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How Does Invega Work?
Invega® (paliperidone) is a prescription drug approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. This medication has been shown to be very effective for improving symptoms of the conditions, but how does it work?
Invega belongs to a group of medications called atypical (or second-generation) antipsychotic drugs. It is not entirely known how it works for treating schizophrenia. However, it is known that the drug blocks or lessens the effects of several chemicals in the brain. These brain chemicals (such as dopamine and serotonin) may be elevated in people with schizophrenia.
People taking this medication have reported seeing improvements in their symptoms (such as hallucinations and paranoia). Longer studies also showed that Invega can help prevent hospitalization due to schizophrenia and can prevent symptoms from returning. However, Invega is not a cure for schizophrenia (see Symptoms of Schizophrenia).
(Click Invega for more information on how the drug works for schizophrenia, to find out potential Invega side effects, and for suggestions on when and how to take the medication.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD