Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medicine that is used to treat schizophrenia.

Haloperidol is also used to control motor and speech tics in people with Tourette's syndrome.

Haloperidol injection is sometimes used in people who are unable to take the medicine by mouth.

Haloperidol injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not receive this medicine if you are allergic to haloperidol, or if you have:

• Parkinson's disease;
• dementia with Lewy bodies;
• a peanut allergy (this medicine contains sesame oil); or
• certain conditions that affect your central nervous system (such as severe drowsiness, or slowed thinking caused by taking other medicines or drinking alcohol).

Haloperidol may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems, angina (chest pain);
• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
• low blood pressure;
• a seizure;
• low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
• a thyroid disorder; or
• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low blood levels of potassium or magnesium).

Using antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause serious problems in the newborn. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop the medicine without your doctor's advice.

You should not breastfeed while using haloperidol.

Use Haldol Decanoate (Intramuscular) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

High doses or long-term use of haloperidol can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use haloperidol, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a diabetic or an older adult.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
• rapid changes in mood or behavior;
• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, shortness of breath, and sudden dizziness (like you might pass out);
• cough with mucus, chest pain, feeling short of breath;
• lack of energy, decreased thirst;
• muscle spasms in your neck, tightness in your throat, trouble swallowing;
• low white blood cell counts--fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing; or
• severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• drowsiness;
• neck stiffness;
• tremors; or
• involuntary muscle movements.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. You may be more prone to heat stroke while you are using haloperidol.