Haloperidol, a widely used antipsychotic

Haloperidol is a type of antipsychotic drug that is usually used in medicine. It is one of the first medications that began to use To treat mental illnesses. We will know what is, what applications and its importance in the field of mental disorders.

Content

• What is haloperidol
• Haloperidol consumption risks
• Dependence and overdose
  • Bibliographic references

What is haloperidol

Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medicine that is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorders and other psychiatric disorders. Haloperidol acts in the central nervous system for reduce psychotic symptoms, such as delusions and hallucinations.

Haloperidol belongs to a class of medicines known as dopamine antagonists, which They act blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in the regulation of motor activity, emotion and cognition. By blocking dopamine receptors, haloperidol reduces dopamine activity in certain areas of the brain, which can reduce psychotic symptoms.

This medicine can be administered orally, intramuscularly or intravenously, depending on the patient's medical condition and the severity of symptoms. Haloperidol is a rapid action drug that can provide relief of psychotic symptoms within a period of hours or days.

Haloperidol is also prescribed in states of psychomotor agitation, manic states, panic disorders, anxiety, and even to help control stuttering. Is used to control motor tics and verbal tics And it can be used in people with Tourette syndrome.

Haloperidol consumption risks

Haloperidol consumption can have serious side effects, especially if taken in high doses or for a prolonged period of time. Some of the most common side effects include Drowsiness, dizziness, tremor, muscle stiffness, extrapyramidal disorders (involuntary movements), changes in appetite and weight gain.

In addition, haloperidol consumption can Increase the risk of heart problems, as arrhythmias, and can reduce blood pressure, which can cause dizziness and fainting. The prolonged use of haloperidol can also cause Late dyskinesia, which is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary movements of the mouth and limbs.

Haloperidol can also have interactions with other medications and can increase the risk of severe side effects if taken with alcohol or other drugs.

Although The good results this medication has given, There are also some contraindications. This is usual in the field of antipsychotics in general, because on many occasions they usually have adverse side effects.

Some of the contraindications are that, by blocking dopamine receptors, motor disorders such as resting tremor and typical Parkinson stiffness can be produced. This is something to value and what a special follow -up must be done.

Another of the adverse effects that are contemplated by the consumption of this drug is that It produces severe sleepiness. They are medications that affect the usual functioning of the brain, so this type of side effects is very common.

Dependence and overdose

Haloperidol can cause physical and psychological dependence on users. Haloperidol's long -term use can lead to tolerance, which means that an increasing dose is needed to achieve the same effects, and dependency, which can cause withdrawal symptoms by interrupting its use that may include anxiety, insomnia , cold sweats, muscle pains and diarrhea. Therefore, the gradual dose reduction is necessary to avoid these symptoms ..

Haloperidol overdose can be dangerous and even mortal. The symptoms of an overdose of haloperidol can include Extreme sleepiness, confusion, dizziness, difficulty breathing, hypotension and, in some cases, death.

It is important to keep in mind that haloperidol must be prescribed and used under the supervision of a doctor, since it is a medication that can be addictive and has potentially serious side effects. If an overdose or serious side effects are suspected, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Abuse and dependence of benzodiazepines

Bibliographic references

• Álvarez-Silva, s., & Pérez-García, M. (2017). Haloperidol: a classic neuroleptic with new therapeutic perspectives. Neurology Magazine, 64 (1), 23-29.
• Gómez-Maqueo Chew, A., & Domínguez-Sánchez, and. R. (2016). Haloperidol in clinical practice: a review. Magazine of the Mexican Association of Psychiatry, 3 (3), 110-118.
• González-Pinto Arrillaga, A., & Vieta Pascual, and. (2007). Haloperidol in the treatment of mania. Clinical Medicine, 129 (2), 63-68.
• Barros-Gutiérrez, i., & Nenclares-Portocarrero, to. (2016). Haloperidol: more than 50 years of an effective and safe antipsychotic. Spanish Psychiatry Acts, 44 (2), 58-66.
• SERRANO-DELGADO, p., & Fábrega-Jiménez, to. M. (2005). Efficacy and side effects of haloperidol in the treatment of psychosis. Biological Psychiatry, 12 (4), 171-178.