Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Haldol as follows:
Metabolic side-effects
- Haldol intake by diabetic individuals can result in poor blood sugar control and episodes of hyperglycemia. Diabetic individuals taking Haldol can present with episodes of confusion, dry mouth, frequent urination, increased thirst and hunger, dry skin, and blurred vision. Closely follow for these signs and any consistently elevated blood sugar readings, to be reported to your physician.
Central nervous system side-effects
- Haldol can induce some dizziness and make one drowsy. Starting the medication at a low dose, watching for the response, and gradually changing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication.
- Haldol use can also result in sleep disturbance with poor quality sleep, hallucinations, and compromised memory.
- Haldol use carries risk of deterioration of mood disorders and worsening of clinical symptoms of mood disorders. Individuals can present with complaints such as, feeling low and depressed, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, gross appetite changes, impulsiveness, agitation, aggression, and suicidal thoughts.
