An Overview of Invega and Diabetes
Invega® (
paliperidone) is a prescription medication used to treat
schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. While many
Invega side effects are merely annoying or bothersome, there are a few side
effects of Invega that should be taken very seriously. One of these serious side effects is
diabetes. Newer "atypical"
antipsychotic medications (such as Invega) seem to increase the risk of diabetes. Invega may also worsen preexisting diabetes.
Invega and Diabetes Research
There have been just a few cases of diabetes in people taking Invega. However, since Invega is a new medication, more cases may be reported with time.
It is not entirely clear if Invega is the cause of these cases of diabetes. People with schizophrenia (whether they are taking Invega or not) may be at a higher risk of developing diabetes. Also, diabetes is on the rise in the general population. These factors combined make it unclear whether there is a relationship between Invega and diabetes. However, studies suggest that people taking Invega may be at a higher risk of developing diabetes.
Why Might Invega Cause Diabetes?
It is not entirely clear why Invega might lead to diabetes. Weight gain is a significant risk factor for diabetes
(see Diabetes Risk Factors), and weight gain is a common side effect of Invega
(see Invega and Weight Gain). Invega may also have direct effects on blood sugar, through unknown mechanisms. Invega also might make diabetes more obvious in people with previously undiagnosed diabetes.
