Sign inBefore taking haloperidol
Before taking haloperidol 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.
How to take haloperidol
- Take haloperidol exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Try to take haloperidol at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- You may have to take haloperidol for several weeks before you feel the full effect.
- Do not stop taking haloperidol without first speaking with your doctor. Your doctor will probably want to reduce the dose you are taking gradually, as stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems.
Getting the most from your treatment
- 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.
- Before having any surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor, dentist or surgeon that you are taking haloperidol.
Can haloperidol 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.
| Side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs 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 |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues, speak with your doctor |
| Constipation | Drink plenty of water and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets |
| Difficulty passing water, slow movements, difficulty sleeping, changes in mood | Discuss these with your doctor if any become troublesome |
Important: if you experience abnormal face or body movements, restlessness, or involuntary movements, discuss these with your doctor.
If you experience any other worrying symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store haloperidol
- Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
|
References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Haldol® Tablets, Janssen-Cilag Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated August 2009, accessed December 2009.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Dozic® 5 mg/5ml Oral Solution, electronic Medicines Compendium. dated November 2007, accessed December 2009.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Haldol® 2 mg/ml oral liquid, Janssen-Cilag Ltd, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated August 2009, accessed December 2009.
- British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.