What are the side effects of Haldol (haloperidol)?

The most common side effects associated with Haldol are:

• extrapyramidal effects (sudden, often jerky, involuntary motions of the head, neck, arms, body, or eyes, muscle stiffness, akathisia, Parkinsonism),
• dizziness,
• hyperactivity,
• tiredness, and
• nausea.

Other important side effects are:

• sedation,
• weight gain,
• erectile dysfunction,
• menstrual irregularities,
• insomnia,
• gynecomastia,
• dry mouth, 
• vomiting, and
• constipation

Haldol may cause a condition called "orthostatic hypotension" during the early phase of treatment (first week or two). Orthostatic hypotension causes patients to become dizzy upon arising from a lying or sitting position because of a drop in blood pressure.

Haldol also may cause abnormal heart beats, sudden death, seizures, decreases in red and white blood cells, and withdrawal symptoms.

Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis and treated with antipsychotic drugs such as Haldol are at an increased risk of death.

What is the dosage for Haldol (haloperidol)?

• The recommended oral dose for schizophrenia is 0.5-5 mg two or three times daily up to a maximum dose of 30 mg daily. The lactate solution dose is 2-5 mg every 4-8 hours as needed by intramuscular injection. The lactate solution may also be administered by intravenous injection at 1-2 mg every 2-4 hours and titrated to effect. The maximum single injection dose is 50 mg and the maximum daily dose is 500 mg daily. The dose for the decanoate solution is 10-20 times the daily oral dose once monthly by intramuscular injection. The decanoate solution should not be administered intravenously.
• The recommended dose for treating Tourette's syndrome is 0.5-5 mg orally two or three times daily.

Quick GuideSchizophrenia: Symptoms, Types, Causes, Treatment

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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.