What is Haldol Used For?

Haldol or generic Haloperidol is prescribed to treat psychotic disorders like schizophrenia and manic depression. These conditions make it very difficult to interpret reality. Psychotic illnesses, including schizophrenia, are believed to be caused by the over activity of dopamine. This brain chemical is a neurotransmitter that sends messages between nerve cells. You must obtain a valid prescription from your doctor to buy Haldol, which is taken orally. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Does Haldol Work in Your Brain?

Haldol is an antipsychotic medication that works by altering the actions of a chemical or neurotransmitter in your brain known as dopamine. When taken as directed, Haldol will block several receptors in your brain, dopamine receptors in particular. This neurotransmitter is involved with mood regulation and focus.

By blocking the dopamine receptors, excessive activity is prevented and this will result in calming the symptoms of schizophrenia and mania. With its calming effect, Haldol can also help control disorders that involve aggression and agitation.

Psychotic Illnesses Treated by Haldol

Schizophrenia may cause you to experience hallucinations, for example; while manic depression may push you into alternating phases of extreme euphoria and extreme sadness. These conditions develop gradually when certain chemicals become imbalanced in your brain. Haldol helps by correcting the imbalances, though it is not a cure. Your doctor may also recommend that you take part in therapy sessions to better understand your symptoms and be able to deal with them.

Haldol may also help people diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome. This neurological disorder is characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and uncontrolled vocalized tics. Early symptoms of TS are usually noticed in children between 7-10 years of age, with the worst symptoms occurring during the early teen years. With age comes improvement and although Tourette’s syndrome is a chronic condition, symptoms of vocal outbursts and body tics decrease somewhat over time.

Before You Receive an Rx for Haldol

Inform your doctor of other medical conditions or allergies you have and list all OTC and Rx drugs you currently take or use, including herbal and vitamin supplements. This can help your doctor to determine if Haldol is the right drug for your situation.

Precautions When Taking Haldol

Haldol is not meant for people with dementia or Parkinson’s disease, and may cause severe complications in older adults. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any meds without talking to your doctor first as this could cause adverse effects from Haldol. Keep all medications out of children’s reach and do not share these with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Haldol

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Muscle stiffness
• Insomnia
• Restlessness

You should check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur: heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, vision changes.

Drugs Similar to Haldol

• Eskalith
• Orap
• Zyprexa