What is Invega?
Invega works as an antipsychotic. It works by altering the effects of brain chemicals.
Invega can be used to treat schizophrenia among adults and adolescents who are 12 years of age or older. Invega can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Warnings
Invega should not be used in cases of psychotic disorders related to dementia. Paliperidone can cause heart failure, pneumonia, or sudden death in older adults who have dementia-related psychosis.
You may be more sensitive than usual to extreme temperatures, such as those that are very cold or hot. Avoid becoming too hot or dehydrated. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids during hot weather or when exercising. You are more likely to dehydrate and become dangerously hot when taking this medication.
Invega should be stopped immediately if you experience stiffness in the muscles or a feeling of rigidity, confusion, a high fever, sweating or a rapid or uneven heartbeat, tremors or restless movements, especially in your neck or face, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), difficulty swallowing, or a feeling that you may pass out.
Before you take this drug
Invega should not be used if you have an allergy to paliperidone, risperidone, or risperidone. Paliperidone is not approved to be used in this way. It may increase the death risk for older adults who have dementia-related psychosis.
Paliperidone in high doses or for a long time can cause serious movement disorders that are not always reversible. Invega can cause serious movement disorders, which may not be reversible. Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Invega will be safe for you:
- Heart problems or an attack
- Long-QT syndrome
- High or low blood pressure or fainting spells
- Low white blood cell counts
- A serious neurologic disorder that is caused by antipsychotic medication;
- Uncontrolled facial muscle movements
- A stomach or intestinal disorder.
- Liver or kidney disease
- Seizures or epilepsy;
- An electrolyte imbalance can occur when you have a low level of magnesium or potassium in your blood.
- Diabetes (paliperidone may raise your blood sugar);
- Breast Cancer.
If you plan to get pregnant or are already pregnant, tell your doctor.
Antipsychotic medication taken in the last three months of pregnancy can cause respiratory problems, feeding difficulties, or withdrawal symptoms for the newborn. You may experience withdrawal symptoms or have other problems if your medication is stopped during pregnancy. If you become pregnant, inform your physician as soon as possible. Consult your doctor before stopping Invega.
You may find your name on a registry for pregnant women to monitor the effects of the drug on the child. Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should ask your doctor if there are any risks.
Similar/related drugs
Caplyta, the fluoxetine, quetiapine, abilify, seroquel, aripiprazole, and olanzapine
How to take Invega?
Be sure to read your medication guides or instruction sheets, and follow all directions on the prescription label.
Invega can be taken with or without food. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablet. You will need to have your doctor check on you regularly. Store in an airtight, secure environment away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once. Refill your prescription before you run out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include drowsiness and fast heartbeats.
What should be avoided?
You may feel more heat sensitivity while taking Invega. Avoid becoming too hot or overheated. Be sure to drink plenty of water, especially during hot weather or when exercising. Paliperidone can make you more susceptible to dehydration and overheating. Don't drink alcohol. Alcohol can have dangerous side effects.
Do not drive or engage in any hazardous activities until you have a better understanding of how the medicine will affect you. Drowsiness or dizziness can lead to accidents or serious injuries. You may get dizzy if you stand up quickly from a seated or lying position.
Side effects of Invega
If you experience any of the following: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or swelling of the throat, face, lips, and/or tongue,
If you notice any of the following signs, stop taking Invega immediately and contact your doctor.
- You may experience tremors in your legs or arms.
- Uncontrolled facial muscle movements (such as lip smacking and frowning; tongue movement or blinking; or eye movement or blinking);
- Any new or unusual muscular movements that you cannot control
If you experience:
- Heartbeats that are fast or pounding, chest fluttering, dizziness, or the feeling of passing out;
- Breast or Nipple Swelling; Nipple Release
- Changes in menstrual cycles
- Impotence is penis erection, which is painful and lasts for 4 hours or more.
- Weight gain
- Low counts of white blood cells—fever, chills, mouth, skin, or other sores. Sore throat; coughing; difficulty breathing
- High blood sugar: increased thirst, increased urination, and hunger;
- Severe nervous reaction: stiff muscles, fever, rapid or pounding pulses, fainting
Invega may cause side effects such as:
- Drowsiness;
- Anxiety;
- Muscle stiffness or tremors
- Uncontrolled muscle movements; difficulty with walking, balance, or speech
- Weight gain
- Upset stomach, constipation;
- Rapid heart rate
- Sore throat and stuffy nose
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report adverse side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Invega can intensify these effects when taken with other drugs that cause dizziness or lower blood pressure. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pill, muscle relaxant, anxiety medicine, or medication for seizures, consult your doctor.
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, which can increase side effects and make them less effective. Paliperidone can interact with many drugs. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
