Haldol

Chemical Name: HALOPERIDOL

Common uses

This medicine is an antipsychotic agent used to treat schizophrenia. It is also used to control certain symptoms associated with Tourette's disorder. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking astemizole, cisapride, or terfenadine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking carbamazepine, lithium, macrolide antibiotics, or tramadol. Report other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, and sparfloxacin. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. Take the remaining doses for the day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of other depressants or alcohol. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without contacting your doctor. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. DO NOT BECOME OVERHEATED in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since heat stroke may occur while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include mild drowsiness, dizziness, changes in menstrual cycle, or swelling or pain in breasts. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience severe drowsiness or sleepiness, drooling, difficulty speaking or swallowing, muscle stiffness, fever, restless body movements, mild hand or leg tremors, or other unusual body movements or muscle twitching. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include agitation, very dry mouth, unusual drowsiness or deep sleep, slow or shallow breathing, rapid or irregular pulse, and muscle weakness, rigidity, or tremor.

Additional information

DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.