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)
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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. =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.
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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
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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 ).=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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