Haldol Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide
Key takeaways:
Haldol (haloperidol) is an antipsychotic medication. It’s approved for certain mental health and behavioral conditions in adults and children at least 3 years old.
The typical oral Haldol dosage for adults is 1 mg to 15 mg daily, depending on how severe your symptoms are. The oral Haldol dosage for children is based on their body weight. The daily dose is usually divided into two or three smaller doses taken throughout the day.
All forms of Haldol are available as lower-cost generics. GoodRx can help you save over 80% off the average retail price at certain pharmacies.
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Table of contents
Haldol (haloperidol) is a typical antipsychotic medication. It’s FDA-approved to treat symptoms associated with psychotic disorders, such as hallucinations and delusions. It’s also approved for Tourette syndrome and severe behavioral conditions in children ages 3 years and older.
Below, we’ll look at the recommended Haldol dosages. Keep in mind that your healthcare provider may have prescribed a different dosage of Haldol for you. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions when taking this medication.
What dosage forms does Haldol come in?
Haldol is available in a number of dosage forms, including tablets, an oral solution, and injectables. Although it’s commonly referred to by the brand name Haldol, oral dosage forms are currently only available as generic haloperidol.
Dosage form | Available doses |
• 0.5 mg • 1 mg • 2 mg • 5 mg • 10 mg • 20 mg | |
• 2 mg/1 mL | |
Haloperidol lactate injection (short acting) | • 5 mg/1 mL |
Haloperidol decanoate injection (long acting) | • 50 mg/1 mL • 100 mg/1 mL |
The oral solution comes with a marked dropper to make measuring the right dose easier. It isn’t flavored, and can be taken on its own or mixed into food or a beverage. This may be a better option for those who aren’t willing or able to swallow tablets.
There are two types of injectable Haldol. Haloperidol lactate is used for the immediate control of psychotic symptoms. It’s most often given in a hospital or other healthcare setting, so we won’t be covering this form of Haldol here.
Haloperidol decanoate is the second form of injectable Haldol. It’s a long-acting injection that’s usually given once a month (every 4 weeks) by a healthcare provider. It’s intended for people who are unable or unwilling to take a daily oral dose of Haldol.
What’s the typical Haldol dosage for adults?
The recommended Haldol dosage for adults varies depending on how severe your symptoms are.
Each individual may respond to Haldol differently, so dosing won’t be the same for everyone. Your healthcare provider will choose the best dose for you based on your medical history and needs.
Moderate psychotic symptoms
The typical oral Haldol dosage for adults with moderate psychotic symptoms is 0.5 mg to 2 mg by mouth 2 to 3 times daily. Your provider may start you at a lower dose and increase it based on your response to lower the chance of side effects.
Severe psychotic symptoms
The typical oral Haldol dosage for adults with severe psychotic symptoms is 3 mg to 5 mg by mouth 2 to 3 times daily. This higher dosage range is also recommended for those with long-lasting symptoms or those who don’t respond to lower Haldol dosages.
Your provider may recommend a higher Haldol dosage if needed. Some people may need up to 100 mg of Haldol per day in order to manage their symptoms.
Long-acting injection dosage
The haloperidol decanoate injection is approved for adults with schizophrenia who need long-term treatment. The dosage is based on the oral Haldol dosage that manages your symptoms. It’s not recommended to start treatment with the long-acting injection if you haven’t used short-acting forms of Haldol.
If your oral Haldol dosage is 10 mg per day or less, the recommended haloperidol decanoate injection dosage is 10 to 15 times your daily oral dose monthly. For example, if you take a 1 mg Haldol tablet twice a day, your oral daily dose would be 2 mg. And your long-acting injection dose would be 20 mg to 30 mg once a month.
If your oral Haldol dosage is more than 10 mg per day, or you’ve developed a tolerance to Haldol, you may need a higher dose of the monthly injection. The recommended haloperidol decanoate dosage for adults in this case is 20 times the daily Haldol dosage the first month. Your provider will then lower the dosage to 10 to 15 times the daily oral Haldol dosage in the following months.
It’s best if your first dose of haloperidol decanoate isn’t more than 100 mg. If a dose over 100 mg is needed, it should be separated into two injections given 3 to 7 days apart.
What’s the typical Haldol dosage for children?
Haldol is approved for children between the ages of 3 and 12 years old. The typical starting Haldol dosage for children depends on what it’s being used for and is based on the child’s weight.
For adolescents ages 13 to 17, your child’s healthcare provider will decide whether the recommended Haldol dosage for adults or children is the best fit for their needs.
Psychotic disorders
For psychotic disorders, the typical Haldol dosage for children ranges from 0.05 mg/kg/day to 0.15 mg/kg/day. The daily dose can be divided into two or three smaller doses given throughout the day if needed.
It’s best to start at the lowest possible dose and raise it by 0.5 mg every 5 to 7 days based on your child’s symptoms. Doses over 6 mg per day aren’t recommended in most cases.
Non-psychotic behavior disorders and Tourette syndrome
Haldol is approved to treat voice and movement tics associated with Tourette syndrome in children. It’s also approved for severe hyperactivity or behavioral disorders in children that aren’t related to psychosis. This can include combative or aggressive behavior.
The typical Haldol dosage for children with behavior disorders or Tourette syndrome is 0.05 mg/kg/day to 0.075 mg/kg/day. Your child’s healthcare provider may recommend splitting the daily dose into two or three smaller doses taken throughout the day. Doses over 6 mg daily aren’t recommended in most cases.
Are there any dosage adjustments for certain people?
If you’re over the age of 65 or severely ill or weak, you may need a lower Haldol dosage. It’s recommended that you take 0.5 mg to 2 mg two to three times a day. If you’re receiving the long-acting injection, monthly doses of 10 to 15 times your daily oral dose are recommended. Your provider may also have you wait longer before they raise your dosage of oral or injectable Haldol.
What happens if you miss a dose of Haldol?
If you forget to take your dose of Haldol, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Don’t take two doses of Haldol at the same time to make up for one you missed.
Missing several doses of Haldol in a row can raise your risk of withdrawal symptoms. This can include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. You may also experience heart palpitations, sweating, and headache. And the symptoms Haldol is treating could return.
If you’re having trouble remembering to take your Haldol, speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. They may be able to help. They may also recommend the long-acting injection if taking a daily tablet doesn’t work for you.
What should you do if you take too much Haldol?
If you accidentally take an extra dose of Haldol, it’s not likely to cause a major problem. You may notice more side effects, such as dizziness, dry mouth, or drowsiness. It’s best to let your provider know if this happens. They can help you manage your symptoms.
But large doses of Haldol can be harmful. They can lead to rigid or weak muscles, tremors, and severe drowsiness. Low blood pressure and trouble breathing can also happen. If you or a loved one takes too much Haldol, contact your healthcare provider or call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. But if you have any of the severe symptoms mentioned, it’s best to seek emergency medical attention right away.
How to save on Haldol
GoodRx can help you save on the generic forms of Haldol. The price of oral haloperidol tablets is as low as $8.10 at certain pharmacies with a free GoodRx discount. And oral haloperidol solution’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $2.18.
The bottom line
Haldol is a typical antipsychotic medication used to treat psychotic and behavioral disorders in adults and children. The typical oral Haldol dosage for adults ranges from 1 mg to 15 mg daily, divided into two or three smaller doses throughout the day. Once-monthly injections are also available if you’re having trouble taking oral Haldol every day. Haldol dosages for children are based on their body weight.
Everyone responds to Haldol treatment differently, so your provider will work with you to find the right dosage for your needs.
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References
Brandt, L., et al. (2020). Antipsychotic withdrawal symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry.
Lannett Company, Inc. (2022). Haloperidol - haloperidol solution [package insert].
MedlinePlus. (2015). Psychotic disorders.
MedlinePlus. (2017). Haloperidol.
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2023). Haloperidol (haldol).
Remedy Repack Inc. (2023). Haloperidol decanoate - haloperidol decanoate injection [package insert].
Remedy Repack Inc. (2023). Haloperidol - haloperidol lactate injection, solution [package insert].
Remedy Repack Inc. (2023). Haloperidol - haloperidol tablet [package insert].
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