For those of you who wish to know more about the drug that is routinely given as a physical restraint to youth in residential facilities:
What is Haldol and why is it prescribed?
Haldol is used to reduce the symptoms of mental disorders such as schizophrenia. It is also prescribed to control tics and the unintended utterances that mark Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome. In addition, it is used in short-term treatment of children with severe behavior problems, including hyperactivity and combativeness. Some doctors also prescribe Haldol to relieve severe nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drugs, to treat drug problems such as LSD flashback and PCP intoxication, and to control symptoms of hemiballismus, a condition that causes involuntary writhing of one side of the body. Haldol may cause tardive dyskinesia. This condition can be permanent, and appears to be most common among the elderly, especially women.
How should you take Haldol?
Follow your doctors directions for taking Haldol. Haldol may be taken with food or after eating. If taking Haldol in a liquid concentrate form, you will need to dilute it with milk or water. You should not take Haldol with coffee, tea, or other caffeinated beverages, or with alcohol. Haldol causes dry mouth. Sucking on a hard candy or ice chips may help alleviate the problem. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. Take the rest of the doses for that day at equally spaced intervals. Do not take two doses at once. Store Haldol away from heat, light, and moisture in a tightly closed container. Do not freeze the liquid.
Are there any Haldol side effects?
Haldol side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Haldol side effects may include abnormal secretion of milk, acne-like skin reactions, agitation, anemia, anxiety, blurred vision, breast pain, breast development in males, cataracts, catatonic state, chewing movements, confusion, constipation, coughing, deeper breathing, dehydration, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, epileptic seizures, exaggerated feeling of well-being, exaggerated reflexes, excessive perspiration, excessive salivation, hair loss, hallucinations, headache, heat stroke, high fever, high or low blood pressure, high or low blood sugar, impotence, inability to urinate, increased sex drive, indigestion, involuntary movements, irregular menstrual periods, irregular pulse, lack of muscular coordination, liver problems, loss of appetite, muscle spasms, nausea, Parkinson-like symptoms, persistent abnormal erections, physical rigidity and stupor, protruding tongue, puckering of mouth, puffing of checks, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, rigid arms, feet, head, and muscles, rotation of eyeballs, sensitivity to light, skin rash, skin eruptions, sleeplessness, sluggishness, swelling of breasts, twitching in the body, neck, shoulders, and face, vertigo, visual problems, vomiting, wheezing or asthma-like symptoms, and yellowing of skin and whites of eyes.
What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Haldol?
If Haldol is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Extreme drowsiness and other potentially serious effects can result if Haldol is combined with alcohol, narcotics, painkillers, sleeping medications, or other drugs that slow down the central nervous system. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Haldol with Antiseizure drugs (such as Dilantin or Tegretol), Antispasmodic drugs (such as Bentyl and Cogentin), Blood-thinning medications (such as Coumadin), Certain antidepressants (including Elavil, Tofranil, and Prozac), Epinephrine (EpiPen), Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), Methyldopa (Aldomet), Propranolol (Inderal), or Rifampin (Rifadin).
Are there any special warnings about Haldol?
You should use Haldol cautiously if you have ever had breast cancer, a severe heart or circulatory disorder, chest pain, the eye condition known as glaucoma, seizures, or any drug allergies. Temporary muscle spasms and twitches may occur if you suddenly stop taking Haldol. Follow your doctor's instructions closely when discontinuing the drug. Haldol may impair your ability to drive a car or operate potentially dangerous machinery. Do not participate in any activities that require full alertness if you are unsure of your reaction to Haldol. Haldol may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. When spending time in the sun, use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing. Avoid exposure to extreme heat or cold. Haldol interferes with the body's temperature-regulating mechanism, so you could become overheated or suffer severe chills.
