This medication is a long-acting form of fluphenazine that is used to treat certain mental/mood problems (chronic schizophrenia). Fluphenazine decanoate is usually used in patients who have benefited from regular doses of short-acting forms of fluphenazine and who may benefit from long-term (maintenance) treatment with less frequent dosing. Fluphenazine belongs to a class of medications called phenothiazines and is also referred to as a neuroleptic. It works by affecting the balance of natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. Some of the benefits of continued use of this medication include reduced episodes of hallucinations, delusions, or bizarre behaviors that occur in patients with schizophrenia. This product does not work right away. It may take 1-3 days to notice an effect from this drug, and up to 4 days to experience the full effect. For severe agitation or other symptoms, use a short-acting medication as directed by your doctor. This medication is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. Also, it should not be used to manage behavioral problems in patients with mental retardation.
Drowsiness, lethargy, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, loss of appetite, sweating, dry mouth, blurred vision, headache, constipation, and pain/redness at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Dizziness and lightheadedness can increase the risk of falling. Get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: feelings of restlessness, mask-like facial expression, greatly increased saliva, tremors, unusual mental/mood changes (such as depression, worsening of psychosis), confusion, unusual dreams, frequent urination or difficulty urinating, vision problems, weight change, swelling of the feet/ankles, fainting, skin discoloration, butterfly-shaped facial rash, joint pain, seizures. In rare instances, this medication may increase your level of a certain hormone (prolactin). For females, this rare increase in prolactin may result in unwanted breast milk, missing/stopped menstrual periods, or difficulty becoming pregnant. For males, it may result in decreased sexual ability, inability to produce sperm, or enlarged breasts. If you develop any of these symptoms, tell your doctor right away. Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur. Fluphenazine may rarely cause a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. In some cases, this condition may be permanent. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any unusual/uncontrolled movements (especially of the face, mouth, tongue, arms, or legs). This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, muscle stiffness/pain/tenderness/weakness, severe tiredness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, dark urine, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). This drug may rarely cause serious blood problems (such as agranulocytosis, leukopenia) or liver problems. Get medical help right away if you notice any of the following rare but very serious signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes/skin. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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