Haldol (Haloperidol): Uses, Side Effects, Warnings, & More

What Is Haldol (Haloperidol)?

Haldol, also known by its generic name haloperidol, is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic medication, FDA-approved in the treatment of schizophrenia.^1,2,3 FDA-approved indications mean that the studies have been reviewed by regulatory bodies where they determined that the data proves the medication is both safe and effective for that indication.

If generic haloperidol is prescribed, there may be other indications other than schizophrenia. This article will focus on Haldol injections.

It’s believed that Haldol works by balancing the chemicals in your brain. Specifically, Haldol blocks the activity of dopamine, a chemical that is involved with your mood and movements. Less dopamine in patients with schizophrenia helps to lessen symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.

Is Haldol a Strong Sedative?

Haldol may be used as a strong sedative, especially in combination with other medications.This is not an FDA-approved indication and would be used off-label, meaning it would be prescribed based on a healthcare professional’s judgment. Common side effects of haloperidol tablets are sedation or drowsiness, and these effects have been used in the treatment of certain patients in healthcare settings. This side effect has been reported commonly with haloperidol tablets but less commonly with Haldol.

Does Haldol Make You Feel Calm?

Haldol can make you feel calm. It is a medication that can be used in treating people with psychosis and can help with calming a patient or helping them sleep. This is done to help calm situations of aggression or agitation in patients with psychosis.^4,5 In these scenarios, Haldol is typically given as an immediate-release injection as generic haloperidol. This is not an FDA-approved indication and would be used off-label, meaning it would be prescribed based on a healthcare professional’s judgment.

How Does Haldol Work?

Haldol works by balancing the levels of dopamine, a chemical that plays a part in your mood, behaviors, and thoughts, in your brain. It decreases the abnormal excitement in the brain caused by the excess dopamine. This helps to improve the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions. These effects may also improve symptoms associated with bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, such as acute mania with bipolar disorder or depression with psychotic features.^5,6 Haldol is only FDA-approved for the treatment of schizophrenia in certain cases.

What Is Haldol Used to Treat?

Haldol is approved to treat patients with schizophrenia who need long-term treatment.FDA-approved indications mean that the studies have been reviewed by regulatory bodies where they determined that the data proves the medication is both safe and effective for that indication.

Conversely, medications can also be used off-label, meaning that a medication may be used for a purpose that is not officially approved by the FDA. An authorized healthcare provider may choose to prescribe it, using their professional judgment, when they think the benefits outweigh the risks for the patient. Off-label uses for Haldol may include agitation associated with psychiatric disorder, acute mania in bipolar disorder, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and management of hiccups that are hard to control.⁵ Generic haloperidol may also be FDA-approved for other indications, such as Tourette syndrome and behavioral disorders in children, depending on the form of haloperidol that is used.

Common Side Effects of Haldol

As with all medications, there is a potential for side effects with Haldol. There is a risk for certain side effects, such as Parkinsonism, at any dose, but the risk increases with higher doses. Some common side effects are general, like constipation or dry mouth, but others may affect your movement. If you experience changes to your movement or vision, then immediately contact your doctor for advice.

Common side effects of Haldol include:*^1,2

• Uncontrollable eye movements
• Unusual, slowed, or uncontrollable movements of any part of the body
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Sedation or drowsiness

*All medications, including Haldol, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Serious Side Effects of Haldol

Haldol works on the central nervous system and influences the levels of dopamine. This may result in side effects pertaining to how the body moves and regulates itself, such as its temperature. All of the side effects listed below are serious but require immediate medical intervention as they might be life-threatening.

Serious side effects of Haldol include:*^1,2

• Blurry vision
• Confusion
• Extreme muscle stiffness
• Involuntary movements that may be permanent
• Irregular heartbeat
• Falls
• Fever, altered mental status, and muscle rigidity that may lead to death

*All medications, including Haldol, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Haldol Warnings & Precautions

If you are prescribed Haldol, being aware of the precautions associated with it can help to ensure the medication is being used properly. Some who take Haldol may be sensitive to the medication or its ingredients and may develop an allergic reaction. Those in certain populations may need to be cautious, such as the elderly and those with medical conditions, as it may put them at risk of falls, pneumonia, or arrhythmias. These warnings and precautions associated with Haldol require medical attention should they occur. If you have concerns about taking Haldol, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of taking this medication.

Avoid taking Haldol if you:^1,2,3

• Are diagnosed with heart abnormalities: There have been reports of heart rhythm changes and even sudden death reported in patients receiving Haldol. Caution is advised in treating patients with other heart rhythm conditions, hypothyroidism, heart abnormalities, and electrolyte imbalance (especially magnesium and potassium).
• Have allergic reactions: As with all medications, some people may be hypersensitive or allergic to Haldol. Some symptoms of an allergic reaction are swelling of the face or tongue, difficulty breathing, and hives.
• Are older with dementia-related psychosis: Those aged 65 years and older with dementia and psychosis have a higher risk of death.
• Are older, smoke, or have breathing problems: Patients with these characteristics are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia. They may also be at higher risk of falls, especially if they have a history of low blood pressure or take medications that have this effect.
• Have Parkinson’s disease: Taking Haldol with Parkinson’s disease can lead to increased sensitivity and serious side effects.
• Take antipsychotic medications: Antipsychotic medications can cause a rare, but life-threatening condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which requires immediate medical care. Symptoms include confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, stiff muscles, fever, sweating, and not being aware of your surroundings.
• Are pregnant: Haldol can cause side effects, like movement issues, and withdrawal in infants when they are exposed to this medication during the third trimester of pregnancy.
• Have low white blood cell counts: Haldol may cause your white blood cell numbers to drop. Your white blood cell count may be monitored by your doctor to make sure it does not get too low.

Haldol Dosages for FDA-Approved Treatment

Haldol doses may vary between individuals, depending on factors unique to each person.. For the treatment of schizophrenia in adults, Haldol is given as an injection into a muscle by a healthcare professional.The dose will be determined by the healthcare professional based on a number of factors.

Haldol Forms & Strengths

Haldol is only available as an injectable dosage form. The injection will be given by a healthcare professional.

Haldol is available in the following forms and strengths:^1,2,3

• 50 milligram (mg) per milliliter (ml) (mg/ml) extended-release injection
• 100 mg/ml extended-release injection

How Should I Take Haldol?

Haldol is not self-administered. A healthcare professional will administer injections of Haldol.

Can You Overdose on Haldol?

There is a possibility of overdose on haloperidol. But since Haldol is an injection given by a healthcare professional, it is unlikely that someone would overdose.

What Should You Do If You Take Too Much Haloperidol?

If you accidentally take more haloperidol than intended, you should contact poison control by phone number 800-222-1222 or through their website. This is a free 24/7 service where a medical professional can help you figure out what you need to do and if you need to seek further medical intervention. If you show symptoms of an overdose, then you may need to call 911 for emergency care.^1,2

What to Avoid When Taking Haldol

Haldol can interact with medications that you may take for the same or other conditions. It can interact with prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter or herbal supplements. Interactions may cause Haldol or the other medication to work differently than intended, which may cause a harmful effect. To help reduce the risk of an interaction, provide an updated medical list to your doctor and pharmacist, ensuring that you include any herbal or over-the-counter medications that you may take.

7 substances you should avoid while taking Haldol include:^1,2,3,5

• Alcohol: Alcohol may cause potential low blood pressure and adverse effects related to the central nervous system (CNS).
• Lithium: There have been reported cases of encephalopathy (conditions that affect brain structures or functioning) that stem from lithium toxicity.
• Tricyclic antidepressants: Haldol may increase the concentration of these antidepressants when used together, potentially resulting in side effects.
• St John’s wort, Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Rifampin: When administered with Haldol, these drugs may be less effective. Therapies should be monitored if you have to take these together.
• SSRIs and SNRIs: Some medications within these classes may interact with Haldol, resulting in an increased amount of Haldol in your body, increasing the risk of side effects. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you are on these medications.
• Parkinson’s medications: Combining these drugs with Haldol may make Parkinson’s medications less effective. Examples of these drugs include levodopa, pramipexole, and ropinirole.
• Heart rate drugs: These medications with Haldol may have a negative effect on your heart, such as causing an irregular heart condition called torsades de pointes, a potentially fatal heart rhythm. Examples of these medications include dofetilide, quinidine, and dronedarone.

This is not a comprehensive list of the possible interactions with Haldol. You should talk with your healthcare provider and your pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbs, and supplements you take before starting Haldol.

How to Get a Prescription for Haldol

Haldol is a prescription-only medication and may only be provided by an authorized prescriber. A medical provider will determine if Haldol is appropriate for you by running tests, looking at your past medical history, and what medications you have been on prior and currently to manage your symptoms. Your healthcare provider can help you find the best treatment for your condition, balancing your healthcare decisions with your lifestyle and needs.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Haldol

If you are considering taking Haldol, talk with your doctor or psychiatrist to determine if this medication is right for you. It is important to have an open, honest conversation in which you should ask what dosage is right for you, what side effects you should expect, and how this medication could affect you. If an in-person doctor’s appointment is a barrier to receiving healthcare, consider using online psychiatry services.

Questions to ask your care team about Haldol include:

• How safe is Haldol?
• How long will it take for me to adjust to taking Haldol?
• Am I at risk for more serious symptoms if I am already taking other medications?
• What is the best dosage to ensure fewer side effects?
• Are there other medications similar to Haldol that may work for me?
• Does my dosage need to change while I’m on Haldol?
• Is there anything I should tell my therapist about Haldol?
• How do I know Haldol is working for me as intended?