About Haloperidol Depot Injection

This belongs to the group of medicines known as Neuroleptics.

Haloperidol is used to treat mental illness with symptoms such as hearing, seeing or sensing things that are not there, mistaken beliefs and paranoia (unusual suspiciousness).

Haloperidol Depot Injection is a long acting form of haloperidol that is injected into the muscles of the buttocks. From there haloperidol slowly enters the rest of the body, so one injection can last up to 4 weeks.

It is also sometimes known as: Haldol Decanoate. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Using Haloperidol Depot Injection

Before starting haloperidol depot injection treatment make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from any heart problems
• if you suffer from liver, kidney or breathing problems
• if you suffer from Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression, myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease), prostate problems or glaucoma
• if anyone in your family has suffered from phaeochromocytoma (a growth affecting the adrenal glands), jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), brain haemorrhage or stroke
• if you have a known lack of calcium, potassium or magnesium in your blood
• if you suffer from postural hypotension (if you become dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying position)
• if you suffer from thyroid problems
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to Use Haloperidol Depot Injection

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Use Haloperidol Depot Injection exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Do not stop treatment with Haloperidol Depot Injection without first speaking with your doctor. Your doctor will probably want to reduce the dose you are having gradually, as stopping treatment suddenly can cause complications.
• If you suspect that you or someone else has had an overdose of Haloperidol Depot Injection contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• Haloperidol Depot Injection is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside haloperidol.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked.
• Haloperidol can cause drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.
• Before having any surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are being treated with haloperidol.
• Haloperidol can cause constipation. Constipation can often be eased by eating plenty of fibre, such as fruit, vegetables, potatoes, bran etc. and drinking plenty of water. If these measures do not ease your constipation, discuss the problem with your doctor.
• Haloperidol can occasionally cause dry mouth. If you experience this, try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If dry mouth becomes a problem speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not drink alcohol, while you are being treated with haloperidol, as it will increase drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Haloperidol Depot Injection can cause EPR side effects (ExtraPyramidal Reactions) in some people. Signs of EPR are : Shakiness, abnormal face and body movements, restlessness, uncontrollable movements of the tongue, face and jaw. If you start to experience any of these symptoms you should seek advice from your doctor. Your doctor can then adjust your treatment to suit you and may prescribe a medicine to help with the EPR side effects.

Can Haloperidol Depot Injection cause problems?

The area where you have had the injection can sometimes become painful, red and swollen or lumpy. If this happens and becomes too uncomfortable tell your doctor.

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects become troublesome. Shakiness, abnormal face and body movements, restlessness, uncontrollable movements of the tongue, face and jaw, drowsiness, mood changes, insomnia (trouble sleeping), dizziness, headache, confusion, constipation, diarrhoea, tummy ache, a stuffy nose, dry mouth, problems urinating (passing water), blurred vision, a fast or thumping heartbeat, changes in menstruation (periods), breast problems, sexual problems, weight gain or weight loss, skin rashes, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) or a purple tint to the skin and eyes.

IMPORTANT: If you experience 'flu like' symptoms such as stiffness, high temperature, abnormal paleness, leaking bladder and a racing heartbeat contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to haloperidol, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Haloperidol Depot Injection

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

Any more questions?If you have any more questions about this or any other medicine your pharmacist will be able to answer them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 13/05/2003   

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