, under the supervision of your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking Haloperidol, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal.

Take the medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and do not stop taking the medication without checking with your doctor first.

Pregnancy: Haloperidol should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Haloperidol, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Haloperidol passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking haloperidol, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Haloperidol have not been established for young children.

Seniors: Seniors taking Haloperidol may be more likely to develop side effects from haloperidol, especially fatigue and a decreased ability to sense thirst. Seniors taking haloperidol should ensure that they drink enough fluids to remain hydrated.

There may be a higher risk of strokes, mental decline and deaths associated with the use of haloperidol by elderly people with Dementia. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Haloperidol.