Even in therapeutic doses, haloperidol commonly causes extrapyramidal movement disorders, especially parkinsonism, acute dyskinesias, and akathisia (motorial excitation). Up to 40% of elderly people who are treated with neuroleptics develop tardive (often orofacial) dyskinesia.

Other side-effects are not common (in 10 to 20% of the treated subjects). Anticholinergic effects (e.g. dry mouth), consequences of hyperprolactinemia (menstruation disorders, galactorrhea, impotence), seborrheic dermatitis and gastrointestinal ailments have been observed.

Dangerous complications (ventricular arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, neuroleptic malignant syndrome) are very rare.

Haloperidol: Interactions

In combination with high doses of lithium there is an increased risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Other antidopaminergic agents (e.g. metoclopramide) increase the risk of extrapyramidal disturbances. Enzyme inhibition (like other neuroleptics): cf. methotrimeprazine.

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