Invega Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions

Invega Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions Schizophrenia Print Invega: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions Medication that can reduce symptoms of schizophrenia By Amy Morin, LCSW facebook twitter instagram Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, author of the bestselling book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Dont Do, and a highly sought-after speaker. Learn about our editorial policy Amy Morin, LCSW Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on May 08, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on July 17, 2019 Schizophrenia Overview Symptoms & Diagnosis Causes & Risk Factors Treatment Living With In Children In This Article Table of Contents Expand How Invega Works What to Expect Dose Invega Sustenna Invega Trinza Effectiveness Common Side Effects Serious Side Effects Long-Term Side Effects Drug Interactions Contraindications Precautions and Considerations View All Invega (paliperidone) is an atypical antipsychotic that may be used to reduce the symptoms of certain mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. It can help you think more clearly, feel less agitated, and behave more productively. For many people, Invega may have fewer side effects than other antipsychotic drugs. It may be taken via a long-acting injection which can help with adherence and may allow you to not have to take a daily pill. How Invega Works Invega works by restoring the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Invega impacts dopamine and serotonin in the brain. It works similarly and is chemically related to Risperdal, but often with fewer extrapyramidal side effects (such as tremor or stiffness). Serotonin  is thought to regulate anxiety and mood, among several other functions. Dopamine is central to such central nervous system functions as movement, pleasure, attention, mood, and motivation. By balancing these neurotransmitters in the brain, Invega can help alleviate some of the symptoms of schizophrenia, including: Delusions (false beliefs)Hallucinations (false sensory experiences)Disorganized thinking and speechDisorganized and unpredictable behavior What to Expect It may take several weeks for Invega to take full effect so it may be a while before you know if its the right medication for you. Hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking may improve in the first 1 to 2 weeks. These symptoms may not completely go away. However, symptoms often become better the longer you take Invega. Its important to talk to your doctor about how youre feeling, what symptoms youre experiencing, and any improvements youre seeing as you begin Invega. Its also important to be on the lookout for potential side effects. Dose Invega tablets are usually taken once per day or as directed by your doctor. The dose usually ranges from 3 mg to 12 mg. Typically, youll be prescribed a low dose to start and then the dose may slowly be increased over several weeks. Tablets should be swallowed whole (they should not be crushed, broken, or chewed). Patients who tolerate the pill form well may be able to take long-acting injections. This can be especially helpful if you tend to forget your medication, dont want to be on pills, or if adherence is a problem. Invega Sustenna Invega Sustenna is an intramuscular injection given every month. It needs to be given by a healthcare professional. Its usually injected into the upper arm or buttocks. The first two doses are usually given one week apart. After the first two doses, the medication is usually given once a month (or as directed by your doctor). The medication is gradually released over time to help control symptoms. Invega can be discontinued in pill form after two starting doses of Invega Sustenna. Then, patients no longer have to worry about missing doses of their medicine. Invega Trinza Invega Trinza is an injection that lasts three months, meaning that patients only need to take four doses per year. Like Invega Sustenna, it is administered by a healthcare professional in the upper arm or buttocks. It may be administered once patients have been adequately treated with Invega Sustenna a for at least four months. Invega Trinza means patients dont have to attend as many appointments and they dont have to remember to take their prescription on a daily basis. Effectiveness When used to treat schizophrenia, studies have consistently shown that Invega is both effective and well-tolerated, whether in pill form or as an injection. For schizoaffective disorder, Invega has proven equally effective as a maintenance therapy, preventing the reappearance of symptoms. By contrast, there have been few studies evaluating the effectiveness of Invega in treating acute bipolar mania. Of those that have been performed, results have been largely mixed. A 2012 review of studies from Nova Southeastern University in Florida concluded that Invega may be safe and useful in treating acute episodes of mania in bipolar disorder at higher doses. By contrast, a 2018 meta-analysis from China reported that Invega performed no better than a placebo in people with bipolar mania and caused far more side effects. Common Side Effects The most common side effects associated with Invega use include: RestlessnessDizziness (vertigo)HeadachesFatigueBalance problemsMuscle weaknessIncreased saliva productionStomach painWeight gainConstipationHeartburnIncrease in the hormone prolactin Invega SUSTENNA and Invega TRINZA were associated with the additional side effects of injection site redness, swelling, or pain. Talk to your doctor if the side effects are persistent or severe, and ask questions before you start treatment so that youre better prepared if side effects do arise. Schizophrenia Discussion Guide Get our printable guide to help you ask the right questions at your next doctors appointment. Download PDF Serious Side Effects Some side effects of Invega can be serious. In rare cases, a person may be allergic to Invega and develop a potentially deadly, all-body reaction known as anaphylaxis. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you develop any of the following: Rash or hivesShortness of breath and/or wheezingDifficulty swallowing (dysphagia)Swelling in the face, throat, neck, or extremitiesHigh fever (over 100.4 F) Serious side effects of Invega Sustenna and Invega Trinza are also uncommon but may include: Seizures, tics, tremors, or convulsionsMuscle rigidityIrregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)A painful erection that can last for hours (priapism) Long-Term Side Effects Tardive dyskinesia is a side effect that develops with long-term use of antipsychotics. Symptoms include grimacing, sucking, smacking of lips, and other involuntary movements. While the risk of tardive dyskinesia is lower in Invega as compared to many other antipsychotics, the risk still exists. If youre taking any antipsychotic, its important for your doctor to monitor for any involuntary movements on a regular basis. Drug Interactions Tell your doctor about any or all medication you may be taking, whether they be over-the-counter, prescription, nutritional, herbal, or homeopathic. Some may interact with Invega, including: Anti-arrhythmic (irregular heartbeat) drugsAnticonvulsant (anti-seizure) drugsAntidepressantsAntihypertensive (high blood pressure) drugsAnxiolytic (anti-anxiety) drugsCertain  antibiotics, such as Avelox (moxifloxacin) or Erythrocin (erythromycin)Sedatives and sleeping pillsSt. Johns Wort Invega may block the effects of drugs used to treat Parkinsons disease, such as bromocriptine, pramipexole, ropinirole, levodopa, and others. Invega may also lower blood pressure. Medications used to lower blood pressure may increase this effect and increase your risk of falls. Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equatro) may decrease the effects of Invega. Invega can make you drowsy so its important to be cautious about driving or operating heavy machinery. Alcohol can amplify these effects and should be avoided. Contraindications Invega carries the same black box warning as other atypical antipsychotics regarding the increased risk of death in elderly people with dementia-related psychosis. Invega, either in pill or injectable form, is not approved for use in this population. Invega is also contraindicated for patients with a known sensitivity to risperidone or Risperdal Consta. Precautions and Considerations Invega may contribute to weight gain and increase in blood sugars and lipids. It is important to have your blood sugar monitored while undergoing Invega treatment. Let your doctor know if you have or have ever had any other medical conditions. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, tell your doctor immediately. Although there are no known risks based on animal studies, human data around potential risks is limited. Therefore, it is important to discuss the pros and cons of treatment with your doctor to make an informed choice.