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If It Would Be Advisable To Start Back Up On The Haldol To See If Things Improve?
Question: Hello, I am a 62 year male. I have had Tourette’s syndrome all of my life (since 8-10 years old) and started taking Haldol around 30-32 years old (30 years ago). I believe I initially started with 3Mg a day and slowly over the years weaned myself down to 2Mg then the last year 1Mg. Last year I developed Tardive dyskinesia (lip smacking) so stopped taking Haldol entirely and started taking Clonidine (1M) for the Tourette’s and a specialty drug called Austedo for the tardive.
About 2 years ago I started developing some itching in my body, mostly the groin area and it has gotten progressively worse and more widespread. I now have a VERY painful itch, burning, tingling in many parts of my body such as my arms, legs and entire back that has become extremely hard to live with.
For the itching I have been to 2 dermatologists who found nothing and we eliminated that it was anything environmental. I have been to 3 allergists and tried 5 medications that did not help at all and stopped taking my routine medications (blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.) for a 2 week period to eliminate that as a cause. Of course I see a neurologist and my general physician. I just had my annual physical and all of my bloodwork is fine and this week had an ultra-sound of the stomach area looking for anything in an organ such as the liver, all is fine there as well.
Nothing helps with the constant pain and burning and itching sensation, I take some over the counter pain relievers and some Xanax for the anxiety this has caused me.
My general doctor still thinks this may be related to my Tourette’s, Haldol, or something Neurological related as he is at a loss of what I should do next. My Neurologist said this has nothing to do with that, so I wanted to get a 2nd opinion from you, a Neurologist.
I was also wondering if it would be advisable to start back up on the Haldol to see if things improve?
Mark
About 2 years ago I started developing some itching in my body, mostly the groin area and it has gotten progressively worse and more widespread. I now have a VERY painful itch, burning, tingling in many parts of my body such as my arms, legs and entire back that has become extremely hard to live with.
For the itching I have been to 2 dermatologists who found nothing and we eliminated that it was anything environmental. I have been to 3 allergists and tried 5 medications that did not help at all and stopped taking my routine medications (blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.) for a 2 week period to eliminate that as a cause. Of course I see a neurologist and my general physician. I just had my annual physical and all of my bloodwork is fine and this week had an ultra-sound of the stomach area looking for anything in an organ such as the liver, all is fine there as well.
Nothing helps with the constant pain and burning and itching sensation, I take some over the counter pain relievers and some Xanax for the anxiety this has caused me.
My general doctor still thinks this may be related to my Tourette’s, Haldol, or something Neurological related as he is at a loss of what I should do next. My Neurologist said this has nothing to do with that, so I wanted to get a 2nd opinion from you, a Neurologist.
I was also wondering if it would be advisable to start back up on the Haldol to see if things improve?
Mark
Brief Answer:
Peripheral neuropathy to consider.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
With the symptoms you described, peripheral neuropathy is a possible explanation.
It is linked with the damage of the small peripheral nerves by different factors including adverse effects of the drugs including those used by you, low vitamin B12, diabetes, etc.
To understand it correctly, nerve conduction study and EMG of your extremities are necessary.
If confirmed then the underlying cause should be treated.
Since you developed tardive dyskinesia, it is advisable to avoid haloperidol.
Drugs such gabapentin or pregabalin may be of benefit for your symptoms.
Discuss with your Neurologist these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Feel free to ask if you have further questions.
Thanks.
Peripheral neuropathy to consider.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
With the symptoms you described, peripheral neuropathy is a possible explanation.
It is linked with the damage of the small peripheral nerves by different factors including adverse effects of the drugs including those used by you, low vitamin B12, diabetes, etc.
To understand it correctly, nerve conduction study and EMG of your extremities are necessary.
If confirmed then the underlying cause should be treated.
Since you developed tardive dyskinesia, it is advisable to avoid haloperidol.
Drugs such gabapentin or pregabalin may be of benefit for your symptoms.
Discuss with your Neurologist these issues.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Feel free to ask if you have further questions.
Thanks.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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