Indications
Invega (active ingredient: paliperidone) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- Schizophrenia: Invega is used for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults and adolescents aged 12 to 17 years.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: It is also indicated for the treatment of schizoaffective disorder as monotherapy and as an adjunct to mood stabilizers or antidepressants in adults.
Invega belongs to a class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics, which work by affecting the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin, to help reduce symptoms of psychosis and stabilize mood.
Uses and Dosage
Invega comes in the form of tablets to take by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. It should be swallowed whole with liquid and should not be crushed or chewed as doing so can release all the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
Take Invega regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. You should not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. The specific dosing within this range can vary depending on the individual's age, weight, medical condition, and response to treatment.
- The recommended dosing range for adults and adolescents with Schizophrenia is 3 mg to 12 mg by mouth once a day.
- For adolescents with a weight of 50 kg or less, the typical dosing range is 3 mg to 6 mg by mouth once a day.
- For Schizoaffective disorder in adults, the typical dosing range is also 3 mg to 12 mg by mouth once a day.
Side Effect
Common Side Effects of Invega (Paliperidone):
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Muscle stiffness
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- Upset stomach
- Weight gain
Serious Side Effects of Invega (Paliperidone)
- Chill
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Enlargement of the breasts (both in men and women)
- Fainting spells
- Fast or pounding heartbeats
- Fever
- Fluttering in your chest
- Frequent urination
- Heart palpitations
- High fever
- Impotence
- Increased thirst and/or hunger
- Menstrual changes
- Mouth sores
- Nipple discharge
- Persisting or painful erection
- Shaking in your arms or legs
- Skin sores
- Stiff muscles
- Strange breath odor
- Tremors or shakes
- Uncontrolled muscle movements, especially facial muscle ticks (chewing, lip-smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement
- Unusual uncontrollable muscle actions
Form and Strength
Invega (Paliperidone) is available in the following forms and strength:
Invega: ER Tablet
- 3 mg
- 6 mg
- 9 mg
Paliperidone: Tablet
- 3 mg
- 6 mg
Caution
- If you are allergic to paliperidone or risperidone, inform your healthcare provider before taking paliperidone. Inactive ingredients in this product may cause allergic reactions or other problems. Please consult your pharmacist for further information regarding this matter.
- Paliperidone may cause dizziness or drowsiness, do not drive, operate machinery, or perform any activities that require alertness until you know how the medication affects you.
- Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can increase dizziness or drowsiness; therefore, it is advised to avoid alcoholic beverages and consult with your healthcare provider in case you are using marijuana (cannabis) while taking paliperidone.
- Paliperidone can reduce sweating, which may increase your risk of heat stroke. Avoid activities that can cause overheating, such as demanding work or exercise in hot weather, and using hot tubs. When it is hot outside, drink plenty of fluids and wear light clothing. If you do overheat, find a cool place and rest.
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking paliperidone. If you become pregnant during treatment with paliperidone, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
- Invega has the potential to increase your blood sugar levels, which can be extremely dangerous and possibly result in coma or death. If you experience symptoms of high blood sugar such as feeling very hungry or thirsty, urinating more frequently, stomach pain, weakness, or fruity-smelling breath, inform your healthcare provider immediately for further evaluation and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best time to take paliperidone?
It is usually taken once a day in the morning with or without food. Take paliperidone at around the same time every day.
How long does it take for the Invega pill to work?
Many symptoms improve within hours and others improve over time (weeks to months). Slowly over 2-8 weeks, your thoughts should get clearer and more organized.
What does INVEGA do to the brain?
Paliperidone acts mainly by blocking the receptors for the neurotransmitter’s dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (also called serotonin), which are involved in schizophrenia.
How long does paliperidone pill stay in your system?
paliperidone may remain in the body for at least 5 months.
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