ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.
Overview
It comes as pills, liquid, and monthly shots.
What it's used for
- Schizophrenia
- Severe agitation
- Tourette's syndrome
How to take it
- Take it as prescribed.
- Don't stop suddenly.
Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.
Side effects
Common side effects
- Stiffness or shakiness
- Restlessness
- Sleepiness
- Dry mouth
Call 911High fever, stiff muscles, confusion, and sweating (rare reaction called NMS)
Call 911Fainting or a fast, irregular heartbeat
Call your provider todayUncontrolled movements of the face, tongue, or body
Call your provider todaySudden muscle spasms of the neck, jaw, or eyes
Warnings
- Boxed warning: higher risk of death in older adults with dementia.
Other medicines, foods, and alcohol
- Other medicines that affect heart rhythm add to that risk.
- It works against Parkinson's medicines.
- Alcohol adds to drowsiness.
Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Talk with your provider.
Missed doses, overdose, and storage
If you miss a dose
Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.
If someone takes too much
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.
Storing it
Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.
Conditions it's used for
Sources
- DailyMed: FDA drug label for Haloperidol (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
- MedlinePlus: Drugs, herbs, and supplements
- FDA: Drugs@FDA
Last updated 2026-11-13.