can you become addicted to the prescription drug haldol (haloperidol)?

Question

i really need the symptoms of abuse (addiction) and withdrawl symptoms. i have a friend and am really worried she is abusing her medication. i have checked sites but to no avail. they all say tranquilizers are addictive, but when listed haldol is not among them. i would appreciate resources listed if any are used. thank you for your time

Answer 1

There are two varieties of tranquilizers: Major and Minor tranquilizers. Haldol is a MAJOR Tranquilizer, similar to phenothiazines like Stelazine and Thorazine.

Oddly, the MINOR tranquilizers are the ones that are addictive for the following reasons: (1) They provide an immediate anxiety reduction and a pleasant sense of well-being; (2) over time you must take more & more to get the same effect; and (3) cessation can lead to physical withdrawal symptoms, including seizure.

Drugs like Haldol are only prescribed for thought disorders such as profound delusions or hallucinations. They can also help people sleep if they are in the midst of a manic episode. However, the mechanism of action does not lead to a need for increasing dosages, and in general, they don't provide the sense of well-being associated with minor tranquilizers. As a matter of fact, the side-effects to drugs such as haldol can be quite unpleasant, and include muscle rigidity, loss of control of your tongue, blurred vision, dry mouth, breathing problems, and pacing. While you can experience an increase in anxiety and psychotic symptoms upon cessation of the drug, there is no physical risk during drug withdrawal.

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Answer 2

Haldol is an antipsychotic and is not physically addictive. Antipsychotics used to be referred to as "major tranquilizers" whereas sedatives such as Valium were called "minor tranquilizers". The "minor tranquilizers" (the benzodiazepines) can be physically addictive but the antipsychotics are not.

Answer 3

Haldol IS physically addictive, but from what I understand, it's rather unpleasant to take ONE dose, let alone more than one. I've never known a person using Haldol to want to take more on purpose.

If you're really worried though, contact her caseworker if she has one. He/She won't be able to give you private info, but they can listen.

Answer 4

No it is not addictive. But certainly any medication can be misused, specially by someone who is mentally ill. Your friend could be having some residual symptoms and trying to self medicate. Take her to her shrink!

Answer 5

Haldol is an anti-phsycosis Medication. It is addictive and if she trys to stop in her own, she may become very sick. Im talking head in the toilet for days.