How do you take Haloperidol?

Adults usually start with 0.5 mg to 5 mg taken by mouth 2 to 3 times a day, depending on how serious the condition is. Your doctor will adjust the dose for you — do not increase it on your own. You can take it with or without food, but taking it with food may reduce stomach upset. Swallow the tablet whole with water.

What are the side effects of Haloperidol?

Feeling sleepy or drowsy, stiffness or trembling of the body (like shaking hands), restlessness or inability to sit still, dizziness, dry mouth

Who should not take Haloperidol?

People who are allergic to haloperidol, people with Parkinson's disease, people in a coma or deeply unconscious state, people with severe heart problems, and those who have had a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome before.

Prescription

Antipsychotic

Haloperidol

Q: What is Haloperidol used for?

Mental illness (madness/psychosis), severe agitation, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), uncontrollable body movements, severe vomiting that does not respond to other medicines

Last reviewed June 2026

Who is this for?

What is this drug?

Haloperidol is a strong medicine that works by calming the brain and balancing certain chemicals (especially dopamine) to help control unusual thoughts, agitation, and disturbed behaviour.

What is it used for?

Mental illness (madness/psychosis)severe agitationhallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)uncontrollable body movementssevere vomiting that does not respond to other medicines

Browse by condition

Nausea & Vomiting Schizophrenia & Psychosis

How it works

Blocks dopamine (D2) receptors in the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways of the brain, reducing psychotic symptoms and abnormal thoughts, while also antagonizing dopamine in the chemoreceptor trigger zone to suppress severe vomiting.

Prescription Required

You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.

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Similar drugs

Risperidone

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What to watch out for

This is a very strong psychiatric medicine — never buy it from roadside sellers or take it without a doctor's prescription. Do not share it with someone else who seems to have similar symptoms, as wrong use can cause serious harm. If you notice unusual body stiffness, shaking, or uncontrollable movements, see your doctor immediately — do not just stop the drug on your own.

Common Side Effects

Feeling sleepy or drowsy
stiffness or trembling of the body (like shaking hands)
restlessness or inability to sit still
dizziness
dry mouth

Serious Side Effects

Sudden muscle stiffness with high fever and confusion (this is a medical emergency called neuroleptic malignant syndrome — rush to the hospital immediately)
uncontrollable movements of the face
tongue
or jaw that do not stop
fainting or very fast heartbeat.

Drug Interactions

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking haloperidol — it can make you extremely drowsy and affect your breathing. Be careful if you are also taking medicines for sleep, anxiety, or pain (like tramadol or diazepam) as the drowsy effect can be dangerous. Tell your doctor if you are using any heart or blood pressure medicines.

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Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warning

Haloperidol is not safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless your doctor specifically says the benefit outweighs the risk — always consult your doctor before taking it if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Who Should NOT Take This

People who are allergic to haloperidol
people with Parkinson's disease
people in a coma or deeply unconscious state
people with severe heart problems
and those who have had a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome before.

How to Store

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near a window. Keep the tablets in their original container and far away from children.

For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.