Invega is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Paliperidone may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.
While you are taking Invega, you may be more sensitive to temperature extremes such as very hot or cold conditions. Avoid getting too cold, or becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking this medicine.
Stop taking Invega and call your doctor at once if you have very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, restless muscle movements in your face or neck, tremor (uncontrolled shaking), trouble swallowing, or feeling like you might pass out.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Invega if you are allergic to paliperidone or risperidone (Risperdal).
Paliperidone may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.
High doses or long-term use of paliperidone can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use Invega, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a woman or an older adult.
To make sure Invega is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart problems, or a heart attack;
long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);
high or low blood pressure, or fainting spells;
low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
a serious neurologic disorder caused by taking an antipsychotic medicine;
uncontrolled muscle movements in your face;
a stomach or intestinal disorder;
liver or kidney disease;
seizures or epilepsy;
an electrolyte imbalance (such as low potassium or magnesium levels in your blood);
diabetes (paliperidone may raise your blood sugar); or
breast cancer.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.
Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop using your medicine during pregnancy. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop using Invega without your doctor's advice.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of paliperidone on the baby.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
