Yeah. Nothing I would want to take unless I had to. But for those who DO need it, it is very useful. If you are hospitalized with psychosis, especially if you're agitated or upset, this stuff will settle everything down. There are newer (better and safer IMHO) drugs for long-term maintenance therapy for Schizophrenia but this is one of the best for acute management of crises. Also, the long-acting form works well for people who don't choose to take meds every day.
Yvonne
>>> [log in to unmask] 11/06/01 06:31AM >>>
wow, this stuff sounds terrible.
-----Original Message-----
From: Yvonne Craig [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Monday, November 05, 2001 5:17 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: For Mag: Haloperidol
Mag
Just catching up on a raft of e-mails. Sorry I didn't get back to you =
sooner.
No one addressed your question about Haldol (Haloperidol). Heavy duty =
psychiatric med. Not sure why you would have been prescribed it. They are =
starting to look at it for its chronic pain control properties with FM, =
etc. but the side effects are potentially serious even at low doses. This =
drug commonly causes Extra Pyramidal Syndrome ( EPS ), including tremor, =
bradykinesia (slow movements), rigidity, and postural instability. Also =
may trigger a Dystonic reaction ( protruding or pulling sensation of =
tongue, twisted neck, or facial muscle spasm , abdominal rigidity and =
pain or spasm of the entire body ). The numbness in your neck would =
concern me. Have your doctor check it out.
Nasty stuff IMHO. Works well with flouridly psychotic folks, though. Some =
even take it long-term without any problems. But it wouldn't be my choice =
other than for Chronic Schizophrenia. I included some info I pulled off =
the web for you. Don't want to scare you but you should be informed. It =
makes me crazy when docs prescribe stuff for their patients without =
telling them exactly what they're taking and why. (aarrrgghh!) :-)
Yvonne
(wearing my Psych Nurse hat today)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=
+
Haloperidol ( Haldol ) is an antipsychotic; drug of high-potency; =
strong tranquilizer. Used in the treatment of acute psychosis, acute =
schizophrenia, manic phases, to control aggression, to control agitation, =
disorganized and psychotic thinking. It may also be used to help treat =
false perceptions. (e.g. hallucinations or delusions) or in the treatment =
of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. To treat psychosis associated with =
dementia, depressions, or mania. =20
This drug however is more likely to cause movement side effects =
like Tardive Dyskinesia, then most other antipsychotic drugs.
Generally accepted uses not FDA approved include, adjuvant for in =
chronic pain, control vomiting from chemotherapy, ease refractory =
sneezing, control refractory hiccups, lessen delirium from LSD flashbacks=
, lessen delirium from phencyclidine intoxication, or may be helpful in =
autistic persons.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------=
-----
Warnings
Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium should not be taken one hour =
before taking this drug and never right after.=20
Only take this drug and Heterocyclic ( aka Tricyclic ) antidepressants =
with careful monitoring. Check with your physician if you are taking =
central nervous system depressants like antihistamines, hay fever =
medicines, sedatives, narcotics, anesthetics, barbiturates, or =
muscle relaxants. Check with your physician if you are taking a vasodilato=
r (drug that dilate blood vessels.)=20
Do not smoke and take this drug.=20
The habit-forming potential is none, but long term use may lead to =
tardive dyskinesia ( TD ).=20
[ TD is a serious, irreversible neurological disorder that can appear at =
any age. TD is a side effect of taking antipsychotic / neuroleptics =
drugs. Symptoms can be hardly noticeable or profound. Symptoms involve =
uncontrollable movement of various body parts, including the body trunk, =
legs, arms, fingers, mouth, lips, or tongue. Once any symptom of Tardive =
Dyskinesia appear, the antipsychotic / neuroleptic must be discontinued. =
About 20 percent of people taking antipsychotic / neuroleptic drugs for =
more then one year will be affected. ]
=AF------------------------------------------------------------------------=
----------
Long term use may lead to neuroleptic malignant syndrome ( NMS ).=20
[NMS is a life threatening side effect of any antipsychotic drug but is =
more common in high-potency antipsychotics. Symptoms include rigidness, =
fever, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, abnormal blood pressure, =
heavy sweating, and a change in metal state, from confusion to coma]=20
=AF------------------------------------------------------------------------=
-----------------
Do not use if: You had negative reactions to this drug in the pass. If =
you have Parkinson's disease. If you are taking lithium.
Inform your Doctor if: =20
You had negative reactions to this drug or any other drug in the past;
If you have epilepsy, asthma, or cardiovascular disease;
if you have chest pains, history of breast cancer, or glaucoma;
if you have liver disease;
if you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription drug;
if you will have anesthesia or any surgery in the next few months;
if you will be undergoing any medical tests;
if you are on a special diet ( low-salt / low-sugar or any other.)=20
---------------------------------------------------------------------------=
-----
Haloperidol ( Symptoms or Effects )
Common: Akathisia, akinesia, lethargy / sleepiness, low blood =
pressure, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, weight gain, =
difficulty urinating, or stiffness ( Acute dystonia ).=20
Rare: Dizziness, racing heartbeat / palpitations, weakness, sexual =
problems, restlessness, skin rash, seizures, low white blood cell =
count, tremors, or involuntary facial / tongue movements.=20
See physician always: Akathisia, akinesia, dizziness, low blood =
pressure, racing heartbeat / palpitations, weakness, sexual problems, =
restlessness, skin rash, stiffness ( Acute dystonia ), seizures, low =
white blood cell count, tremors, reduced urinary output, difficulty =
urinating, or involuntary facial / tongue movements.
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