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Invega vs. Seroquel

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Invega (paliperidone) and Seroquel (quetiapine) are both atypical antipsychotics, but they have some key differences. Invega is used to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, while Seroquel is used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and as an add-on for depression. Invega is available as an extended-release tablet taken once daily, whereas Seroquel comes in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, with the immediate-release needing to be taken 2 to 3 times a day. Invega can cause side effects like drowsiness and uncontrolled muscle movements, while Seroquel is more likely to cause weight gain, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol. Both medications can cause serious side effects like neuroleptic malignant syndrome and QT prolongation, but Seroquel also carries a risk of worsening depression and suicidal thoughts, especially in younger people. Additionally, Invega is not recommended for older adults with dementia-related psychosis due to a higher risk of death, a warning that also applies to Seroquel.

Invega

(paliperidone)

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Quetiapine

(Seroquel)

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Summary for Invega

Prescription only

Invega (paliperidone) is taken by mouth and used to improve mood, thoughts, and behaviors in people who have schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. It's available as both brand and generic versions in an extended-release pill, which means the medication is released slowly in your body. It only needs to be taken once a day. Some common side effects include drowsiness and uncontrolled muscle movements. There are long-acting injection forms of this medication available given by a trained healthcare provider.

Indications for Invega

  • Schizophrenia
  • Schizoaffective disorder

Pros and Cons for Invega

Pros

  • Available in many different strengths to make it easier to customize your dose
  • Can be used in adolescents
  • Only need to take the medication once a day

Cons

  • You might have to see your provider several times until you find a dose that works best for you
  • Can make you feel sleepy or sedated
  • Can cause weight gain

Common Side Effects for Invega

  • Abnormal muscle movements (up to 40%)
  • Drowsiness (up to 26%)
  • Headache (up to 14%)
  • Irregular heart beat (up to 14%)
  • Vomiting (up to 11%)
  • Anxiety (up to 9%)

Warnings for Invega

  • Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
  • High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
  • Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
  • Higher risk of falls
  • High prolactin levels
  • Higher risk of infections
  • Not for people with gut problems
  • Heart rhythm problem (QT prolongation)

Summary for Seroquel

Prescription only

Quetiapine (Seroquel) is an atypical antipsychotic. It's used to treat mental health problems like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This medication comes as an immediate-release tablet (Seroquel) that's taken by mouth usually twice a day. There's also an extended-release tablet (Seroquel XR) that's taken once a day. The specific dosage depends on how well it's helping your mood, thoughts, and behaviors. Side effects can include sleepiness, headache, and possible weight gain. There are brand-name and generic versions of this medication.

Indications for Seroquel

Pros and Cons for Seroquel

Pros

  • Taken by mouth
  • Might notice an improvement in your symptoms in as early as a week of starting the medication
  • Available in both short-acting and long-acting tablets

Cons

  • Might cause weight gain
  • Can raise your blood sugar and cholesterol levels
  • Not recommended for older adults who have dementia-related psychosis

Common Side Effects for Seroquel

Immediate-release tablets:

  • Headache (21%)
  • Agitation (20%)
  • Sleepiness (18%)
  • Dizziness (11%)
  • Dry mouth (9%)
  • Constipation (8%)
  • Pain (7%)
  • Fast heart rate (6%)
  • Vomiting (6%)

Extended-release tablets:

Warnings for Seroquel

  • Higher risk of death and stroke in older people with dementia-related psychosis
  • Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
  • Trouble controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Risk of falls
  • Risk of infection (due to low white blood cell counts)
  • Possible changes in heart rhythm
  • Seizures
  • Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone)
  • High prolactin levels
  • Feeling very sleepy and having trouble concentrating

Prices with our coupons for Invega vs. Seroquel

Price Card Drug Icon
Paliperidone ER30 tablets / 6mg
$42.10$419.50
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Price Card Drug Icon
Quetiapine30 tablets / 25mg
$9.00$9.00
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