haloperidol

People 65 years and older with dementia sometimes have delusions and hallucinations (believing, seeing, or hearing things that aren't real). This is called dementia-related psychosis. Older people with dementia-related psychosis have a higher risk of death if they take medications like haloperidol. Because of this risk, haloperidol shouldn't be used in people 65 years and older with dementia-related psychosis. Let your provider know if you or someone you know has dementia before starting haloperidol.

Although rare, haloperidol can affect your heart rhythm by prolonging the time period from when the heart pumps and then relaxes. This is known as QT prolongation and it can be life-threatening. Your risk for QT prolongation is higher if you have any of the risk factors listed above. Depending on your risks for QT prolongation, your provider might check your heart rhythm from time to time with an electrocardiogram (EKG). People who were born with QT prolongation or have a history of arrhythmias should avoid taking haloperidol. If you feel your chest pounding, have trouble breathing, chest pain, or feel lightheaded while taking haloperidol, call 911 right away.

Antipsychotic medications like haloperidol can cause uncontrolled body movements, such as eye-twitching or lip-smacking. Your risk of this happening is more likely the longer you take medications like haloperidol and if you're taking a higher dose. If you have Parkinson's disease or certain types of dementia, your risk is higher and you shouldn't take haloperidol. These movement problems can become permanent. If you experience any uncontrolled movements and aren't able to stop them, talk to your provider right away.

Taking antipsychotic medications like haloperidol can cause a rare, but life-threatening condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Symptoms include fever, sweating, stiff muscles, confusion, not aware of your surroundings, and fast or irregular heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking haloperidol, seek medication attention as soon as possible. You provider will likely have you stop taking haloperidol and switch you to something else.

Haloperidol can make you tired, lower your blood pressure, or cause you to lose your balance, which can lead to falls and injuries. When standing from a sitting or lying position, make sure to get up slowly and hold onto something. If you have concerns, speak to your provider.

Some cases of bronchopneumonia, a type of infection in your lungs where your lungs get inflamed, have been reported after using antipsychotics like haloperidol. Your risk is higher if you're older in age, smoke, or have breathing problems. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience a fever, cough, or trouble breathing.

Though not common, haloperidol can lower your white blood cell counts, especially if they've been low previously from other conditions. This can raise your risk of serious infection. You'll need to get blood tests done regularly during the first few months of taking haloperidol so your provider can make sure your blood cell counts are in the normal range. If your blood counts drop too low, you'll likely need to stop taking haloperidol. If you develop any signs of infection, such as fever, tiredness, chills, cough, or trouble breathing, and they don't go away, contact your provider right away.