Side Effects of Haloperidol

Some common side effects of haloperidol include insomnia, headaches, and nausea. While side effects of this medication are usually minor, certain haloperidol side effects are more serious and require immediate medical attention. Notify your healthcare provider right away if you notice things such as an irregular heart rhythm, signs of an allergic reaction, unusual body movements, or worsening of psychotic symptoms.

Haloperidol (Haldol) Drug Information

An Introduction to Side Effects of Haloperidol

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with haloperidol (Haldol^®). However, not everyone who takes haloperidol will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with haloperidol. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of haloperidol side effects with you.)

Common Haloperidol Side Effects

Haloperidol has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials.

In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.

In these studies, some of the common haloperidol side effects included:

Insomnia (see Haldol and Insomnia)
Restlessness
Drowsiness
Headaches
Confusion
Vertigo (a spinning sensation)
Hair loss
Sensitivity to the sun
Impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction or ED (see Haldol Sexual Side Effects)
An increased sex drive
Constipation or diarrhea
Nausea
Dry mouth (see Haldol and Dry Mouth)
Blurred vision
Difficulty passing urine.

(Side Effects of Haloperidol Continued: Page 2)