Advertising Survey

We would like your input on how advertising is currently used in the site.

Please take this short survey to help us out.

Hide this message

Home > Medicines & Drugs > Haloperidol depot injection

Print this page

Haloperidol depot injection

  • Your doctor or nurse will inject haloperidol depot deep into a muscle. A single dose will normally last for one month.
  • Keep your regular appointments for this treatment.
  • There are a number of side-effects that you may experience from this treatment. If you are concerned about any of these, discuss them with your doctor.

About haloperidol depot injection

Type of medicineAntipsychotic depot injection
Used forSchizophrenia and other mental health problems affecting thoughts, feelings and behaviours
Also calledHaloperidol decanoate
Haldol Decanoate®
Available asInjection

Haloperidol is used to treat mental health problems which affect the way you think, feel or behave. These problems may make you hear, see or sense things that are not there, or believe things that are not true, or feel unusually suspicious.

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 that its effects can last up to 4 weeks.

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 have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have any heart or circulation problems.
  • If you have breathing problems.
  • If you suffer from Parkinson's disease.
  • If you have epilepsy, depression, myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease), prostate problems or glaucoma.
  • If you have ever had jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) or a problem with your blood.
  • If you have phaeochromocytoma (a growth affecting the adrenal glands).
  • If you know you have low amounts of calcium, potassium or magnesium in your blood.
  • If you have ever had a subarachnoid haemorrhage (bleeding in the brain).
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine, or if you are allergic to sesame oil.

How to use haloperidol depot injection

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Your doctor or nurse will inject haloperidol depot deep into a muscle. A single dose will normally last for one month.
  • Keep your regular appointments for this treatment as it is important that you do not stop haloperidol treatment without first speaking with your doctor. Stopping suddenly can cause complications so your doctor will probably want to reduce the dose you are having gradually.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • When you first start treatment with haloperidol depot injection, your doctor may ask you to continue taking haloperidol tablets or capsules for a short while. This is only until the injection has started to work fully.
  • Haloperidol may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight so avoid bright sunlight or wear a sunscreen of factor 15 or higher.
  • Keep your regular doctor's appointment so your progress can be monitored.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with haloperidol.

Can haloperidol depot injection cause problems?

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 continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicineWhat can I do if I experience this
Pain or swelling at the injection siteThis should soon pass. If it becomes troublesome, mention it to your nurse or doctor
Drowsiness, blurred sight, dizzinessMake sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing anything else which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Do not drink alcohol while you are being treated with haloperidol as it will increase drowsiness
Dry mouthTry chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets
Feeling or being sickEat little and often. Stick to simple foods
ConstipationDrink plenty of water and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
HeadacheAsk your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor
Difficulty passing water, slow movements, difficulty sleeping, changes in mood, skin rash, changes in weight, sexual difficultiesDiscuss these with your doctor if any become troublesome

Important: if you experience 'flu-like' symptoms including stiffness, with a high temperature, confusion, abnormal paleness, a racing heartbeat, and sweating, contact your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

Important: if you experience abnormal face or body movements, restlessness, or involuntary movements, discuss these with your doctor.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store haloperidol depot injection

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

  • Manufacturer's PIL, Haldol Decanoate®, Janssen-Cilag Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated August 2009, accessed November 2009.
  • British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2010DocID: 3831DocRef: dils3848Last Reviewed: 4 Mar 2010Version: 22
Provide feedback