Haloperidol decanoate-intramuscular injection

There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat, pneumonia) when this medication is used by older adults with dementia. This medication is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related behavior problems. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication, as well as other effective and possibly safer treatments for dementia-related behavior problems, with the doctor.

Haloperidol decanoate is used for long-term treatment of a certain mental/mood disorder (schizophrenia). It may be used in people who have trouble remembering to take medication every day. This medicine helps you to think more clearly, feel less nervous, and take part in everyday life. It can also prevent suicide in people who are likely to harm themselves. It also reduces aggression and the desire to hurt others. It can decrease negative thoughts and hallucinations.Haloperidol decanoate is a long-acting form of psychiatric medication (antipsychotic-type) that works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.OTHER This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.Haloperidol is also used for severe behavior problems in hyperactive children when other treatments or medications have not worked.

Most likely, you have used the form of haloperidol that is taken by mouth. Your doctor is using this form of haloperidol so that you won't have to remember to take this medication every day.This medication is the long-acting form of haloperidol. It is injected deep into a muscle (usually the buttocks) by a healthcare professional. Your first dose may be divided and given in separate injections given 3-7 days apart. After your doctor has found the best dose for you, this medication is usually given once every 3-4 weeks. Your dosage is based on your condition and response to therapy.This medication takes a while to start working, so you will need to continue to take your other medication by mouth until your doctor tells you to stop.This medication must be used as prescribed. Do not suddenly stop using this drug without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may worsen if the medication is suddenly stopped.Inform your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.

Dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty urinating, trouble sleeping, headache, anxiety, and pain at the injection site may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.Tell your doctor promptly if any of these side effects occur: muscle spasm/stiffness, shaking (tremor), restlessness, mask-like facial expression, drooling. Your doctor may prescribe another medication for you to take with haloperidol to decrease these side effects.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.In rare cases, haloperidol may increase your level of a certain chemical made by the body (prolactin). For females, this increase in prolactin may result in unwanted breast milk, missed/stopped periods, or difficulty becoming pregnant. For males, it may result in decreased sexual ability, inability to produce sperm, or enlarged breasts. If you develop any of these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately.For males, in the unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection (lasting more than 4 hours), stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems may occur.This medication may rarely cause a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. In some cases, this condition may be permanent. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any facial/muscle twitching such as tongue thrusting, chewing movements, puffing or puckering of your mouth, or uncontrollable shaking.This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, muscle stiffness/pain/tenderness/weakness, severe tiredness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, dark urine, change in the amount of urine.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing of eyes/skin, seizures, signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat).Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: slow heartbeat, severe dizziness, chest pain, fainting.A very severe allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.