Haloperidol: A Traditional Antipsychotic for Severe Mental Illness

Haloperidol, commonly sold under the brand name Haldol, is a typical (first-generation) antipsychotic medication that has been used for decades to treat severe mental health conditions. It is particularly effective in managing acute psychosis, schizophrenia, manic states, and severe behavioral disturbances. Though newer antipsychotics are available today, haloperidol remains widely used due to its fast-acting and powerful antipsychotic properties.

🧠 Main Medical Uses of Haloperidol

1. Schizophrenia and Acute Psychosis
   Haloperidol is highly effective in reducing the positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations, delusions, agitation, and paranoia. It helps calm the overactivity in the brain, enabling patients to regain a sense of reality.

2. Mania in Bipolar Disorder
   In cases of severe manic episodes, haloperidol may be used to reduce hyperactivity, grandiosity, and agitation, especially when rapid control is needed.

3. Behavioral Disorders and Agitation
   Haloperidol is sometimes used in acute care settings (such as emergency rooms or psychiatric hospitals) to control violent behavior, extreme agitation, or acute delirium, especially in patients with dementia or drug-induced psychosis.

4. Tourette Syndrome and Tics
   Haloperidol can also reduce motor and vocal tics in people with Tourette syndrome when other treatments are ineffective.

5. Nausea and Delirium in Palliative Care
   In smaller doses, haloperidol is used to treat nausea, vomiting, and delirium in patients receiving end-of-life care.

⚙️ How Haloperidol Works

Haloperidol works by strongly blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain. Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter involved in mood, behavior, and perception. In conditions like schizophrenia or mania, dopamine activity becomes too high, leading to distorted thoughts or behaviors. By reducing this overactivity, haloperidol helps stabilize the brain’s chemical balance and reduce psychotic symptoms.

⚠️ Common Side Effects

As a first-generation antipsychotic, haloperidol carries a higher risk of neurological side effects than newer drugs. Common side effects include:

• Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS): tremors, stiffness, restlessness, muscle spasms

• Drowsiness or sedation

• Dry mouth

• Blurred vision

• Weight gain

• Constipation

More serious potential side effects:

• Tardive dyskinesia: involuntary, repetitive movements of the face or limbs (often irreversible with long-term use)

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): a rare but life-threatening condition marked by fever, rigidity, and confusion

• Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)

❗ Warnings and Precautions

• Not for elderly with dementia-related psychosis: There is an increased risk of death when haloperidol is used in elderly patients with dementia-related behavioral issues.

• Caution in Parkinson’s disease: Haloperidol may worsen symptoms due to its strong dopamine-blocking effects.

• Monitoring: Patients on long-term therapy should be regularly monitored for movement disorders and heart function (via ECG).