Fluphenazine decanoate-induced bradycardia: A case report

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Cardiology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Antipsychotic medications are associated with cardiovascular side effects, including sinus tachycardia and orthostatic hypotension.
• Fluphenazine decanoate is a long-acting injectable antipsychotic used for managing psychotic disorders.

Observation:

• A 29-year-old male patient developed severe bradycardia (46 bpm) 36 hours after receiving fluphenazine decanoate.
• The patient presented with abdominal pain, gastric pain, and weight loss, attributed to religious delusions and prolonged fasting.

Findings:

• Bradycardia resolved after discontinuation of fluphenazine decanoate, with heart rate returning to 70 bpm by day 21.
• This case suggests a potential causal link between fluphenazine decanoate and drug-induced bradycardia.

Implications:

• Clinicians should exercise caution and consider close cardiac monitoring before and during fluphenazine decanoate treatment.
• This case adds to the understanding of rare cardiovascular adverse events associated with antipsychotic therapy.
• Further research may be warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of bradycardia induced by fluphenazine decanoate.