What class of medication is Haloperidol commonly known as?

Haloperidol is commonly classified as an antipsychotic medication. This class of drugs is primarily used to manage various mental health disorders, including schizophrenia and acute psychosis. Antipsychotics like Haloperidol work by modulating neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine, which can help alleviate symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and agitation.

Haloperidol’s effectiveness in treating such conditions stems from its ability to bind to dopamine receptors, inhibiting their activity and thus reducing the overactivity of dopamine that can contribute to psychotic symptoms. Its use is well-documented in the acute setting, where rapid control of severe agitation or psychosis may be necessary, particularly in emergency medical contexts.

Understanding the therapeutic use of Haloperidol as an antipsychotic aids in recognizing its role in the management of mental health crises, distinguishing it from medications like analgesics, which are used for pain relief, loop diuretics, which help eliminate excess fluid, and sympathomimetics, which stimulate sympathetic nervous system activity.