Haldol: Side Effects and Uses

Study Notes

Haldol (haloperidol) is used to treat schizophrenia, delirium, bipolar disorder, and drug psychosis.
Side effects of Haldol include cramps, depression, dry mouth, fatigue, muscle stiffness, restlessness, tremors, and weight gain.
Haldol may cause movement disorders, known as extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS).
Zyprexa (olanzapine) is used to treat anxiety disorders, eating disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and schizophrenia.
Side effects of Zyprexa include apathy, dizziness, dry mouth, aggressiveness, increased appetite, low blood pressure, runny nose, and weight gain.
Zyprexa may cause movement disorders, known as extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NPS).

Analgesics help manage pain by inhibiting pain response, reducing inflammation, and relaxing muscles.
Anti-inflammatory medications reduce swelling and irritation, and help heal certain types of injuries more quickly.
Muscle relaxants reduce painful muscle movements.

Antidepressants help manage depression by inhibiting the use of certain chemicals, such as serotonin, in the brain.
Antidepressants can relieve depression and physical pain.

Antipsychotics help manage symptoms of psychiatric conditions by inhibiting the overuse of chemicals, such as dopamine, in the brain.
Antipsychotics help avoid psychotic episodes and other symptoms associated with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

Anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medications) help manage anxiety by changing how chemical receptors in the brain use certain chemicals.
Anxiolytics can help suppress anxiety and enable normal functioning.
Sleep medications help a person rest and can be essential for those suffering from insomnia.