Haldol

Haldol is prescribed to treat several conditions, such as psychotic disorders, tics associated with Tourette syndrome, severe behavior problems in children, and severe ADHD in children. While the drug cannot cure these conditions, it can help control symptoms by blocking or lessening the effects of dopamine in the brain. Haldol comes in the form of a tablet, an oral solution, and an injection. Side effects include drowsiness, headaches, and confusion.

What Is Haldol?

Part of a group of drugs known as "typical antipsychotics," Haldol® (haloperidol) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat the following conditions:
 
  • Psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia
  • Tics (including vocal tics) associated with Tourette syndrome
  • Severe behavior problems in children
  • Severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children (for short-term use only).
 
Haldol tablets and oral solution are approved to treat all of these conditions. The short-acting injectable form is approved to treat schizophrenia and Tourette syndrome, while the long-acting form is approved for chronic treatment of schizophrenia.
 
(Click Haldol Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

Haldol was originally manufactured by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics.
 While brand-name injectable Haldol is still available, brand-name tablets and oral solution are no longer being made. Generic versions are made by several different companies.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
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