Side effects of a fluphenazine injection are normally mild and involve pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. Additional side effects of this drug may include drowsiness, stomach upset, and vivid dreams. More serious potential side effects of a fluphenazine injection may include seizures, muscle disorders, or blood pressure instability. Allergic reactions may occur when using this medication, even if it has been well tolerated in the past. Some of the potential side effects of a fluphenazine injection can cause serious complications, so any new or bothersome symptoms that develop after beginning treatment with this medication should be reported to a doctor for further evaluation.
Skin irritation at the site of the injection is the most frequently reported side effect of fluphenazine. Mild redness, swelling, or discomfort is considered normal and usually goes away within a few hours following administration of the drug. Worsening of these symptoms or the appearance of blisters or peeling skin should be evaluated by a doctor.
Drowsiness and lethargy are relatively common side effects of a fluphenazine injection. Caution should be used when operating machinery or performing tasks that require a significant amount of focus or concentration, especially until the patient adjusts to the medication. Mild stomach upset, vivid dreams, and erectile dysfunction are among the possible side effects of a fluphenazine injection. Additional medications may be prescribed to combat some of these side effects.
Fluctuations in blood pressure levels may occur when using this drug, leading to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. Muscle spasms or contractions can become severe when this medication is used, often causing uncontrollable body movements or difficulty swallowing and breathing. Although the fluphenazine injection is designed to treat psychosis associated with conditions such as schizophrenia, psychotic episodes may become worse when using this drug. Caregivers should call emergency services for help in transporting a patient who is exhibiting erratic or violent behavior.
Allergic reactions are relatively rare yet potentially fatal side effects of a fluphenazine injection and may occur suddenly, even among patients who have tolerated the drug in the past without experiencing negative side effects. Chest pain, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the throat or tongue may indicate the presence of this type of allergic reaction. Once the throat begins to swell, it becomes difficult or impossible for oxygen to reach the vital organs of the body, often causing irreversible brain damage or even death within a matter of minutes.
