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)
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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.
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.
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Warnings
Antacids containing aluminum or magnesium should not be taken one hour before taking this drug and never right after.
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 vasodilator (drug that dilate blood vessels.)
Do not smoke and take this drug.
The habit-forming potential is none, but long term use may lead to tardive dyskinesia ( TD ).
[ 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. ]
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Long term use may lead to neuroleptic malignant syndrome ( NMS ).
[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]
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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:
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.)
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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 ).
Rare: Dizziness, racing heartbeat / palpitations, weakness, sexual problems, restlessness, skin rash, seizures, low white blood cell count, tremors, or involuntary facial / tongue movements.
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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