EFFICACY OF HALOPERIDOL IN TREATING POSITIVE SYMPTOMS OF SCHIZOPHRENIA: A FOCUS ON PARKINSONISM AS AN ADVERSE EFFECT-A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Objective-This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of haloperidol in treating positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations. It also focuses on assessing the major adverse effects, specifically Parkinsonism and other extrapyramidal symptoms, to better understand the clinical trade-offs of using haloperidol. Methods-A thorough literature search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, covering studies published between 2015 and 2025. Keywords related to haloperidol, schizophrenia, positive symptoms, and extrapyramidal side effects were used. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria ensured that only high-quality and relevant studies were selected for analysis. Results-The review found that haloperidol remains effective in managing positive symptoms of schizophrenia, particularly in acute psychiatric settings due to its rapid action. However, a considerable number of studies reported a high prevalence of extrapyramidal side effects, with Parkinsonism being among the most common. These side effects often limited its long-term use. Conclusion-While haloperidol is a reliable and quick-acting antipsychotic for acute management, its risk of inducing significant neurological side effects makes it less favorable for long-term treatment. Clinicians are advised to weigh the benefits of symptom control against the risks of Parkinsonism, often opting for second-generation antipsychotics for maintenance therapy.