Haldol, generically known as haloperidol, is a medication primarily used in the treatment of schizophrenia, acute psychotic states, and delirium. It belongs to a class of drugs known as antipsychotics, specifically, the typical or first-generation antipsychotics. Haldol works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps to reduce symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking. It may also be used for controlling motor and speech tics in people with Tourette's syndrome. Haldol can be administered orally or as an injectable form, including a long-acting version that is given every four weeks, which is useful for patients requiring a consistent medication regimen to manage their symptoms. Like all medications, Haldol can have side effects, including drowsiness, dry mouth, and muscle stiffness, and it carries a risk for more serious side effects such as tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, making monitoring by a healthcare professional important.