What is a potential side effect of haloperidol?

Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat conditions like schizophrenia and acute psychosis. A known potential side effect of haloperidol is poor muscle coordination, which is linked to its impact on the central nervous system and its ability to block dopamine receptors. This blockade can lead to extrapyramidal symptoms, which encompass movement disorders characterized by tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia—the slowing of movement. These symptoms can manifest as difficulties with balance and coordination as well.

Other common side effects associated with haloperidol include dizziness, weight gain, and nausea, but in the context of the specific selection, poor muscle coordination stands out as a distinctive side effect closely associated with the neurological effects of the drug. Understanding these side effects is crucial for managing patients on haloperidol to ensure adequate monitoring and intervention when necessary.