paliperidone ER

Older adults who also have dementia sometimes have some of the symptoms of schizophrenia, like hallucinations and delusions. This is called dementia-related psychosis, and it shouldn't be treated with Invega (paliperidone). If Invega (paliperidone) is used for dementia-related psychosis, it can cause death. The cause of death is typically from heart problems, stroke, or infections. Let your provider know if you or your loved one has dementia before starting Invega (paliperidone).

Invega (paliperidone) can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which is a rare but serious condition that can lead to death. Be careful using Invega (paliperidone) if you're also on other medications that might cause NMS. Symptoms include a very high fever, stiff muscles, problems thinking clearly, a very fast or uneven heartbeat, and sweating. Stop taking Invega (paliperidone) and get medical attention right away if you experience these symptoms.

Invega (paliperidone) can raise your blood sugar, sometimes to dangerous levels resulting in coma or death. Let your provider know if you have symptoms of high blood sugar, such as feeling very hungry or thirsty, urinating more often, stomach pain, weakness, or fruity-smelling breath.

Invega (paliperidone) can cause uncontrolled and possibly permanent muscle movements in the tongue, face, mouth, lips, neck, hands, arms, legs, and feet (tardive dyskinesia). To lower your risk of tardive dyskinesia, your provider will have you take the lowest dose that treats your symptoms. Get medical help right away if you notice any unusual movements you can't control. This side effect can sometimes occur even after you stop the medication.

Invega (paliperidone) can cause sleepiness, dizziness, difficulties keeping your balance, and drops in blood pressure when you sit up or stand too quickly. This can result in fainting and falling. Sit up or stand up slowly, especially during the first few days after you start Invega (paliperidone) or when your provider raises your dose. Your risk of falls is higher if you have heart problems or if you don't have enough fluids in your body. Talk to your healthcare provider if you continue to experience dizziness while taking Invega (paliperidone).

Invega (paliperidone) can cause prolactin levels in the blood to go up. High prolactin levels can lead to fertility problems, enlarged male breasts, sexual dysfunction, absent or irregular menstrual periods, and weak bones. Your provider might recommend regular blood tests for you to make sure your prolactin levels are within normal range.

Invega (paliperidone) can lower the amount of white blood cells in your body and put you at higher risk for serious infection. You might need to get lab work done regularly to make sure your white blood cell count is healthy. If the levels are too low, your provider might stop your medication. Talk to your provider right away if you experience symptoms of an infection, including fever, weakness, or sore throat, while taking Invega (paliperidone).

If you have gut-related problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), let your provider know. The outer shell of the Invega (paliperidone) doesn't dissolve, but remains intact as it passes through your body. This can raise the risk for blockages in the gut in people with gut problems.

Risk factors: Low potassium or magnesium blood levels | Older age | Female sex | Using other medications that cause QT prolongation | Born with QT prolongation | Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) | History of heart problems or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) | Slow heart rate