These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
[posted 03/24/2000]
Question: I am currently looking for information on a drug used to treat Tourettes. Its name, I believe is Haladol or Halaperidol. please answer me to my e-mail address.. this is kind of urgent. I would like to know side effects, long term effects, any information on the drug. what would be preferable is a copy of the insert given to the doctor for the drug. thank you.
Answer: Haloperidol has the brand name Haldol. This is a major sedative and usually used to treat psychosis etc. I do not know of an indication for Tourette’s Syndrome. But, the side effects are varied. You can get a copy of the drug insert from any pharmacist, also, any book store will have a PDR which has a complete description of the drug and it’s side effects. These would include sedation, ataxia, hyperthermia etc. You need to discuss this with your md prior to taking. The side effects are usually not too serious except for sedation.
Haldol Use For and 8 Year Old [posted 7/31/98]
Question: We have an 8 year old with a severe cough tick. We have completed an
extensive exam by an allergist. No allergies were found. It was determined to be
cough tick.
We are currently seeing a behavior modification psychologist. To date, this has
not been
helpful. It has been suggested that Haldol could be helpful. Can a
neurologist
help with this problem?
What are the benefits and side effects of Hadol?
Answer: Haldol is a major sedative. Side effects are sedation, occasional “stiff man syndrome”. Tardive dyskinesia has been reported in occasional cases.
Haloperidol
Question: Hoping you can help. My sister has been on Haldol for a period of 4-5 years. and is experiencing side effects in the form of involuntary twisting of the left arm as well as shaking. She is afraid to come off this drug and is convinced her side effects will be permanent. Is the damage permanent, has she been on too long, and what can I do to help her. Any advice relating to this drug would be welcome.
Answer: Haldol(haloperidol) is used in many situations for sedation. It is a major tranquilizer and is used in major agitation. One of the potential unfortunate side-effects is movement disorder. These may be temporary and go away or be permanent(called Tardive Dyskinesia). Stopping the drug will not exacerbate the problem and is the usual treatment.
