HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Are The Side Effects Of Haldol?

Posted on Tue, 5 Jul 2016

Question: What are the side effects of Haldol when used as a tool in the E. R.?

Can it effect breathing and therefore reduce the amount of Oxygen in the lungs causing Hypoxemia?
(I have never been given Haldol before and I am not schizophrenic.)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Not in normal doses.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Haldol is used sometimes in the E.R. in order to control agitation, acute psychotic changes, etc.

Hypoxemia is not a common side effect of normal doses of Haldol, but can happen in overdose.

It is necessary to know what dose did you get and your body weight.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (8 hours later)

Thank you for your reply. I have a big fight on my hands. I believe I was given anti psychotic drugs instead of pain medication for the acute pain. I have no memory of the following 7-1/2 hours before I was taken into the E. R. and no memory of being placed in the I. C. U. on life support with a breathing tube, feeding tube (though I am obese) and restrained. This Kidney stone wasn't a 2/3 day stay in the hospital it was a 10 day stay. It was and is a nightmare. Once again thank you for your help.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Glad I helped.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

Glad I've been of help.

Feel free to discuss with us if you have any other queries.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (3 days later)

I received anti-psychotic meds via IV everyday, numerous times a day for 10 days because a doctor incorrectly diagnosed me with having Schizophrenia after I was taken to Emergency by 911 suffering from acute pain from a Kidney stone stuck in the ureter causing a 100% blockage of the kidney. Besides loss of memory can you tell me all side effects (short term as well as long term; if any) caused by the use of I. V. anti-psychotics in this way. I know I experienced memory loss (so I have no idea what took place for periods of times). Every time I started coming to, the report states I became agitated and they immediately administered another IV dose of anti-psychotic medicine. I was kept basically unconscious for the entire unnecessary stay.

Your reply to the above will be greatly appreciated.

I only know every time I started to come to and ask to see a doctor I was given another shot of Haldol strong enough to knock me out again. I am seeking the possible side effects of this and other anti-psychotic drugs administered via IV.
Kindly reply.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Side effects of antipsychotics listed below.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back and thanks for being on follow up.

While hypoxia is a possible condition related to Haldol overdose, common side effects of Haldol include nausea, vomitng, dry mouth, dizziness, mood changes, restlessness, sleep problems etc.

Memory issues is not a common side effect of Haldol and antipsychotic drugs use, but it can't be excluded entirely as a possibility.

Hope I helped you.

Best regards.

Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D