Opinions On Haloperidol/Med Options

November 23, 2010

We have been trying one med after another with my 8 year old son. The biggest

issue we have been trying to help are his facial tics. These started 2 years

ago when we tried him on Concerta. After that we tried Stratera and Clonidine

to try to help the tics, but I was freaked out and that point and decided to

give up on meds.

Fast forward 2 years later, and the tics are worse....so much so that he

complains his neck hurts. He is more aggressive, angry, and talks about dying.

I decided at this point to try meds again...which was back in August. Since

then, he has been on Intuniv, Abilify, and Risperdol. Today he was switched to

Haloperidol. I have noticed through each med that he is a much happier child

and much easier to get along with. He is doing better with his behavior at

school.....although he still has a hard time keeping quiet and not interrupting

(if that is my biggest issue.....I will take it!).

The Intuniv made him tired and did not help the tics. Abilify helped the most

with his behavior, but again, the tics were getting worse. Finally, the

Risperdol took away the tics!!!!! However, he is falling asleep at school,

having bathroom accidents (which I find out tonight are a side effect.....I just

thought he was extra tired at night and not waking up), gaining weight (gained

10lbs in 2 months from 65lbs to 75lbs), and his behavior is reverting back a

little.

So the doctor decides to try Haloperidol. I like the fact that it is an older

drug and only cost me $4!! He said that weight gain will not be in issue nor

will the incontinence. However, I do see that a side effect is

sleepiness/dizziness. He started him out on .25 mg once a day, so it is a very

low dose (in fact, the pharmacy had nothing lower than 2mg so I will have to cut

it in 1/4....he said he had never seen a dose this low). I like the fact that

it is prescribed for Tourette's, but not liking the fact that it can cause

muscle spasms. I asked the doc how common this was, he said about 5%, but also

said he has never seen it with anyone on this low of a dose. He said if I see

his face stiffen up or his eyes looking up....I should give him a dose of

Benedryl and give him a call. Ok....that freaks me out just a little! These

facial tics have been freaking me out. There is also the chance of tardive

dyskinesia.....which also freaks me out.

So, I am wonder if anyone has opinions on Haloperidol and/or opinions on meds in

general. Would love any information from someone who has been through this

before. I start feeling so guilty about giving him meds and worry so much they

will affect is future health.

Thanks for listening,

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