What is Paliperidone ER: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Paliperidone ER overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Invega

Generic Names:

  • Paliperidone Er

Uses:

  • Treats schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antipsychotic

Forms:

  • Long Acting Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Paliperidone ER used for?

Paliperidone ER is a generic antipsychotic medicine that comes in the form of a long acting tablet and is used to treat schizophrenia. It works by changing the effects of chemicals in the brain. Paliperidone ER can cause irreversible movement disorder which include uncontrollable muscle movements of your lips, tongue, eyes, face and arms.

What form(s) does Paliperidone ER come in

  • Long Acting Tablet

What are common Paliperidone ER doses?

  • Tablet 1.5mg

  • Tablet 3mg

  • Tablet 6mg

  • Tablet 9mg

  • Tablet Extended Release 24 Hour 1.5MG

  • Tablet Extended Release 24 Hour 9MG

Common Paliperidone ER prescriptions

  • Paliperidone ER
    1.5mg tablet

  • Paliperidone ER
    3mg tablet

  • Paliperidone ER
    6mg tablet

  • Paliperidone ER
    9mg tablet

  • Paliperidone ER
    1.5mg tablet extended release 24 hour

  • Paliperidone ER
    3mg tablet extended release 24 hour

  • Paliperidone ER
    6mg tablet extended release 24 hour

  • Paliperidone ER
    9mg tablet extended release 24 hour

How to take Paliperidone ER

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Swallow the tablet with a liquid.

  • If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

  • Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Swallow the tablet with a liquid.

  • Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

  • Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

  • If you take the extended-release tablet, part of the tablet may pass into your stools. This is normal and is nothing to worry about.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Paliperidone ER

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Paliperidone ER contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to paliperidone or risperidone.

Paliperidone ER warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, stomach or bowel problems (including blockage), Reye syndrome, brain tumor, Parkinson disease, dementia, trouble swallowing, or a history of breast cancer, seizures, or neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Tell your doctor if you have blood vessel or heart problems, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, low blood pressure, or a history of a heart attack or stroke.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk of strokeNeuroleptic malignant syndrome (a nerve disorder that could be life-threatening)Heart rhythm problem (including QT prolongation)Tardive dyskinesia (a muscle disorder that could become permanent)High blood sugar or high cholesterol levelsIncreased levels of prolactin hormoneIncreased risk of seizures

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy, or may cause trouble with thinking or controlling body movements, which may lead to falls, fractures, or other injuries. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. You may also feel lightheaded when suddenly getting up from a lying or sitting position, so stand up slowly.

  • This medicine lowers the number of white blood cells. This weakens your immune system, so you may get infections more easily. Wash your hands often. Avoid people who are sick.

  • This medicine may change how your body regulates temperature. Avoid activities that could cause you to become very cold, hot, or dehydrated.

  • Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children. Some women who use this medicine have become infertile (unable to have children).

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you, your child, or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.

  • This medicine might reduce how much you sweat. Your body could get too hot if you do not sweat enough. If your body gets too hot, you might feel dizzy, weak, tired, or confused. You might vomit or have an upset stomach. Do not get too hot while you are exercising. Avoid places that are very hot. Call your doctor if you or your child are too hot and cannot cool down.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed to check for any unwanted effects.

  • This medicine may increase your weight. Your doctor may need to check your or your child's weight regularly during treatment with this medicine.

  • Swelling of the breasts or unusual milk production.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Trouble with speaking or swallowing.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

  • Twitching or muscle movements you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw).

Paliperidone ER interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how paliperidone works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:Carbamazepine, divalproex sodium, levodopa, paroxetineAntibiotic medicine (including gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin)Blood pressure medicineMedicine for heart rhythm problems (including amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)Medicine for mental illness (including chlorpromazine, thioridazine)

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy, lightheaded, or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. Change positions slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.

  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

  • This medicine may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies or to become more depressed. If you, your child, or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.

  • Tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder) may occur and may not go away after you stop using this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you or your child have any of the following symptoms while taking this medicine: lip smacking or puckering, puffing of the cheeks, rapid or worm-like movements of the tongue, uncontrolled chewing movements, or uncontrolled movements of the arms and legs.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • Stop taking this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you or your child have any of the following symptoms while using this medicine: convulsions (seizures), difficulty with breathing, a fast heartbeat, a high fever, high or low blood pressure, increased sweating, loss of bladder control, severe muscle stiffness, unusually pale skin, or tiredness. These could be symptoms of a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

  • This medicine might reduce how much you sweat. Your body could get too hot if you do not sweat enough. If your body gets too hot, you might feel dizzy, weak, tired, or confused. You might vomit or have an upset stomach. Do not get too hot while you are exercising. Avoid places that are very hot. Call your doctor if you or your child are too hot and cannot cool down.

  • This medicine may increase your weight. Your doctor may need to check your or your child's weight regularly during treatment with this medicine.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Blood tests may be needed to check for any unwanted effects.

Paliperidone ER side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Trouble with speaking or swallowing.

  • Numbness or weakness in your arm or leg, or on one side of your body

  • Swelling of the breasts or unusual milk production.

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

  • Tremors or seizures

  • Sudden or severe headache, problems with vision, speech, or walking

  • Seizures or tremors.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Chills, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Difficulty swallowing (that can cause food or liquid to get into your lungs)

  • Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Fever, confusion, sweating, muscle stiffness, loss of consciousness, troubled breathing

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Jerky muscle movements you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)

  • Twitching or muscle movements you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw).

  • Painful, prolonged erection of the penis, which lasts for more than 4 hours

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain

  • Weight gain

  • Swelling of the breasts or unusual milk production

  • Mild headache

  • Constipation

  • Sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

  • Weight gain.