What is haloperidol used for?
Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medicine used to treat certain severe mental health conditions, especially when symptoms involve agitation, hallucinations, or delusions. It is also used for short-term control of acute behavioral disturbances in some settings. [1][2]
Which conditions does it treat?
Common clinical uses include:
- Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, including symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. [1]
- Acute psychosis or severe agitation in people with psychotic illness. [1]
- Delirium-related agitation in hospital settings in some cases (typically when clinicians judge it appropriate and safer options are not suitable). [2]
Is it used for aggression or severe agitation?
Yes. Haloperidol is sometimes prescribed (or given in urgent settings) to help control dangerous or severe agitation, especially when agitation is linked to psychosis or delirium. [1][2]
How is it given, and does that change what it’s used for?
Haloperidol can be prescribed in different forms (commonly tablets by mouth; and injectable forms used in healthcare settings). Clinicians choose route and dosing based on how urgent the symptoms are and the patient’s situation. [1][2]
What should people know before using it?
Haloperidol can cause serious side effects, and it’s important that use is supervised by a clinician. Patients and caregivers often ask about side effects such as movement-related symptoms, sedation, and heart-rhythm concerns; these risks are part of why dosing and monitoring matter. [1][2]
Sources
- DrugBank - Haloperidol Uses
- NHS - Haloperidol