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Home > Drug Category > Psychiatric Medication > Haldol and Equivalent

Haldol (Haloperidol) Information

Haldol, which contains the active ingredient haloperidol, is a typical (first-generation) antipsychotic used to manage schizophrenia, acute psychosis, severe agitation, and Tourette’s disorder. It is effective in controlling hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and severe agitation while helping improve focus and daily functioning. Haldol is available as oral tablets for routine treatment and as intramuscular or intravenous injection for rapid control of acute symptoms. The injection form is typically used in hospital or supervised settings when oral administration is not feasible or when rapid symptom relief is required.

Haloperidol works primarily by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, which reduces the overactivity of dopamine associated with psychotic symptoms. This mechanism helps alleviate hallucinations, delusions, and severe agitation. However, because haloperidol strongly blocks dopamine, it carries a higher risk of movement-related side effects, such as stiffness, tremors, and involuntary movements. It also affects other neurotransmitter systems to a lesser extent, contributing to sedation and potential cardiovascular effects, such as low blood pressure.

Haldol Side Effects

Haldol is generally well-tolerated, but some common side effects may occur. Commonly reported effects include drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and mild weight gain. Some people may also experience tremors, muscle stiffness, or slowed movements due to the medication’s dopamine-blocking effects. When given as an injection, pain, swelling, or irritation at the injection site may also occur.

More serious side effects can occur, leading to significant monitoring protocols. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention:
• Excessive sedation, particularly after injection
• Heart rhythm changes: palpitations, fainting, or chest discomfort • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): high fever, muscle rigidity, confusion, sweating, rapid heartbeat
• Seizures
• Severe allergic reactions: swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, rash
• Severe low blood pressure: dizziness, fainting, or collapse
• Sudden mood or behavior changes, including increased agitation, depression, or suicidal thoughts
• Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, lips, tongue, or limbs
Because haloperidol injections act quickly, sedation and hypotension may be more pronounced immediately after administration.

Haldol Precautions

Do not use haldol if you are allergic to haloperidol or any component of the formulation. Before starting treatment, inform your doctor about your complete medical history. Special caution is required for individuals with heart disease, low blood pressure, seizures, liver or kidney problems, Parkinson’s disease, glaucoma, or a history of movement disorders. If you are receiving the injection, your doctor will closely monitor you for blood pressure, heart rhythm, and sedation. Tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Haldol can interact with other antipsychotics, antidepressants, sedatives, antihypertensives, and medications affecting heart rhythm, increasing the risk of side effects such as excessive sedation, movement disorders, or abnormal heart rhythms. Avoid alcohol because it can increase drowsiness and impair judgment. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Antipsychotics used during the last trimester may affect the newborn, causing breathing difficulties, feeding problems, or muscle stiffness. Haloperidol passes into breast milk. Your doctor will prescribe this medicine only if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Use this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Haldol is available as tablets and injections. Take haldol tablets exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually one to several times daily depending on the condition being treated. Swallow tablets whole with water. Do not abruptly stop taking haldol without medical guidance, as sudden discontinuation may lead to recurrence of symptoms or withdrawal effects. Haldol injection is administered intramuscularly or intravenously by a doctor, typically for rapid control of acute agitation or severe psychotic symptoms. If you are receiving injections, your doctor will monitor for sedation, blood pressure changes, and movement reactions immediately following administration. Store haldol tablets at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light, and keep them out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Haldol?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Haldol.