Haldol Side Effects

Generic name: haloperidol

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 4, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about haloperidol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Haldol.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to haloperidol: compounding powder, injectable solution, intramuscular solution, oral concentrate, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most common side effects include extrapyramidal disorder, insomnia, and agitation.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Extrapyramidal disorder (up to 34%), hyperkinesia (up to 13%), headache (up to 12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Tardive dyskinesia, dystonia, dyskinesia, akathisia, bradykinesia, hypertonia, somnolence, masked facies, tremor, dizziness, parkinsonism/parkinsonian effects
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Convulsion, akinesia, cogwheel rigidity, sedation, involuntary muscle contractions, gait disturbance, persistent tardive dyskinesia
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Motor dysfunction, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, nystagmus
• Frequency not reported: Drowsiness, epileptic/grand mal seizure, vertigo, lethargy
• Postmarketing reports: Opisthotonos^[Ref]

Acute dystonia usually occurred early in treatment.

Sedation may occur more frequently in elderly patients.

Akathisia usually occurred within 6 hours of administration and may be indistinguishable from psychotic agitation.^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (up to 19%), agitation (up to 15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Depression, psychotic disorder
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Confusion, increased/decreased libido, restlessness, hallucinations
• Frequency not reported: Apparent exacerbation of psychotic symptoms, anxiety, euphoria, agitation, apprehension, toxic psychosis, catatonic-like behavioral states^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Constipation, dry mouth, salivary hypersecretion/hypersalivation, nausea, vomiting
• Frequency not reported: Dyspepsia, diarrhea, heartburn, excessive salivation^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary retention, erectile dysfunction, sexual dysfunction
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, galactorrhea, breast discomfort/pain
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Menorrhagia, menstrual disorder
• Frequency not reported: Priapism, oligomenorrhea, mastalgia, breast engorgement, lactation^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Orthostatic hypotension, hypotension
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Tachycardia, edema
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): QT prolongation (on ECG)
• Frequency not reported: Ventricular fibrillation, Torsade de pointes/polymorphous configuration of Torsade de pointes, ventricular tachycardia, extrasystoles, peripheral edema, venous thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, unusual bleeding, heat stroke
• Postmarketing reports: Ventricular arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, hypertension^[Ref]

QT prolongation, Torsade de pointes, ventricular arrhythmias/fibrillation/tachycardia and cardiac arrest occurred more frequently at high doses and/or in patients at risk for cardiovascular side effects.

Tachycardia and hypotension may occur more frequently in elderly patients. Hypotension occurred as a dose-related event.

Heat stroke included hot, dry skin, the inability to sweat, muscle weakness, and/or confusion.^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Weight increased/decreased
• Frequency not reported: Hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, loss of appetite, anorexia, hyponatremia
• Postmarketing reports: Hyperammonemia^[Ref]

Hyperammonemia occurred in a pediatric patient with citrullinemia (inherited disorder of ammonia excretion).^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Oculogyric crisis, visual disturbance
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Blurred vision
• Frequency not reported: Cataracts, retinopathy^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Rash
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Photosensitivity reaction, urticaria, pruritus, hyperhidrosis
• Frequency not reported: Exfoliative dermatitis, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, maculopapular/acneiform skin reactions, alopecia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Muscle rigidity
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Torticollis, muscle spasms, musculoskeletal stiffness
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Trismus, muscle twitching
• Postmarketing reports: Rhabdomyolysis^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Hyperthermia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Unusual tiredness/weakness
• Frequency not reported: Neonatal drug withdrawal syndrome, sudden/unexpected death, face edema, hypothermia^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal liver function test
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hepatitis, jaundice
• Frequency not reported: Acute hepatic failure, cholestasis, impaired liver function^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site reaction
• Frequency not reported: Injection site abscesses, localized erythema/swelling/tender lumps^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dyspnea
• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Bronchospasm
• Frequency not reported: Laryngeal edema, laryngospasm, pulmonary embolism, increased respiratory rate/depth, sore throat, bronchopneumonia/lethal bronchopneumonia^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Leukopenia
• Frequency not reported: Agranulocytosis, neutropenia, pancytopenia, thrombocytopenia, unusual bruising, decreased red blood cell counts, anemia, lymphocytosis, monocytosis, lymphomonocytosis^[Ref]

Agranulocytosis included sore throat/fever and unusual bleeding/bruising, and typically occurred with concurrent use of other drugs.

Leukopenia and leukocytosis were usually mild and transient.^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity reactions
• Frequency not reported: Anaphylactic reaction^[Ref]

Endocrine

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Hyperprolactinemia
• Frequency not reported: Inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, gynecomastia^[Ref]

Inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion occurred with hyponatremia^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What drugs cause tardive dyskinesia?

Further information

Haldol side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

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