Patient/caregiver was educated on the precautions to be exercised while using Haloperidol as follows:
- Haloperidol takes some time to fairly balance the chemicals in the brain, before any improvement in mood and behavior are noted. It could take about 3 – 6 weeks to see this change in mood. So, do not discontinue taking the medication without your physician’s consult, as you failed to see the improvement with the psychotic symptoms immediately after taking the medication. Haloperidol only helps with managing the psychotic symptoms, by influencing the activity of various chemical neurotransmitters in the brain and is not a permanent cure. Continue taking haloperidol, as recommended, even if your mood feels better. Sudden discontinuation of haloperidol intake, after prolonged use, can result in onset of severe withdrawal symptoms, such as, exacerbation of psychosis, hallucinations, anxiety, and mania. Discontinuation on haloperidol use must be slow and gradual, using tapering doses, and only on your physician recommendation.
- Haloperidol carries the risk of increasing the levels of hormone prolactin in the body. Elevated prolactin levels in males can result in erectile dysfunction, reduced interest for sex, and growth of breast tissue. Elevated prolactin levels in females can result in menstrual irregularities with abnormal/missed period, infertility, breast enlargement and tenderness, and increased breast milk production without being pregnant. Haloperidol must be cautiously used in individuals belonging to sexually active age group and in individuals with history of sexual dysfunction. Be aware of and report any pertinent symptoms of sexual dysfunction, as discussed above, secondary to haloperidol intake, to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered.
