Haloperidol
Information about Haloperidol
Haloperidol uses
Haloperidol is used in the treatment of schizophrenia.
How haloperidol works
Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic. It works by blocking the action of dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain that affects thoughts and mood.
Common side effects of haloperidol
Sleepiness, Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing), Dryness in mouth, Abnormality of voluntary movements, Weight gain, Increased prolactin level in blood, Urinary retention, Constipation, Muscle rigidity, Tremor
Content Details
Last updated on:
16 Oct 2019 | 01:30 PM (IST)
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Expert advice for Haloperidol
- Haloperidol helps treat schizophrenia.
- It is less likely to cause weight gain as compared to other similar medicines.
- Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Haloperidol may cause dizziness and sleepiness.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine as it can cause increased dizziness.
- Inform your doctor if you experience any abnormal movements or have difficulty controlling movements.
- It may affect how your body regulates your temperature. Avoid getting dehydrated and drink plenty of fluids.
- Your doctor may check your heart function and level of electrolytes such as sodium and magnesium before you start treatment with this medicine and regularly thereafter.
- Do not stop taking Haloperidol without talking to your doctor first as it may cause worsening of symptoms.
Frequently asked questions for Haloperidol
Haloperidol
Q. Is Haloperidol a controlled drug or narcotic or addictive?
No,Haloperidol is not a controlled drug, narcotic or addictive
Q. Is Haloperidol a benzo or a neuroleptic or MAOI?
No,Haloperidol is not a benzo or MAOI or a neuroleptic. It is an antipsychotic. It works by blocking the action of dopamine receptors in brain, which decreases the excessive dopamine activity in the brain
Q. Is Haloperidol used for nausea?
No,Haloperidol is not used for nausea
Q. Is haloperidol like alprazolam (Xanax)?
Haloperidol is an antipsychotic, which is used to treat mental illnesses that affect an individuals' thinking, feeling or behaviour. These illnesses include to treat schizophrenia, psychoses, mania, behavioural problems and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (chronic multiple motor and vocal ticsinvoluntary responses) in adults and children. It is also used for persistent hiccups in adults. Alprazolam (Xanax) belongs to benzodiazepine group of dugs, and is used in the treatment of insomnia and anxiety
Q. Is Haloperidol a sedative/ make you sleepy?
Yes,Haloperidol can cause sedation
Q. Can you take haloperidol with lorazepam?
Haloperidol interacts with lorazepam to cause increased sedation and impaired attention. Please consult your doctor before taking haloperidol with diazepam
Q. Does Haloperidol cause weight gain or does Haloperidol cause tardive dyskinesia?
Yes, in some people Haloperidol may cause weight gain and tardive dyskinesia
Q. Does Haloperidol cause respiratory depression/ hallucination?
Haloperidol may cause dyspnea as well as other bahavioral abnormalities in patients. It is not known to cause respiratory depression/ hallucination.