What is Invega: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Take Invega tablets exactly as directed. Do not use more than prescribed or take more than one dose per day.

Invega can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. Taking the tablet with food increases the risk of side effects.

Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not crush, break, or chew the tablet.

Store Invega tablets at room temperature in a closed container out of the reach of children.

Ask the prescriber what to do if an Invega tablet is missed.

This medicine is not right for everyone. 

Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to paliperidone or risperidone.

Although not absolutely contraindicated, Invega is not a safe medication to give to elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis because of the increased risk of stroke and death.

Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are taking Invega. 

The prescriber will need to schedule regular visits and blood tests to monitor the effectiveness and safety of Invega treatment. Keep all appointments.

Tell the doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

• Kidney problems

• Liver problems

• A history of heart attack

• Heart failure

• Abnormal heartbeats including long QT syndrome

• High blood pressure

• A history of low potassium or magnesium

• Diabetes

• Bowel or stomach narrowing or blockage

• Trouble swallowing

• A history of seizures

• A history of dizziness or fainting

• A history of low white blood cell counts

• Any past incident of neuroleptic malignant syndrome

• Any past incident of uncontrolled facial or mouth movements (tardive dyskinesia)

• Any other medical condition

Paliperidone can cause serious side effects, including:

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a severe and potentially fatal nerve disorder)

• Abnormal heart rhythms (including QT prolongation)

• Involuntary facial or muscle movements

• High blood sugar

• High cholesterol

• High prolactin levels

• Increased risk of seizures 

• Weight gain

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy, or it may cause trouble with thinking or controlling body movements. People taking paliperidone have an increased risk of falls, accidents, fractures, and other injuries. Do not drive or engage in any other potentially hazardous activity until you know how this medicine affects you. 

Paliperidone can make people lightheaded when standing up or changing position. Sit or stand up slowly. If you feel dizzy, immediately sit down again and let it pass. 

Paliperidone can weaken the immune system by decreasing white blood cell counts. People taking paliperidone may get sick more often than usual. Try to avoid infections with regular hand washing, avoiding people who are sick, and other measures. 

Paliperidone can alter body temperature regulation, making it easier to get overheated. It can also reduce how much you sweat, increasing the risk of overheating. Avoid hot weather and strenuous exercise. Get medical attention if you cannot cool down.

Paliperidone can cause women to have problems getting pregnant, though this is reversible. Women who are trying to get pregnant should ask the prescriber for medical advice.

To avoid drug interactions, make sure the prescribing healthcare provider knows about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use, particularly:

• Other antipsychotic medications

• Other medications that treat mental or mood disorders such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, mood stabilizers, or similar drugs

• Anti-seizure medications, particularly carbamazepine

• Drugs that make you sleepy like narcotic pain medications, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, allergy medications, muscle relaxants, and similar drugs 

• Any drug that makes you feel faint or lightheaded when standing up (orthostatic hypotension)

• Drugs that treat heart rhythm abnormalities

• Drugs that can cause abnormal heart rhythms such as macrolide antibiotics, quinoline antibiotics, and others

Do not drink alcohol or use cannabinoid products while using Invega.