• What is Haloperidol?

    Haloperidol is an antipsychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia. It is also used to control tics and vocal utterances of Tourette's disorder in adults and children. Additionally, it is used to treat children with severe aggressive behavior or hyperactive children with aggression when other treatments are ineffective.
  • What is the most important information I should know about Haloperidol?

    Haloperidol has caused death in elderly people taking it for psychological problems.

    Patients with a condition known as severe toxic central nervous system depression or those who have Parkinson's disease should not take haloperidol. Since haloperidol may cause heart-related side effects, your doctor will monitor heart function while on this medication.

    If you experience muscle stiffness, high body temperature, or irregular heartbeat, contact your doctor immediately as these may be signs of a serious side effect.

    Caution should be used in patients with heart problems, receiving antiseizure medications, or receiving blood thinners, since haloperidol has the potential to interfere with the effect of these drugs.

    Patients receiving haloperidol and lithium should be monitored closely, since the combined use of these medications may affect the brain.

  • Who should not take Haloperidol?

    You should not take haloperidol if you have psychological problems, as determined by your doctor.

    Patients with Parkinson's disease or a condition known as severe toxic central nervous system depression should not take haloperidol.

    Haloperidol should not be given to anyone in a comatose state.

  • What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Haloperidol?

    Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with haloperidol. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have heart problems, are receiving antiseizure medications, blood thinners, or any other agent that affects the brain.
  • What is the usual dosage?


    Adults: Usual dosages for adults with moderate symptoms are from 0.5 milligrams (mg) to 2 mg twice daily or three times daily. For severe symptoms, the usual dosage is 3-5 mg twice or three times daily.

    Children 3-12 years: Haloperidol is given according to the child's weight and may start at 0.5 mg daily. Depending on the response, the dosage may be increased by the doctor. Doses may be given twice or three times daily.

  • How should I take Haloperidol?

    Take this medication exactly as directed by your physician.
  • What should I avoid while taking Haloperidol?

    Avoid alcohol use, as well as other agents that affect the brain, since they may cause more sedative effects.

    Haloperidol may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of hazardous tasks such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle. Use caution when performing such tasks.

  • What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Haloperidol?

    If haloperidol is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining haloperidol with the following: alcohol, antiseizure drugs, blood thinners, and heart medications.
  • What are the possible side effects of Haloperidol?


    Side effects may include: fast heartbeat, Parkinson's-like symptoms, neck spasms/involuntary muscle spasms, insomnia, restlessness, agitation, headache, confusion

  • Can I receive Haloperidol if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

    The effects of haloperidol during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
  • What should I do if I miss a dose of Haloperidol?

    Skip the dose and continue with your normal dosing schedule.
  • How should I store Haloperidol?

    Store at room temperature.