Haldol (Haloperidol Injection) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Schizophrenia facts

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, debilitating mental illness that affects about 1% of the population, more than 2 million people in the United States alone.
With the sudden onset of severe psychotic symptoms, the individual is said to be experiencing acute schizophrenia. Psychotic means out of touch with reality or unable to separate real from unreal experiences.
There is no known single cause of schizophrenia. As discussed later, it appears that genetic factors produce a vulnerability to schizophrenia, with environmental factors contributing to different degrees in different individuals.
There are a number of various treatments for schizophrenia. Given the complexity of schizophrenia, the major questions about this disorder (its cause or causes, prevention, and treatment) are unlikely to be resolved in the near future. The public should beware of those offering "t...

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Haldol Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking haloperidol (Haldol)?

Haloperidol is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Haloperidol may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to haloperidol, or have certain conditions. Be sure your doctor knows if you have Parkinson's disease.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

liver disease;
kidney disease;
heart disease, angina (chest pain);
a thyroid disorder;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
a personal or family history of "Long QT syndrome";
an electrolyte imbalance such as low potassium or magnesium levels in your blood.

It is not known whether haloperidol is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Haloperidol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take haloperidol (Haldol)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Taking too much of this medication can cause a serious heart rhythm disorder or sudden death. Never take more than your prescribed dose.

Take haloperidol with a full glass of water.

Haloperidol can be taken with or without food.

It may take several weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Do not stop using haloperidol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.

Store haloperidol at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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