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Haloperidol
Dosage & Duration
Dosage
Doses are population estimates that vary widely between individuals.
Duration
Subjective Effects
Pharmacology
Interactions
An unlisted combination is an unknown one, not a safe one. Check a dedicated combination chart before mixing.
Tolerance
Harm Potential
Addiction & Dependence
Psychological
LowLong-term haloperidol use may produce mental dependence, although it is not usually linked to compulsive use or the abuse potential seen with recreational drugs.
Physical
LowWithdrawal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, restlessness, increased sweating, and trouble sleeping may occur upon discontinuation. Less commonly, dizziness, numbness, or muscle pains can develop. Rarely, tardive dyskinesia can emerge when the medication is stopped.
Toxicity
Haloperidol may be neurotoxic, with some studies reporting an association between first-generation antipsychotics and decline in gray matter volume; it may attenuate brain-derived neurotrophic factor transcription and expression in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
Reports include sudden death, QT prolongation, and Torsades de Pointes; risk of these cardiac events appears higher with above-recommended dosing and intravenous use.
Movement disorders including tardive dyskinesia, akathisia, drug-induced parkinsonism, and dystonia may develop, with tardive dyskinesia being potentially irreversible and permanent; haloperidol demonstrates a stronger disposition for causing extrapyramidal symptoms compared to other drugs in its class.
Psychosis Risk
Stopping antipsychotic treatment may, based on limited evidence, lead to psychosis or a return of the disorder being treated.
History & Culture
Legality
By Country
United StatesPrescription only
AustraliaPrescription only
CanadaPrescription only
GermanyPrescription only
SwitzerlandPrescription only
United KingdomPrescription onlyReferences
Citations
Article Status
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