What are the side effects of the drug Benperidol?

Extrapyramidal side effects

Benperidol can cause extrapyramidal side effects due to its dopamine receptor blocking effects. These include:

  • Dystonia – sustained muscle spasms and abnormal movements, especially of face, neck and back. Can appear shortly after starting or changing dosage.
  • Akathisia – uncomfortable sensations of inner restlessness that causes an inability to sit still. Feeling of irritability and urge to move.
  • Parkinsonism – tremors, rigid muscles, impaired speech, mask-like face. Can occur at high doses or long term treatment.
  • Tardive dyskinesia – slow, repetitive, uncontrollable movements, especially of tongue, face and mouth. Usually appears after long term use or high dosages. May be irreversible. Sedation and drowsiness
    Benperidol activates histamine H1 receptors which can cause sedation, drowsiness and impaired alertness. This risk is higher at the start of treatment or when doses are increased. Patients should be advised against driving or operating heavy machinery.

Orthostatic hypotension

Due to its alpha-adrenergic blocking effects, benperidol may cause a drop in blood pressure upon standing from sitting or lying down. Can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness and falls. Patient should change positions slowly. Blood pressure monitoring may be required.

Anticholinergic effects

By blocking muscarinic receptors, benperidol produces anticholinergic effects like:

  • Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation – due to reduced parasympathetic stimulation.
  • Urinary retention – especially in men with prostatic hyperplasia. Close monitoring required.
  • Memory impairment and confusion – higher risk in elderly patients. Lower doses and close monitoring advised.

QT prolongation

Benperidol can prolong the QT interval on ECG, increasing risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Patients with cardiac conditions may be at higher risk. Close monitoring required and ECG may be needed, especially with IV administration or overdose.

Other effects

Additional adverse effects include hypertension or hypotension, tachycardia, weight gain, and hyperprolactinemia which can cause menstrual changes, breast engorgement, and gynecomastia.

In summary, benperidol can produce a number of troublesome side effects due its wide range of pharmacological actions. Careful dosing, titration, and monitoring are necessary to limit side effects. In many cases, lower doses or switching to alternative antipsychotics may be required if side effects are severe or persistent.


There are various forms of drugs available, such as tablets or liquids, and each may have a separate patient information leaflet (PIL) for different doses. It is important to refer to the PIL for the specific form and dose of the drug that you have been prescribed.

You can search for further information and PILs on websites such as:

  • The British National Formulary (BNF)
  • Electronic medicines compendium (emc)
  • The National Library of Medicine's DailyMed
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
  • Different drug forms like tablets or liquids have specific patient information leaflets (PIL) for various doses. Refer to the PIL for your prescribed drug form and dose.

    Search for PILs on websites like:

    France

    • ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé): ansm.sante.fr

    Spain

    • AEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios): aemps.gob.es

    Germany

    • BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte): bfarm.de

    Italy

    For questions about your medication:

    • Consult your doctor, a healthcare professional, or a pharmacist

    France

    • Contact SOS Médecins: 3624
    • For mental health support, contact SOS Suicide: 01 45 39 40 00

    Belgium (French)

    Switzerland (French)

    • La Main Tendue: 143
    • Website: 143.ch

    Canada (French)

    • Centre de prévention du suicide du Québec: 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)
    • Website: cpsquebec.ca

    Spain

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Teléfono de la Esperanza: 717 003 717

    Germany

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222

    Italy

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefono Amico: 199 284 284

    Netherlands

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact 113 Zelfmoordpreventie: 0800 0113

    Portugal

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Sos Voz Amiga: 21 354 45 45, 91 280 26 69, or 96 352 46 60

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