Death CAN OCCUR with HALDOL - it's not recommended for children....
I'd rather have a hyperactive child than a dead child -
http://www.walnet.org/llf/drugs/haldol.html#startSudden death is a (rare) possibility with Haldol.
"This is one of a group of psychiatric drugs which causes a serious and sometimes fatal reaction called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. It may cause body temperature raising, rigid muscles and coma (passing out), rapid heart beat and breathing, sweating, shaking and seizures. The death rate is 20%.
Haldol causes brain and eye damage with long-term use. With epilepsy, it can change the pattern of seizures."
Children are sensitive to the nervous system reactions of this drug.
Haldol (Haloperidol)
CATEGORY
ANTIPSYCHOTIC/NEUROLEPTIC DRUGS
USUAL DOSE
1 injection every 4 weeks
0.5-2 mg 2 or 3 x a day up to 30 mg a day
maximum: 100 mg a day
children: not specified
elderly: lower dose
FOR
chronic schizophrenia and other psychoses
major tranquilizer
control of hyperactive behaviour in children
SHOULD NOT BE USED OR SHOULD BE USED CAREFULLY WHEN THERE IS
use of drugs for depression (within 14 days)
use of tranquilizers, drugs for tension (within 14 days)
use of other antipsychotic/neuroleptic drugs
use of lithium, levodopa
use of sedatives, sleeping pills, pain killers
use of alcohol
use of antacids
alcohol withdrawal
coma (passed out)
severe depression
Parkinson's disease or Parkinson's-like symptoms
epilepsy
diabetes
liver or kidney disease
bone marrow or blood cell disease
heart disease, low blood pressure
glaucoma
thyroid disease
lupus
brain damage
allergies, especially to other drugs
pregnancy, nursing
breast cancer
surgery
USE OF THIS DRUG MAY CAUSE
often:
severe withdrawal symptoms
strengthening the effects of alcohol
increases effect of other drugs, especially sedatives
Parkinson-like symptoms: shakiness, lack of muscle co-ordination, muscle stiffness
restlessness, sleeplessness
drowsiness
blurred eyesight
dry mouth
constipation
urination problems
confusion, lack of judgement
sometimes:
tardive dyskinesia: uncontrolled movements of the tongue, mouth, arms and legs, which may be permanent and may come after stopping the drug
increased psychotic symptoms
changes in mood and behaviour
anxiety, excitement, agitation, restlessness
depression
weakness, being tired, sleeplessness
fever
headache
dizziness, fainting
internal and external spasms
in epileptics: seizures
in the elderly: no thirst sensation, leading to pneumonia
heart problems, heart attack
low white blood cell counts, causing infections
irregular pulse or blood pressure
liver disease
stomach problems, loss of appetite
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
bloating
skin rash, sensitivity to sun
eye damage
impotence (20%), painful, continuous erection
breast swelling (male and female)
menstrual problems
rarely:
death, sometimes sudden, from any of these causes: disordered body temperature
bone marrow poisoning
convulsions
blood clots
paralysis of the intestines
cardiac arrest (heart stoppage)
despair leading to suicide
vomiting into lungs*
* (30% of psychiatric patient deaths)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REMEMBER
This drug should be used only when there is no other choice.
Sudden death is a (rare) possibility with Haldol.
This is one of a group of psychiatric drugs which causes a serious and sometimes fatal reaction called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. It may cause body temperature raising, rigid muscles and coma (passing out), rapid heart beat and breathing, sweating, shaking and seizures. The death rate is 20%.
Haldol causes brain and eye damage with long-term use. With epilepsy, it can change the pattern of seizures.
This drug is eliminated in breast milk and affects an unborn child. It should not be given to nursing or pregnant women.
Children are sensitive to the nervous system reactions of this drug.
Avoid overheating your body in the sun, saunas, hot baths, etc.
Tell your nurse, doctor, pharmacist or dentist about any other drugs you are taking before any new treatment. Check with them before you take any medicine, even if it isn't a prescription drug.
There is no known treatment for tardive dyskinesia (TD). The brain damage done with this drug can be permanent. If symptoms appear, the drug must be stopped. One of the early signs of TD is a "worm-like" movement of the tongue. Stop the drug and see your doctor immediately if this happens to you.
You should not drive, operate machines, play sports, or do dangerous things until you know what this drug does to you.
Stop taking this drug and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the problems or conditions listed or anything unusual is happening, especially changes in your eyesight.
Withdrawal symptoms can be severe with psychiatric drugs. If you stop using them, do it slowly.
