Which medication is a long-acting injectable antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia?

Prepare for the Kentucky LCADC Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations for each question. Be exam-ready!

Long-acting injectables are used to maintain steady medication levels over weeks and improve adherence, which helps prevent relapse in schizophrenia. Haloperidol decanoate is a long-acting injectable antipsychotic that releases haloperidol slowly after an intramuscular injection, making it suitable for maintenance therapy. Because it provides ongoing dopamine D2 receptor blockade, it helps keep psychotic symptoms under control without the need for daily dosing. This makes it especially helpful for patients who have difficulty sticking to oral medications. Like other antipsychotics, it carries the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms and other side effects, so ongoing monitoring and dose management are important. While other agents may also have long-acting formulations, haloperidol LA is a classic option widely used for maintenance treatment in schizophrenia.