According to numerous studies, haloperidol is antipsychotically efficacious in different forms of schizophrenia. A significant improvement can be achieved in approximately 70% of the treated subjects. When adequate doses are administered, this result can also be achieved with other neuroleptic agents; haloperidol is particularly well documented and it is valued for its relatively mild sedative effect. Haloperidol decanoate, which is administered intramuscularly as a depot preparation, is one of several alternatives for long-term therapy. Haloperidol is also used for the treatment of manias, especially at the beginning of treatment until effective plasma levels of lithium have been reached.

Haloperidol has also been prescribed for numerous other diseases and symptoms. It can be considered the drug of choice for Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. It can be administered instead of a benzodiazepine for acute behavioural disturbances when i.v. injections do not succeed. It can be tried in small doses for organic brain syndrome with severe refractory agitation. Haloperidol may improve hiccup. Occasionally it is used against nausea and pain.

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