Patient/caregiver was instructed upon haloperidol and mechanism of action as follows:
- Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are manufactured in the brain and released by nerve endings, at the synapse, which is a junction between two nerves. The neurotransmitters released bind to their individual receptors and communicates the impulse to the nerves around.
- There are various neurotransmitters such as, dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin released in the brain. A balance between these various neurotransmitters released is essential for maintenance of mood and prevention of psychotic symptoms.
- Haloperidol is a typical antipsychotic medication, used to treat symptoms of psychosis and mood disorders.
- The exact mechanism of action of haloperidol is not clearly known. But, it is believed that haloperidol mainly inhibits the actions of dopamine and weakly inhibits the actions of norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and serotonin, at various sites in the central nervous system, thus inhibiting/regulating the function and communication by these neurotransmitters.
- By affecting these chemicals in the brain, haloperidol helps with balancing the communication by different neurotransmitters and appropriate desired nerve stimulation.
- This action of haloperidol contributes to controlling symptoms of schizophrenia and psychosis. Haloperidol also helps to control excessive excitation of brain, in individuals with history of hyperactive behavior disorders and anxiety states.
