If you have schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, your doctor might suggest Invega as a treatment option for you. Knowing the possible side effects of Invega can help you and your doctor decide if it’s the best treatment for your condition.

Invega is a prescription medication that’s used long term to treat the following mental health conditions:

  • Some people have schizophrenia.
  • schizoaffective disorder is a disorder in adults.

The active ingredient in Invega is paliperidone. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. The drug is a long-release tablet.

For more information about Invega, see this in-depth article.

Invega can cause mild to serious side effects. There are side effects of Invega.

Note: This article focuses on the side effects of Invega. It doesn’t include information about the side effects of Invega Sustenna, Invega Trinza, or Invega Hafyera.

Mild to serious side effects may occur during Invega treatment. The side effects of Invega can be different depending on the condition the drug is being used to treat.

More common side effects in adults taking Invega for schizophrenia include:

Children taking Invega for schizophrenia have more common side effects.

More common side effects in people taking Invega for schizoaffective disorder include:

  • There are extrapyramidal symptoms.
  • It is too sleepy.
  • indigestion
  • It is a problem of the colon.
  • weight gain

The side effects explained section is where you can learn more about this side effect.

Keep reading to learn about other possible mild and serious side effects of Invega.

Mild side effects may occur with Invega.

Mild side effects have been reported with Invega.

The side effects explained section is where you can learn more about this side effect.

“These side effects should be temporary. Some may be easy to manage. If you have any symptoms that bother you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Unless your doctor recommends it, don’t stop using Invega.”

Invega may cause mild side effects other than the ones listed above. See the Invega prescribing information for details.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Invega, visit MedWatch.

Some people may experience serious side effects from taking Invega. The risk of serious side effects may increase with higher doses of Invega. They can happen at low doses as well.

There have been serious side effects reported with Invega.

* Invega has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
‡ An allergic reaction is possible after using Invega. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Invega, call your doctor. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you have a medical emergency, immediately call the emergency number.

Invega can be used to treat schizophrenia in children ages 12 to 17 years.

Children and adults taking Invega can have different side effects. Some of the side effects can be experienced by both children and adults, but some may be more common in one group than the other.

In studies of Invega, blurred vision was a side effect reported in children but not adults.

Anxiety, There are There are There are There are tremors…., dystonia (uncontrolled repetitive muscle contractions), and cogwheel rigidity (The muscles are stiff. during movements) were reported more often in children than adults.

Side effects affecting the reproductive organs and breasts also occurred in children. These include changes in menstruation and breast development.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the Invega side effects in children.

Get answers to questions about Invega.

Can stopping Invega treatment cause withdrawal symptoms?

It’s not likely. In studies, withdrawal symptoms weren’t reported in people who stopped taking Invega. Even so, it’s not recommended that you stop taking Invega without talking with your doctor first.

Babies born to people taking Invega during pregnancy may have withdrawal symptoms. There are symptoms of withdrawal.

The “Warnings for Invega” section gives more information about taking Invega during pregnancy.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about withdrawal symptoms.

How do the adverse effects of Invega compare with those of paliperidone?

The adverse effects of Invega may be different from those of paliperidone. Side effects are referred to as adverse effects.

Invega contains the active ingredient paliperidone. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. Paliperidone is also the generic form of Invega.

Generic drugs can contain different ingredients than brand-name drugs. The side effects of drugs and their generic equivalents may be different.

“Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about paliperidone’s side effects.”

Does Invega cause any cardiovascular side effects?

Yes, Invega can cause cardiovascular side effects, which affect the heart and blood vessels. In studies of the drug, these side effects were more common in adults than in children.

Invega can cause a fast heartbeat and long QT syndrome, a change in heart rhythm that can be serious.

Another factor that can affect your heart and blood vessels is Invega’s effect on metabolism and weight. Invega can increase blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Having high levels of blood sugar or cholesterol may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.

During treatment, your doctor may order blood tests regularly to check your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. They may also check your weight often.

Inform your doctor if you have cardiovascular problems. They will discuss whether Invega is a good option for you.

Will taking a higher dose of Invega increase my risk of side effects?

It’s possible. In studies of Invega, more people had certain side effects when their dose was increased.

Some side effects of the drug may be more frequent with higher doses. Brain or spine cord side effects were more frequent at higher doses. Extrapyramidal symptoms, a type of movement disorder, can be caused by higher doses of Invega.

If you have concerns about how your Invega dose affects your risk of side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

There are some side effects Invega may cause.

Increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis

Invega has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Antipsychotic drugs such as Invega may increase the risk of death in people ages 65 years and older who have dementia-related psychosis. Dementia involves declining memory, and psychosis refers to losing touch with reality.

Studies of Invega have not shown an increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. But Invega is an antipsychotic drug, and this side effect is known to occur with other drugs of this kind.

What might help

Doctors will not prescribe Invega to people over the age of 65 with dementia-related psychosis due to an increased risk of death.

If you are 65 years old or older, your doctor will discuss safer treatments with you.

Weight gain

Weight gain is a side effect of Invega. When starting the drug, weight gain can occur quickly. This side effect can happen at any time. Children who take Invega experience weight gain more often than adults who take the drug.

Changes in your metabolism can affect your weight.

What might help

Your doctor will monitor your weight while you take Invega. They can suggest ways to lose weight.

If you experience weight gain, you should not stop taking Invega. They may recommend that you switch to another drug.

High prolactin levels

If you take Invega long term, your prolactin levels may increase and stay high. This side effect occurs with many antipsychotics, including Invega.

Prolactin is a hormone that is used in breast development.

In both males and females,* having high prolactin levels can affect fertility. Long-term effects of high prolactin levels include bone loss.

Some people may not have symptoms of high prolactin, but it may happen to males and females. There are high prolactin symptoms in females.

Males with high prolactin levels from Invega may have.

* In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.

What might help

If you notice symptoms of high prolactin levels, you should talk to your doctor. They can recommend another drug for you if you stop taking Invega.

Once you stop taking the drug, your prolactin levels should return to normal. Do not stop taking Invega until you have a discussion with your doctor.

If you need to take Invega long term, your doctor may prescribe a medication to help manage your prolactin levels.

Before taking Invega, talk to your doctor. This drug can affect fertility, so they may recommend a different treatment. The drug can affect fertility.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome is a serious side effect of antipsychotic medications such as Invega. It can cause severe symptoms and even be fatal. Symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome include:

What might help

If you have symptoms of a disease, you should call the emergency number.

If you have a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome, your doctor will stop you from taking Invega. They will closely monitor and treat your symptoms.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the information about Invega.

Allergic reaction

Like most drugs, Invega can cause an allergic reaction in some people. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in studies. People have reported allergic reactions to paliperidone, the active ingredient in Invega. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.

Paliperidone is similar to risperidone, another antipsychotic drug that’s available under the brand name Risperdal. People who are allergic to risperidone can also be allergic to paliperidone. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to risperidone, Invega may not be the right drug for you.

Mild to serious symptoms can be present.

  • There is a skin rash.
  • It is itchy.
  • flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
  • “It’s usually under your skin, but it can be anywhere.”
  • It can be hard to breathe if you have swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat.

What might help

If you have a mild rash, call your doctor. They may suggest a treatment to help you. Examples include:

  • an over-the-counter antihistamine that you take by mouth, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
  • You apply a product to your skin.

If your doctor confirms you have an allergic reaction to Invega, they will decide if you should continue using it.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or breathing problems, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you have had a serious allergic reaction to Invega, they will have you switch to a different treatment.

Before you start treatment with Invega, you should tell your doctor about any allergies you have had.

The active ingredient in Invega, paliperidone, is similar to another drug, risperidone. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to risperidone, Invega may not be the right medication for you.

Keeping track of side effects

Take notes on any side effects you are having during your treatment. You can share this information with your doctor. This is helpful when you are starting to use a combination of treatments.

Side effect notes can include things.

  • When you had the side effect, what dose of the drug was taking?
  • How soon did you experience the side effect?
  • What are your symptoms?
  • How did it affect your daily activities?
  • What other drugs were you taking?
  • Other information is important to you.

Sharing your notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how Invega affects you. If needed, they can use this information to adjust your treatment plan.

There are several warnings, including a boxed warning.

Boxed warning: Increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis

Invega has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Antipsychotic drugs such as Invega may increase the risk of death in people ages 65 years and older who have dementia-related psychosis.

To learn more, see the “Side effects explained” section above.

Other warnings

If you have a medical condition that affects your health, Invega may not be right for you. Before starting Invega, you should talk to your doctor about your health history. The list has factors to consider.

Seizures. Invega may cause Seizures.. If you have a history of Seizures. or take medications that increase your risk of Seizures., Invega may not be right for you. If you’re 65 years or older, you may be more sensitive to drugs that increase your risk of having a seizure. Your doctor can discuss with you whether Invega is a safe treatment option.

Long QT syndrome. Invega can cause long QT syndrome. If you have a condition or take medication that affects how your heart beats, Invega may not be right for you. Your doctor may recommend a medication other than Invega for your condition.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Invega or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Invega. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to the antipsychotic drug risperidone, Invega may also not be right for you. Tell your doctor about any drug allergies you have before taking Invega. And ask them what other medications are better options for you.

Diabetes and high blood sugar. Invega can cause changes in metabolism, such as increased blood sugar. If you are at risk of diabetes, taking Invega can increase your risk. And if you already have diabetes, Invega can worsen it. Your doctor will monitor your blood sugar often during Invega treatment.

Digestive tract disorders. In people with diseases that narrow the digestive tract, such as cystic fibrosis or small bowel inflammatory disease, Invega can cause The stomach is blocked by the digestive tract.s. If you have a medical condition affecting your digestive tract, tell your doctor before starting Invega treatment. Your doctor can determine whether Invega is safe for you to take.

Kidney problems. If you have kidney problems, your doctor may need to prescribe lower doses of Invega. During treatment, your doctor may order frequent blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working. Before you start taking Invega, tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems.

Heart problems. Invega can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs when you stand up or change position. If you have a heart or blood vessel condition or other factors that can also cause your blood pressure to drop, tell your doctor. They’ll check your heart function and blood pressure often while you’re taking this drug.

Parkinson’s disease or Lewy body dementia. If you have Parkinson’s disease or Lewy body dementia, you may have a higher risk of certain Invega side effects. Examples include There are extrapyramidal symptoms. and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Before taking Invega, tell your doctor if you have either of these conditions. They’ll discuss with you whether the drug is safe for you to take.

Alcohol and Invega

You should not drink while taking Invega. Alcohol and a medication that acts on the brain may be unsafe if combined.

Both alcohol and Invega can make you feel more sleepy than usual. So, drinking alcohol while taking Invega can increase the risk of It is too sleepy..

Talk to your doctor about the dangers of drinking while taking Invega. They can recommend a certain amount of alcohol for you to drink during treatment.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Invega

It is not known if it is safe to take Invega during a pregnant woman. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Invega while pregnant or breastfeeding. Some factors to consider.

Pregnancy

If you’re planning a pregnancy, it’s important to know that Invega may affect your fertility. The drug increases prolactin levels, which can make it more difficult for you to become pregnant. (For more information about high prolactin levels, see the “Side effects explained” section.) Before starting Invega treatment, talk with your doctor if you are considering pregnancy.

If you become pregnant during Invega treatment, tell your doctor immediately. Babies born to someone taking Invega during pregnancy may have withdrawal symptoms and There are extrapyramidal symptoms..

Symptoms of extrapyramidal affect muscles. These may include uncontrollable muscle movements.

A newborn may have withdrawal symptoms.

Note that untreated schizophrenia is a concern during pregnancy because it may lead to increased hospitalization, suicide, and preterm birth. If you’re pregnant, your doctor will help you find the safest treatment for your condition during this time.

Suicide prevention

If you think someone is at risk of self-injury or hurting another person.

  • You can call your local emergency number.
  • Stay with the person until help arrives.
  • Guns, knives, medications, and other things should be removed.
  • “Don’t judge, argue, threaten, or yell.”

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, you should get help from a hotline. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800-273-8255.

Pregnancy registry

“Enroll in the drug’s pregnancy registry if you become pregnant during treatment.”

A pregnancy registry collects information from people taking drugs while pregnant. Researchers can better understand the risks of pregnant women if they know the side effects of Invega.

The National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics can be reached at 866-961-2388.

Breastfeeding

The active ingredient in Invega is in breast milk. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. It is not known what the effects are on children who are breastfed by someone taking the drug.

The side effects of risperidone have been reported in infants. Risperidone is similar to paliperidone.

  • The state of relaxation is very relaxed.
  • Slowing physical development
  • Is it jitters?
  • There are extrapyramidal symptoms. (uncontrolled muscle movements)

If you are considering breastfeeding while taking Invega, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss breastfeeding with you during Invega treatment.

Invega can cause some side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of this drug. This information can help you decide if Invega is a good option for you.

Here are a few questions to ask.

Q:

What should I do if I have tardive dyskinesia while taking Invega?

Anonymous

A:

Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder that may occur in people taking antipsychotic medications such as Invega. It can be irreversible. People with tardive dyskinesia have uncontrolled and irregular movements of the face, arms, legs, or torso.

The chances of tardive dyskinesia increasing with long-term treatment. Some people may develop this side effect even if they have been taking the drug for a short time. It can happen with smaller doses of the drug.

“If you notice that you are not getting the same movements while taking Invega, you should talk to your doctor. Don’t stop taking Invega without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will tell you if you should keep taking Invega or switch to another drug.”

If you need long-term treatment, your doctor may prescribe Invega at a low dose. Some people may continue taking Invega even though they have tardive dyskinesia.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the risks of taking Invega.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.