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Haloperidol (Haldol, Haldol Decanoate, Halperon)

( In Canada ( Apo-Haloperidol,Haldol LA, Novo-Peridol, Peridol, PMS-Haloperidol )

Haloperidol ( Haldol, Haldol Decanoate, Halperon ) is an antipsychotic. drug of high-potency, strong tranquilizer. Haloperidol ( Haldol, Haldol Decanoate, Halperon ) is used in the treatment of acute psychosis, acute schizophrenia, manic phases, to control aggression, to control agitation, disorganized and psychotic thinking. It may also be used to help treat false perceptions. (e.g. hallucinations or delusions) or in the treatment of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. To treat psychosis associated with dementia, depressions, or mania.

This drug however is more likely to cause movement side effects like Tardive Dyskinesia, then most other antipsychotic drugs.

Generally accepted uses not FDA approved include, adjuvant for in chronic pain, control vomiting from chemotherapy, ease refractory sneezing, control refractory hiccups, lessen delirium from LSD flashbacks, lessen delirium from phencyclidine intoxication, or may be helpful in autistic persons.

CLASS: Butyrophenone.
Generic name: Haloperidol, Haloperidol Lactate, and Haloperidol Decanoate.
Type: Antipsychotic.

Strengths:

Tables:
0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg, 5mg, 10mg, 20mg.

Concentrate:
2mg per ml

Injection:
5mg, 50mg per ml, 100mg per ml.

Decanoate is long-acting.

Dosages:Actual dosage must be determined by a physician.

Oral:

Start: 0.5mg to 2mg 2 or 3 times daily.
Increases: 0.5mg in 3 or 4 day intervals, as needed.
Maintenance: Low as possible in 24 hours.
Maximum: 100 mg in 24 hours.

Normal dosage:

If under 18 years of age, Only if under the care of a child psychiatrist!
18 to 60 years of age, 0.5mg to 30mg daily.
Over 60 years of age, Lower dosage increased cautiously.

Problems with:

Liver Function: Lower dosage, as needed.
Kidney Function: High dosage with caution and only as needed.

Test:

Before taking: None.
While taking: Haloperidol levels regularly.

Take With: Empty stomach and a full glass of water.

Full Benefits In: In several weeks.

Missed Dose(s): If within one hour take, if over an hour skip and then continue on your normal schedule.
Never Take a Double Dose!

If Stop Taking: Do not stop without consulting your physician and never abruptly. Withdraws may include muscle spasms.

Overdose symptoms include: Coma, Convulsions, profound drowsiness, tremor, or weakness.

Warnings

Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium should not be taken one hour before taking this drug and never right after.

Only take this drug and Heterocyclic antidepressants with careful monitoring. Check with your physician if you are taking central nervous system depressants like antihistamines, hay fever medicines, sedatives, narcotics, anesthetics, barbiturates, or muscle relaxants. Check with your physician if you are taking a vasodilator (drug that dilate blood vessels.)

Do not smoke and take this drug.

The habit-forming potential is none, but long term use may lead to tardive dyskinesia.

Long term use may lead to neuroleptic malignant syndrome. ( NMS )

Do not take this drug if you are pregnant ( Only take if the mother's or baby's live is endangered. )

Do not take this drug if planning to become pregnant. Do not take if you are breast-feeding.

Children may take this drug but only under the watchful eye of a physician. Only use drug in small doses at first if over sixty and with close monitoring. If over sixty be careful when standing up because blood pressure may be lowered enough to impair balance.

Do not use if: You had negative reactions to this drug in the pass. If you have Parkinson's disease. If you are taking lithium.

Inform your Doctor if:

• you had negative reactions to this drug or any other drug in the past;
• if you have epilepsy, asthma, or cardiovascular disease;
• if you have chest pains, history of breast cancer, or glaucoma;
• if you have liver disease;
• if you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription drug;
• if you will have anesthesia or any surgery in the next few months;
• if you will be undergoing any medical tests;
• if you are on a special diet ( low-salt / low-sugar or any other.)

Haloperidol (Haldol) Side Effects

Common: Akathisia, akinesia, lethargy / sleepiness, low blood pressure, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, weight gain, difficulty urinating, or stiffness ( Acute dystonia ).

Rare: Dizziness, racing heartbeat / palpitations, weakness, sexual problems, restlessness, skin rash, seizures, low white blood cell count, tremors, or involuntary facial / tongue movements.

See physician always: Akathisia, akinesia, dizziness, low blood pressure, racing heartbeat / palpitations, weakness, sexual problems, restlessness, skin rash, stiffness ( Acute dystonia ), seizures, low white blood cell count, tremors, reduced urinary output, difficulty urinating, or involuntary facial / tongue movements.

See physician if severe:Lethargy / sleepiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, or weight gain.

See physician NOW:Reduced urinary output.

Stop taking and see physician NOW: Seizures.

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