Haldol and Equivalent

Haldol Information:

Haldol (Haloperidol) is a typical antipsychotic medication used for the treatment of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, motor control and tics caused by Tourette’s syndrome, mania from bipolar disorder, and acute cases of psychosis. Haldol works on a number of receptors in the brain, but the antipsychotic affect primarily comes from its blocking of the dopamine receptors, specially D2, within the mesolimbic and mesocortical systems of the brain. Many psychotic symptoms are thought to come from an excess of dopamine, so by blocking the receptors, Haldol reduces the amount and the effect of dopamine, which in turn reduces the severity of the symptoms. Haldol is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Before using Haldol, tell your doctor if you have Parkinson’s disease or other conditions that affect your central nervous system, such as severe drowsiness or slowed thinking due to other substances. As well, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, a thyroid disorder, epilepsy or another seizure disorder, an electrolyte imbalance, a personal or family history with long QT syndrome, or if you are taking blood thinners.

Common side effects of Haldol include headache, dizziness, spinning sensations, or drowsiness, tremors, restless feelings, or uncontrolled muscle movements, muscle stiffness, insomnia, anxious feelings, overactive reflexes, or hormonal changes. Contact you doctor immediately if you experience sudden mood changes, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behaviours, uncontrollable muscle movements, stiffness in your neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, sudden weakness or illness, severe chest pain, headache with chest pain and severe dizziness, or seizures. If you experience any serious side effects or signs of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention.

Haldol Availability