Haldol Decanoate Injection in Fort Lauderdale

Same-day visits are often possible

See us in our Fort Lauderdale office or by video anywhere in Florida. We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare and most major insurance plans. Se habla español.

Request an appointment Call (754) 270-6322

Haldol Decanoate is a long-acting shot of haloperidol, one of the oldest and most studied antipsychotics. It’s usually given every 4 weeks.

We give Haldol Decanoate at our Fort Lauderdale office for people with schizophrenia who need long-term treatment by injection.

What Is Haldol Decanoate?

Haloperidol is a conventional, or first-generation, antipsychotic. It changes the activity of certain natural chemicals in the brain. The decanoate form is mixed in oil and injected deep into a muscle, where it releases slowly over several weeks.

What It’s Used For

Schizophrenia, for people who need ongoing antipsychotic treatment by injection. It helps control symptoms but doesn’t cure the illness, so keep your appointments even when you feel well.

How the Shot Is Given

You need to be stable on an antipsychotic before switching. It’s best if you’ve already taken short-acting haloperidol and handled it well. That lowers the chance of a surprise reaction to a dose that lasts for weeks.

One of our medical providers gives the shot deep into a muscle, usually once a month or every 4 weeks. Early on, your provider watches closely and may adjust the dose or timing. Sometimes short-acting haloperidol is added while things settle.

Is It Right for Me?

Haloperidol usually isn’t a good choice for people with Parkinson’s disease. Your provider will also ask about heart rhythm problems such as QT prolongation, low potassium or magnesium, heart or thyroid disease, seizures, low white blood cell counts, balance problems and bipolar disorder. Mention St. John’s wort and any grapefruit juice habit.

If you’re pregnant, tell us. Haloperidol given late in pregnancy can cause problems for the newborn, so you and your provider will plan carefully.

Side Effects

The most common are movement side effects: stiffness, shaking, slowness or a shuffling walk. Some people have sudden eye movements they can’t control. Sleepiness and dizziness when standing are also common.

Call us right away or get emergency care if you have:

Fever, stiff muscles, sweating, confusion or a pounding or irregular heartbeat
Movements of the tongue, face, mouth or jaw you can’t control
Neck cramps, throat tightness or trouble breathing or swallowing
A seizure or falling
Yellow skin or eyes
An erection that lasts for hours

Important Safety Information

Antipsychotic medicines, including this one, raise the risk of death in older adults who have dementia-related psychosis. It isn’t approved to treat that.

Don’t drive until you know how it affects you, don’t drink alcohol, and get up slowly. Tell any doctor or dentist that you get Haldol Decanoate before a procedure.

If You Miss a Shot

Call us to reschedule as soon as possible.

Getting Haldol Decanoate at One Stop Psychiatry

1. Reach out

Call (754) 270-6322 or request an appointment online. We’re open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you already get this shot somewhere else and need a new place to keep it going, tell us when your next one is due so we can try to see you in time.

2. We check your coverage

Our staff verify your insurance, send your intake packet and confirm the time of your visit. Some plans require prior authorization before they’ll cover an injection. Our staff send your insurance company the information it asks for, but the insurance company makes the final decision on coverage.

3. Evaluation

Your provider goes over your history, the medicines you’ve tried, how you’ve done on them and your medical health. If you haven’t taken haloperidol before, your provider may start it by mouth first.

4. Your injection visits

Shots are given by our medical providers at our office at 3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale. Between shots, many check-ins can happen by video if you’re in Florida.

Common Questions

How often is Haldol Decanoate given?

Usually every 4 weeks, though your provider may adjust the timing.

Is Haldol Decanoate the same as Haldol?

Same medicine, different form. Regular haloperidol works for hours. The decanoate shot lasts for weeks.

Why choose an older medicine?

It’s been used for decades and works well for many people. Your provider will help you weigh it against newer options.

Does it cause movement side effects?

It can. Stiffness, shaking and restlessness are the most common side effects. Tell us early, because they can often be managed.

Does Medicaid cover it?

Coverage depends on your plan. We take Medicare and Medicaid, and our staff check your coverage first.

Insurance and Cost

We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and Optum, and we offer sliding-scale self-pay rates for visits. What you’ll pay for the medicine itself depends on your plan. We check your benefits before your first shot, though your insurance company makes the final call on coverage. More on insurance.

Several of our providers and staff speak Spanish.

We aren’t an emergency service. If you’re thinking about suicide or you’re in crisis, call or text 988. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DO, psychiatrist, on October 6, 2026.

Sources: FDA label: Haldol Decanoate; MedlinePlus: Haloperidol Injection. This page is general information, not medical advice.

Who You'll See

Your care is with our team of psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Some of them speak Spanish. Our staff can help you choose someone who's a good fit.

Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DOPsychiatrist

Dr. Murtaza Ali, DOAddiction specialist and family physician

Dr. Heather Brathwaite, PhD, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner

Michelle KovalPsychiatric nurse practitioner

Neal Fouke, PAPsychiatric physician assistant

Muhammad Nawaz, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner

Request an Appointment

Tell us how to reach you. Our team calls back the same business day, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Your appointment is confirmed once staff call you to set the time and place.

Prefer to talk to someone? Call (754) 270-6322.

Our Office

3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Phone: (754) 270-6322. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Video visits are available anywhere in Florida. Directions and parking.