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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Anne Sennish on April 10, 2000, at 18:53:42
The PDR says Haldol and Lithium should not be prescribed together. But two pharmacists I have consulted say it can be. Is this combination of drugs all right, or is it a definite no-no? How can I find a definitive answer? It's important, for this combinatation has been prescribed for my daughter.
Posted by bob on April 10, 2000, at 19:38:29
In reply to Haldol with Lithium, posted by Anne Sennish on April 10, 2000, at 18:53:42
> How can I find a definitive answer?
Talk to the doctor who prescribed this for your daughter and mention your concerns, as well as the source.
I just took a look in one of my (borrowed) books and it describes how, prior to the 90's at least, this combination was considered to be problematic, but largely based on anecdotal evidence. The main problem cited was with "severe neurotoxicity". A few studies in the early 90's found no problem in combining the meds, suggesting that any neurotoxic reactions to lithium/haldol were most likely cases that would have shown neurotoxicity to lithium alone or neuroleptic malignant syndrome with the haldol. So, apparently, the problem is not with the combination but with the individual meds on their own and the adverse reactions some people have to them.
Again, talk to your daughter's doctor. Don't leave until you understand why these meds are being prescribed -- not because of the lithium/haldol cocktail, but because you deserve to be this informed-you need to be this informed-in the first place.
Coming here for information is just one step in your education. Don't settle for an answer that will settle your concerns. The more educated you are about your daughter's condition and how it can be treated, the better you'll be able to make an informed contribution to her care.
best wishes,
bob
Posted by Anne Sennish on April 10, 2000, at 20:41:17
In reply to Re: Haldol with Lithium, posted by bob on April 10, 2000, at 19:38:29
> > How can I find a definitive answer?
>
> Talk to the doctor who prescribed this for your daughter and mention your concerns, as well as the source.
>
> I just took a look in one of my (borrowed) books and it describes how, prior to the 90's at least, this combination was considered to be problematic, but largely based on anecdotal evidence. The main problem cited was with "severe neurotoxicity". A few studies in the early 90's found no problem in combining the meds, suggesting that any neurotoxic reactions to lithium/haldol were most likely cases that would have shown neurotoxicity to lithium alone or neuroleptic malignant syndrome with the haldol. So, apparently, the problem is not with the combination but with the individual meds on their own and the adverse reactions some people have to them.
>
> Again, talk to your daughter's doctor. Don't leave until you understand why these meds are being prescribed -- not because of the lithium/haldol cocktail, but because you deserve to be this informed-you need to be this informed-in the first place.
>
> Coming here for information is just one step in your education. Don't settle for an answer that will settle your concerns. The more educated you are about your daughter's condition and how it can be treated, the better you'll be able to make an informed contribution to her care.
>
> best wishes,
> bob
This is the end of the thread.
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