Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow It WorksDifferent FormsEffectivenessSide EffectsDrug InteractionsContraindicationsPrecautions and Considerations
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How It Works
Different Forms
Effectiveness
Side Effects
Drug Interactions
Contraindications
Precautions and Considerations
Close
Invega (paliperidone) is asecond-generation antipsychoticapproved for the treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. However, it may also be prescribed off-label for individuals with bipolar disorder.
Invega is associated with fewer adverse side effects than some of the other antipsychotic drugs.This can help improve compliance with taking the medication, potentially providing better treatment outcomes.
What is the most important information I should know about Invega (paliperidone)?You should not take Invega if:you are sensitive to paliperidone or risperidone, another antipsychotic medication; oryou are an older person diagnosed with dementia-related psychosis.
What is the most important information I should know about Invega (paliperidone)?
You should not take Invega if:you are sensitive to paliperidone or risperidone, another antipsychotic medication; oryou are an older person diagnosed with dementia-related psychosis.
You should not take Invega if:
How Invega Works
By balancing these neurotransmitters, Invega can help alleviate some of the symptoms of schizophrenia, including:
What to Expect
In the first one to two weeks of taking Invega, you may notice improvements in symptoms such ashallucinations and delusions, disorganized thinking, motivation, and desire to be around others. While some of these symptoms may not go completely away, others generally continue to improve the longer you take this medication.
Forms of Invega
There are different forms of Invega that you may be prescribed, each with a different dosage and timing.
Invega Tablets
Invega tablets are taken once a day and the dose of each tablet ranges from 1.5 mg to 9 mg.Typically, patients are prescribed a low dose to start, then it may slowly be increased over several weeks until a therapeutic effect is achieved.
Patients who tolerate Invega in pill form well may be able to take long-acting injections. This can be especially helpful if you tend to forget your medication, don’t want to be on pills, or if adherence is a problem.
Invega Injections
There are three different Invega injection options that gradually release this medication over time to help controlschizophrenia symptoms. They are Invega Sustenna, Invega Trinza, and Invega Hafyera.
Invega Sustenna
Invega Trinza
Once patients have been adequately treated with Invega Sustenna for at least four months, Invega Trinza may be an option. Invega Trinza injections last three months, meaning that they are only received four times per year.
Invega Hafyera
The longest-lasting of the three, Invega Hafyera injections are given every six months, or twice per year. This medication is an option if you’ve been on Invega Sustenna for a minimum of four months or Invega Trinza for three months.
Invega Effectiveness
Studies have consistently shown that Invega is both effective and well-tolerated fortreating schizophrenia, whether in pill form or as an injection.Invega has also been proven equally effective as a maintenance therapy for schizoaffective disorder, preventing the reappearance of symptoms.
By contrast, studies evaluating the effectiveness of Invega in treating bipolar disorder have been more limited. They’ve also provided mixed results.
For example, according to a 2018 meta-analysis, Invega performed no better than a placebo in people with bipolar mania and caused far more side effects.Yet, a 2020 study suggests that paliperidone may be effective in reducing both manic and mixed episodes in patients with bipolar I disorder.
Side Effects of Invega
Some people experience side effects when taking Invega, with some of these effects being common and rather mild and others being rare but also more serious.
If you experience mild side effects when taking Invega, talk with your healthcare provider. They may be able to adjust the dosage to reduce these effects or switch you to another medication. If your side effects are serious or life-threatening, call911or seek medical attention immediately.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects associated with Invega use include:
Additional potential side effects of Invega Sustenna and Invega Trinza include redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site.
Talk to your doctor if you experience side effects which are persistent or severe. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions before you start treatment. Taking this step helps you be better prepared if side effects do arise.
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Rare But Serious Side Effects
Some side effects of Invega can be serious, requiring immediate medical attention. They include:
In rare cases, a person may be allergic to paliperidone 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:
Long-Term Side Effects
Tardive dyskinesiais a side effect that sometimes 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 low in Invega,it does still exist.
If you’re taking any antipsychotic, it’s important for your doctor to monitor for any involuntary movements on a regular basis.
Invega 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:
Invega can make you drowsy, so it’s important to be cautious about driving or operating heavy machinery. Alcohol can amplify these effects and should be avoided when taking this medication.
Contraindications of Invega
Invega carries the sameblack box warningas 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 for Invega
Invega may contribute to weight gain and an increase in blood sugar and cholesterol.It is important to have these levels monitored while undergoing Invega treatment.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, tell your doctor immediately as it is unknown what the risks may be to the unborn child.
Let your doctor know if you have or have ever had any other medical conditions.
13 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Clinical guidance - Drug monographs.Paliperidone palmitate (Invega Sustenna and Trinza).Jarema M, Bieńkowski P, Heitzman J, Parnowski T, Rybakowski.Paliperidone palmitate: effectiveness, safety, and the use for treatment of schizophrenia.Psychiatr Pol. 2017;51(1):7-21. doi:10.12740/PP/64581U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Invega (paliperidone) extended-release tablets label.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Paliperidone (Invega).National Library of Medicine.Label: Invega - paliperidone tablet, extended release.Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Invega Sustenna, Invega Trinza, Invega Hafyera.González-Rodríguez A, Catalán R, Penadés R, et al.Profile of paliperidone palmitate once-monthly long-acting injectable in the management of schizophrenia: long-term safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability - a review.Patient Prefer Adherence. 2015;9:695-706. doi:10.2147/PPA.S63948Lindenmayer JP, Kaur A.Antipsychotic management of schizoaffective disorder: A review.Drugs. 2016;76(5):589-604. doi:10.1007/s40265-016-0551-xChang HY, Tseng PT, Stubbs B, et al.The efficacy and tolerability of paliperidone in mania of bipolar disorder: A preliminary meta-analysis.Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2017;25(5):422-433. doi:10.1037/pha0000148Caliskan AM, Calisir S, Caliskan S, Arslan M, Inanli I, Eren I.Impact of initiating long-acting injectable paliperidone palmitate on relapse and hospitalization in patients with bipolar I disorder: A mirror image retrospective study.Asian J Psychiatry. 2020;54:102457. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102457U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Understanding unapproved use of approved drugs “off label”.Gopal S, Xu H, Bossie C, et al.Incidence of tardive dyskinesia: a comparison of long-acting injectable and oral paliperidone clinical trial databases.Int J Clin Pract. 2014;68(12):1514-1522. doi:10.1111/ijcp.12493Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Invega paliperidone.
13 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Clinical guidance - Drug monographs.Paliperidone palmitate (Invega Sustenna and Trinza).Jarema M, Bieńkowski P, Heitzman J, Parnowski T, Rybakowski.Paliperidone palmitate: effectiveness, safety, and the use for treatment of schizophrenia.Psychiatr Pol. 2017;51(1):7-21. doi:10.12740/PP/64581U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Invega (paliperidone) extended-release tablets label.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Paliperidone (Invega).National Library of Medicine.Label: Invega - paliperidone tablet, extended release.Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Invega Sustenna, Invega Trinza, Invega Hafyera.González-Rodríguez A, Catalán R, Penadés R, et al.Profile of paliperidone palmitate once-monthly long-acting injectable in the management of schizophrenia: long-term safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability - a review.Patient Prefer Adherence. 2015;9:695-706. doi:10.2147/PPA.S63948Lindenmayer JP, Kaur A.Antipsychotic management of schizoaffective disorder: A review.Drugs. 2016;76(5):589-604. doi:10.1007/s40265-016-0551-xChang HY, Tseng PT, Stubbs B, et al.The efficacy and tolerability of paliperidone in mania of bipolar disorder: A preliminary meta-analysis.Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2017;25(5):422-433. doi:10.1037/pha0000148Caliskan AM, Calisir S, Caliskan S, Arslan M, Inanli I, Eren I.Impact of initiating long-acting injectable paliperidone palmitate on relapse and hospitalization in patients with bipolar I disorder: A mirror image retrospective study.Asian J Psychiatry. 2020;54:102457. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102457U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Understanding unapproved use of approved drugs “off label”.Gopal S, Xu H, Bossie C, et al.Incidence of tardive dyskinesia: a comparison of long-acting injectable and oral paliperidone clinical trial databases.Int J Clin Pract. 2014;68(12):1514-1522. doi:10.1111/ijcp.12493Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Invega paliperidone.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Clinical guidance - Drug monographs.Paliperidone palmitate (Invega Sustenna and Trinza).Jarema M, Bieńkowski P, Heitzman J, Parnowski T, Rybakowski.Paliperidone palmitate: effectiveness, safety, and the use for treatment of schizophrenia.Psychiatr Pol. 2017;51(1):7-21. doi:10.12740/PP/64581U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Invega (paliperidone) extended-release tablets label.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Paliperidone (Invega).National Library of Medicine.Label: Invega - paliperidone tablet, extended release.Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Invega Sustenna, Invega Trinza, Invega Hafyera.González-Rodríguez A, Catalán R, Penadés R, et al.Profile of paliperidone palmitate once-monthly long-acting injectable in the management of schizophrenia: long-term safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability - a review.Patient Prefer Adherence. 2015;9:695-706. doi:10.2147/PPA.S63948Lindenmayer JP, Kaur A.Antipsychotic management of schizoaffective disorder: A review.Drugs. 2016;76(5):589-604. doi:10.1007/s40265-016-0551-xChang HY, Tseng PT, Stubbs B, et al.The efficacy and tolerability of paliperidone in mania of bipolar disorder: A preliminary meta-analysis.Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2017;25(5):422-433. doi:10.1037/pha0000148Caliskan AM, Calisir S, Caliskan S, Arslan M, Inanli I, Eren I.Impact of initiating long-acting injectable paliperidone palmitate on relapse and hospitalization in patients with bipolar I disorder: A mirror image retrospective study.Asian J Psychiatry. 2020;54:102457. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102457U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Understanding unapproved use of approved drugs “off label”.Gopal S, Xu H, Bossie C, et al.Incidence of tardive dyskinesia: a comparison of long-acting injectable and oral paliperidone clinical trial databases.Int J Clin Pract. 2014;68(12):1514-1522. doi:10.1111/ijcp.12493Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Invega paliperidone.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Clinical guidance - Drug monographs.Paliperidone palmitate (Invega Sustenna and Trinza).
Jarema M, Bieńkowski P, Heitzman J, Parnowski T, Rybakowski.Paliperidone palmitate: effectiveness, safety, and the use for treatment of schizophrenia.Psychiatr Pol. 2017;51(1):7-21. doi:10.12740/PP/64581
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Invega (paliperidone) extended-release tablets label.
National Alliance on Mental Illness.Paliperidone (Invega).
National Library of Medicine.Label: Invega - paliperidone tablet, extended release.
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Invega Sustenna, Invega Trinza, Invega Hafyera.
González-Rodríguez A, Catalán R, Penadés R, et al.Profile of paliperidone palmitate once-monthly long-acting injectable in the management of schizophrenia: long-term safety, efficacy, and patient acceptability - a review.Patient Prefer Adherence. 2015;9:695-706. doi:10.2147/PPA.S63948
Lindenmayer JP, Kaur A.Antipsychotic management of schizoaffective disorder: A review.Drugs. 2016;76(5):589-604. doi:10.1007/s40265-016-0551-x
Chang HY, Tseng PT, Stubbs B, et al.The efficacy and tolerability of paliperidone in mania of bipolar disorder: A preliminary meta-analysis.Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2017;25(5):422-433. doi:10.1037/pha0000148
Caliskan AM, Calisir S, Caliskan S, Arslan M, Inanli I, Eren I.Impact of initiating long-acting injectable paliperidone palmitate on relapse and hospitalization in patients with bipolar I disorder: A mirror image retrospective study.Asian J Psychiatry. 2020;54:102457. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102457
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Understanding unapproved use of approved drugs “off label”.
Gopal S, Xu H, Bossie C, et al.Incidence of tardive dyskinesia: a comparison of long-acting injectable and oral paliperidone clinical trial databases.Int J Clin Pract. 2014;68(12):1514-1522. doi:10.1111/ijcp.12493
Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Invega paliperidone.
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