Haloperidol

1 medicine

Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, acute agitation and tic disorders. It carries a higher risk of movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia and can prolong the heart's QT interval, raising the risk of a dangerous irregular heartbeat.

Haldol

Haloperidol

10mg

Haldol is a mental medication containing Haloperidol, available as 10mg tablets.

from $0.85 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Haloperidol is a typical (first-generation) antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, acute severe agitation, and tic disorders such as Tourette syndrome.
  • It is taken as tablets or a liquid, usually once or twice daily; an injectable form treats acute agitation, and a long-acting monthly injection is available for ongoing treatment.
  • Haloperidol carries a higher risk of movement disorders than newer antipsychotics: stiffness, tremor, restlessness, and, with long-term use, tardive dyskinesia, involuntary and often irreversible movements of the face and tongue. It can also prolong the heart's QT interval, raising the risk of a dangerous irregular heartbeat.
  • Seek urgent care for high fever with muscle stiffness and confusion, sudden uncontrollable movements, or a fast, irregular heartbeat.

What haloperidol treats

Haloperidol treats schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, reducing hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. It is used for acute severe agitation, including in emergency settings, and for tic disorders such as Tourette syndrome. It is not intended for occasional use for anxiety or sleep.

How haloperidol works

Haloperidol blocks dopamine receptors strongly and fairly indiscriminately across the brain. This reduces psychotic symptoms, but because it also blocks dopamine in the pathway that controls movement, it carries a higher risk of movement side effects than newer, more selective antipsychotics.

Before you take it

  • Tell your prescriber about heart rhythm problems, a personal or family history of QT prolongation, low potassium or magnesium, seizures, or Parkinson's disease.
  • Tell your prescriber about every other medicine you take. Some antibiotics, antidepressants, and other heart-rhythm or antipsychotic drugs add to the QT-prolonging effect.
  • Long-term use carries a real risk of tardive dyskinesia, involuntary movements of the face and tongue that can persist after the medicine is stopped. Report any new twitching or grimacing promptly.
  • It is not approved for older adults with dementia-related psychosis, where it raises the risk of stroke and death.

Side effects

Common effects: drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and restlessness (akathisia), an inner urge to keep moving.

Stop and seek urgent medical care for any of these:

  • High fever, muscle rigidity, and confusion, possible neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
  • Uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue, or body.
  • Fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat, or fainting.
  • Severe muscle spasms of the neck, eyes, or back (acute dystonia).

Safety essentials

  • Haloperidol can prolong the QT interval and trigger a dangerous irregular heartbeat. Tell your prescriber about any heart rhythm history and every other medicine you take, including over-the-counter drugs.
  • Watch for early movement symptoms, tremor, stiffness, or restlessness, and report them promptly. Continued use raises the risk of tardive dyskinesia, which can be permanent.
  • Do not stop haloperidol abruptly. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a rare but serious reaction causing high fever and severe muscle rigidity, is a medical emergency, and sudden discontinuation can cause withdrawal or rebound symptoms.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.