Suicide Associated With Akathisia and Depot Fluphenazine Treatment

Akathisia is a common and distressing side effect of neuroleptic medication that can be difficult to recognize and treat. The suicides of two young Hispanic men who had developed severe akathisia after treatment with depot fluphenazine are reported. Depression with suicidal behavior has been observed following fluphenazine injection, but suicide associated with akathisia has not been previously noted.