HOW DOES HALDOL WORK?

Haldol works by blocking the transmition of Dopamine (specifically D2) receptors in the Basal Ganglia, which are located throughout the Cerebral Hemispheres in the brain.

WHAT IS THE RELATION OF DOPAMINE TO PSYCHOSIS/ SCHIZOPHRENIA?

Research has revealed that there are several types of Dopamine Neurotransmitters: D1, D2, D4 and D5 receptors. The main focus in Psychosis is the D1 and D2 receptors. D1 receptors are responsible for our negative emotions, thoughts and movements (social withdrawal), while D2 receptors are responsible for our positive emotions, thoughts and movements (hallucinations and voices).

In Psychosis and Schizophrenia, it is thought that Dopamine neuro- transmitters do not break down and are not sucked back up into the vesicles at the end of the axon terminal. The result in a build-up of Dopamine particles amongst many areas surrounding Dopamine Receptors, which continually react with D2 receptors in the vicinity, even if they are not receiving phasic dopamine from the brain stem.

An abundant action of Dopamine particles with D2 receptors causes reactions such as hallucinations, abnormal thought patterns, paranoia, delusions, agitation, hostility and bizarre out-of-context behaviors, which equals psychosis/schizophrenia.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Haldol was introduced as a drug in 1958. The tablet form is produced by Geneva Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the injection form is produced by Ben Venue Laboratories, Inc.

Drug Class

Anti-psychotic, Tranquillizer-Strong

Cost

Tablet (5 mg): $25/mo

Injection (100 ml): $153/mo

AVAILABLE FORMS/NAMES:

TABLET:

Apo-Halperidol, Haldol, Novo-Peridol, Peridol, PMS-Halperidol, Dozic, Serenace

*Molecular Formula
 
 

INJECTION:

Haldol LA, Halperon, Haldol Deconate

*Molecular Formula
 
 

CONCENTRATE:

Haldol Concentrate, Halperidol Intensol

*Molecular Formula Unavailable

Principle Uses: (helps with)

psychotic thinking, abnormal behaviors, acute schizophrenia, paranoid states, manic states, agitation, outbursts of aggression, Tourettes Syndrome.

Secondary Uses: (helps with)

refractory hiccups, LSD delirium flashbacks, phencyclidine intoxification, some chronic pain disorders, autism, refractory sneezing, stuttering.

Secondary Uses: (helps with)

Refractory hiccups, LSD Delirium flashbacks, phencyclidine intoxification, some chronic pain disorders, autism, refractory sneezing and stuttering.

Symptoms of Overdose

Deep sleep, CNS depression or coma. Hypertension, agitation, restlessness, convulsions, fever, hypothermia, hyperthermia, autonomic reactions, ECG changes and cardiac arrhythmias.

Treatment of Overdose

**Depending on the overdose symptom:

Plasma Alkalinization with Sodium Bicarbonate, Activated Charcoal with Sorbitol, Barbituates or Diphenhydramine, Norepinephrine, phenylephrine, Phenytoin, Pentobarbital or Diazapam

NATURAL (UNAVOIDABLE) SIDE EFFECTS:

Mild drowsiness, low blood pressure, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, marked and frequent Parkinson-like reactions

UNUSUAL (INFREQUENT) SIDE EFFECTS:

Mild Adverse Effects

Allergic reaction: skin rash, hives.

Dizziness, weakness, agitation, insomnia

Loss of appetite, indigestion, nausea, vomiting , diarrhea

Serious Adverse Effects

Allergic reaction: rare liver reaction with jaundice, asthma, spasm of vocal cords.

Idiosyncratic reactions: neuroleptic malignant syndrome. (see back flap)

Blood cell disorders: lowered white blood cell count (rare)

Nervous system reactions: rigidity of extremities, tremors, seizures, constant movement, facial grimacing, eye-rolling, spasm of neck muscles, Tardive Dyskinesia. (see back flap)

Abnormal heartbeat: premature ventricular contractions.

Worsening of psychosis

Low blood sugar or abnormal and frequent urination. Liver toxicity Bronchospasm or myasthenia gravis.

Sexual Side Effects

Decreased libido; impotence(infrequent to frequent), painful ejaculation, priapism (see back flap), tender/enlarged breast tissue in men (gynecomastia), breast enlargement with mild production in

women, altered timing and patterns of menstruation.

Effects-Mimic Natural Diseases/Disorders

Liver reaction may mimic hepatitis, Nervous system reactions may mimic Parkinsons/Reye Syndromes.

Natural Diseases-May Be Activated

Latent epilepsy, glaucoma, diabetes

FOOD/BEVERAGE/DRUG INTERACTIONS

Food

Nutmeg: counteracts Rx effects

Beverages

None

Alcohol

Increases sedation and accentuates depressive states in the brain. DO NOT TAKE!!!

Tobacco

Increases tics in Tourettes Syndrome

Other Medications

Halperidol will increase effects of: Flumoxamine, Luvox, Antihypertensive drugs, Sedative drugs.

Halperidol will decrease effects of:

Guanthidine, Esimil, Ismelin

Halperidol should not be taken concurrently with:

Anticholinergic drugs, Beta-Blocker drugs, Fluoxetine (Prozac), Lithium, MOA Inhibitors, Methyldopa, Aldomet, Ritonavir, Norvir.

The Drugs Decrease Halperidol’s Effects: Antacids containing Aluminum and/or Magnesium, Barbiturates, Benztropine (Cogentin), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Rifampin (Rifacter), Trihexyphenidyl (Artane).

CAUTIONS:

May impair mental alertness, judgment and physical coordination. Can cause photosensitivity. May impair regulation of body temperature & increase the risk of heatstrokes. May increase the risk of hypothermia. Should not be stopped abruptly!!!

Use During Pregnancy

Use Category "C"-positive fetal abnormalities were proven in animal studies. Cleft Palate was reported in mouse studies. There has not been adequate studies in human fetal effects.

Effects of Breastfeeding

The presence in breastmilk is possible. Monitor the nursing infant closely and discontinue if side effects begin to show.

Habit Forming Potential

Withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if use is abruptly stopped.

Possible Effects of Long Term Use

Eye Damage-deposits in the cornea, lens or retina

Tardive Dyskinesia.

Symptoms of Overdose

Deep sleep, CNS depression or coma. Hypertension, agitation, restlessness, convulsions, fever, hypothermia, hyperthermia, autonomic reactions, ECG changes and cardiac arrhythmias

Treatment of Overdose

**Depending on the overdose symptom:

Plasma Alkalinization with Sodium Bicarbonate, Activated Charcoal with Sorbitol, Barbituates or Diphenhydramine, Norepinephrine, phenylephrine, Phenytoin, Pentobarbital or Diazapam

*****************************

Although the importance of anti-psychotics is understood, it seems that it should be used to stabilize the patient in an effort to help them retrain their synapses and levels of dopamine between them.

If we can alter our body's chemistry by mind alone, as research has proved positively, then we should be able, with help and training, to change the level of dopamine transmitions in our brain. Therefore, reducing or ridding our body and mind of the psychosis altogether.

The following diseases/disorders may be caused by the use of Haldol:

NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME

A rare, serious and sometimes fatal idiosyncratic reaction to the use of neuroleptic (antipsychotic) drugs. Symptoms include hyperthermia (temperatures of 102-104 deg. F), marked muscle rigidity and coma. Other symptoms may include rapid heart rate and breathing, profuse sweating, tremors and seizures. 2/3 of the cases occurred in men, while 1/3 of the cases occurred in women. The mortality rate is 15-20%.

PRIAPISM

Prolonged, painful erection of the penis, usually associated with sexual arousal or stimulation. It is caused by an obstruction to the outflow (drainage) of blood through veins at the root of the penis. The erection may persist for 30 min. to several hours and then subside spontaneously, or it may persist for up to 30 hrs. and require surgical drainage of blood from the penis for relief. More than 1/2 of the episodes of Priapism is induced by drugs and results in permanent impotence.

TARDIVE DYSKINESIA**

A drug-induced disorder of the nervous system with involuntary and bizarre movements of the eyelids, jaws, lips, tongue, neck and fingers. It is often caused by the use of potent mental illness drugs. It may occur in any age group, but is more common in middle-aged and especially in chronically ill older women. Once it starts, the pattern of uncontrollabe chewing, lip puckering and repetitive tongue protruding (fly-catching movements) may be irreversible. To date, there is no way of identifying which patients may develop this disease and there is no known prevention.

**Tardive Dyskinesia has more of a chance of developing in a patient taking Haldol, therefore Cogentin is prescribed to be taken concurrently with Haldol.