Haldol is a common brand name in the United States for the generic drug haloperidol; an older antipsychotic prescription medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia, some acute psychotic states, symptoms of Tourette disorder and delirium. Haldol, or its generic haloperidol, has also been used to treat pet birds and exotic fowl that obsessively pluck out their own feathers.
When treating cases of acute schizophrenia where the patient is incapable of adhering to a routine drug administering schedule, it may be necessary to use an injectable form of the drug which lasts four weeks between doses. This has proven helpful for patients who struggle with daily tasks of self-care.
Haldol has a reputation of causing patients to regress into a stupor, however, when the drug is properly administered, it is possible for the patient to experience more clarity of thoughts and to feel capable of participating in life. This medication has also proven to suppress thoughts of suicide and self-harm.
Sometimes, Haldol may be used for brief periods on hospitalized patients who have severe behavior problems, confusion or pose a threat to hospital staff. Haloperidol can also be used to treat uncontrolled movements and verbal outbursts related to Tourette's disorder.
Haldol may prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemo-therapy. Unfortunately, when it is used to treat dementia in the elderly, research indicates there is a greater risk of pneumonia and heart failure. This may be because of the drug's sedating properties.
It isn't fully understood why this happens. None the less, Haldol has not been approved for the treatment of dementia. Caregivers and guardians of elderly patients with dementia are cautioned to speak to the supervising doctor about this. Safer and more effective medications might be available.
Haldol can be used to treat the most extreme behavior problems in children who are hyperactive. This approach is usually recommended only when other less extreme treatments have proven ineffective. On a related note, there is practically zero recreational potential in Haldol. Unregulated doses simply shut down the brain, creating a medically initiated stupor.
Haldol in all its forms has a history of abuse by institutions. It was used in the United States during the 1960's to pacify angry black men. The former Soviet Union used it extensively to punish political prisoners. And from 2002 to 2008 United States immigration officers used a variation of Haldol to sedate deportees.
When treating cases of acute schizophrenia where the patient is incapable of adhering to a routine drug administering schedule, it may be necessary to use an injectable form of the drug which lasts four weeks between doses. This has proven helpful for patients who struggle with daily tasks of self-care.
Haldol has a reputation of causing patients to regress into a stupor, however, when the drug is properly administered, it is possible for the patient to experience more clarity of thoughts and to feel capable of participating in life. This medication has also proven to suppress thoughts of suicide and self-harm.
Sometimes, Haldol may be used for brief periods on hospitalized patients who have severe behavior problems, confusion or pose a threat to hospital staff. Haloperidol can also be used to treat uncontrolled movements and verbal outbursts related to Tourette's disorder.
Haldol may prevent nausea and vomiting caused by chemo-therapy. Unfortunately, when it is used to treat dementia in the elderly, research indicates there is a greater risk of pneumonia and heart failure. This may be because of the drug's sedating properties.
It isn't fully understood why this happens. None the less, Haldol has not been approved for the treatment of dementia. Caregivers and guardians of elderly patients with dementia are cautioned to speak to the supervising doctor about this. Safer and more effective medications might be available.
Haldol can be used to treat the most extreme behavior problems in children who are hyperactive. This approach is usually recommended only when other less extreme treatments have proven ineffective. On a related note, there is practically zero recreational potential in Haldol. Unregulated doses simply shut down the brain, creating a medically initiated stupor.
Haldol in all its forms has a history of abuse by institutions. It was used in the United States during the 1960's to pacify angry black men. The former Soviet Union used it extensively to punish political prisoners. And from 2002 to 2008 United States immigration officers used a variation of Haldol to sedate deportees.
About the Author:
The author writes extensively on the use of drugs.. For more informationabout Haldol and its side effects, drug interactions and precautions visit: Haldol Side Effects. For a better understanding of schizophrenia view this video: The Face Of Schizophrenia.
No comments:
Post a Comment