Haloperidol

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Serenace

Drug group:

Butyrophenone antipsychotic drug

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Haloperidol is an antipsychotic drug used in the treatment of various conditions:

• Schizophrenia and other psychoses - helps to reduce agitation and violent behaviour, no longer recommended for first-line treatment
• Mania and severe anxiety - short term treatment
• Used in the control of Tourette’s syndrome and to treat intractable hiccups

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Usually taken in 2–4 divided doses
• Mental illness: initially 3–10mg daily, up to a maximum of 30mg daily
• Severe anxiety: 1mg daily

How quickly will it start to work?

2–3 hours by mouth; 20–30 minutes by injection 
           

How long will the effects last?

6–24 hours by mouth; 2–4 hours by injection; 4 weeks by depot  

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor 
                                

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Use of this drug for more than a few months may lead to tardive dyskinesia (abnormal, involuntary movements of the eyes, face, and tongue).

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: minor anticholinergic symptoms (dry mouth, blurred vision), drowsiness, lethargy, sexual dysfunction, breathlessness
• Less common: parkinsonism (abnormal movements of the face and limb stiffness - may be controlled by adjusting the dose), jaundice
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: high fever, confusion

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney/heart/circulation problems, epilepsy/seizures, Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders
• Other medicines: sedatives, rifampicin, anticonvulsants, lithium, methyldopa, anticholinergic drugs
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: occasionally used under psychiatric supervision
• Children: Rarely required, reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: Reduced dose may be necessary
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the drug may cause drowsiness and slowed reactions
• Alcohol: Avoid, alcohol may increase the sedative effect of this drug