benperidol at a glance
Medicine class
First-generation butyrophenone antipsychotic.
Licensed use
Control of deviant anti-social sexual behaviour.
What is benperidol used for?
The selected UK product has one licensed indication.
Control of deviant anti-social sexual behaviour.
How does benperidol work?
Benperidol strongly blocks dopamine D2 receptors. This reduces dopamine signalling in brain pathways involved in behaviour and movement and can also cause movement-related adverse effects.
benperidol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dizziness, headache, sleepiness or reduced alertness.
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, reduced appetite or increased saliva.
- Tremor, stiffness, slowed movement, restlessness or muscle spasms.
- Weight change and prolactin-related effects such as altered periods, breast enlargement or unexpected milk production.
- Light-headedness from reduced blood pressure.
Get urgent medical advice
- Fever, rigidity, sweating, rapid breathing or reduced consciousness: possible neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
- New or worsening involuntary movements of the tongue, face, mouth or jaw; severe eye or throat spasms.
- Fainting, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, or seizures.
- Painful leg swelling, chest pain or difficulty breathing: possible venous thromboembolism.
- Yellow skin or eyes, severe allergic swelling, or signs of a blood disorder such as unexplained fever or infection.
benperidol in pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy has not been established, and the UK product information advises against use during pregnancy. After late-pregnancy exposure, the newborn may need monitoring for abnormal muscle tone, tremor, sleepiness, agitation, breathing difficulty or feeding problems. Discuss pregnancy planning or suspected pregnancy promptly with the specialist prescriber.
benperidol while breastfeeding
The UK product information does not recommend benperidol during breastfeeding because butyrophenones enter breast milk. Specialist assessment is appropriate if treatment is considered essential.
benperidol interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all prescribed, over-the-counter and recreational substances. Important examples include:
Alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, opioids and sedating antihistamines
Can increase drowsiness, reduced alertness and central nervous system depression.
QT-prolonging medicines, including amiodarone and moxifloxacin
May increase the risk of dangerous heart-rhythm disturbances and should be avoided.
Medicines causing electrolyte imbalance
May increase susceptibility to QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias.
Common questions about benperidol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is benperidol licensed for schizophrenia in the UK?
Not in the selected product: its UK licence is for controlling deviant anti-social sexual behaviour. Research evidence for benperidol in schizophrenia is very limited.
Can benperidol be stopped suddenly?
Sudden withdrawal can cause nausea, vomiting or sleeplessness and may allow symptoms to return. Discontinuation should follow the prescriber's plan.
More questions about benperidol
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.