Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medicine that is used to treat schizophrenia.
Haloperidol is also used to control motor and speech tics in people with Tourette's syndrome.
Haldol Decanoate is sometimes used in people who are unable to take the medicine by mouth.
Haldol Decanoate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not receive Haldol Decanoate if you have certain conditions that affect your central nervous system.
Haldol Decanoate contains sesame oil and should not be given to a person who is allergic to peanuts.
Haloperidol is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.
Before taking this medicine
You should not receive this medicine if you are allergic to haloperidol, or if you have:
- Parkinson's disease;
- dementia with Lewy bodies;
- a peanut allergy (this medicine contains sesame oil); or
- certain conditions that affect your central nervous system (such as severe drowsiness, or slowed thinking caused by taking other medicines or drinking alcohol).
Haloperidol may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart problems, angina (chest pain);
- long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
- low blood pressure;
- a seizure;
- low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
- a thyroid disorder; or
- an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).
Using antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How is Haldol Decanoate given?
You may be given haloperidol tablets or liquid to take by mouth for a short time before you are treated with Haldol Decanoate.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Haloperidol is injected into a muscle, usually given once every 3 to 4 weeks as needed. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Drink plenty of water each day.
If you use Haldol Decanoate long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.
Do not stop using haloperidol suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Haldol Decanoate.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if you have overdose symptoms (extreme drowsiness, severe tremors or muscle stiffness, weak or shallow breathing, fainting). An overdose of haloperidol can be fatal.
What should I avoid while receiving Haldol Decanoate?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Haldol Decanoate will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. You may be more prone to heat stroke while you are using haloperidol.
Haldol Decanoate side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
High doses or long-term use of haloperidol can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use haloperidol, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a diabetic or an older adult.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
- rapid changes in mood or behavior;
- fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
- cough with mucus, chest pain, feeling short of breath;
- lack of energy, decreased thirst;
- muscle spasms in your neck, tightness in your throat, trouble swallowing;
- low white blood cell counts--fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing; or
- severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.
Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults.
Common side effects may include:
- drowsiness;
- neck stiffness;
- tremors; or
- involuntary muscle movements.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Haldol Decanoate?
Haloperidol can cause a serious heart problem.Your risk may be higher if you also use certain other medicines for infections, asthma, heart problems, high blood pressure, depression, mental illness, cancer, malaria, or HIV.
Using haloperidol with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- ketoconazole;
- lithium;
- paroxetine;
- rifampin;
- medicine to treat Parkinson's disease;
- seizure medicine; or
- a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect haloperidol, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.