Invega

Invega is a drug that is licensed for the treatment of schizophrenia. Part of a class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotic medications, it works by blocking or lessening the effects of certain chemicals in the brain. Invega tablets, which are typically taken once daily, can also help prevent symptoms of schizophrenia from returning. Side effects can include drowsiness, headaches, and a rapid heart rate.

 

What Is Invega?

Invega® (paliperidone) is a prescription medication that is used to treat schizophrenia.
 

Who Makes Invega?

The drug is manufactured by Janssen L.P.
 
(Click Invega Uses for more information on what it is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does It Work?

Invega belongs to a group of medications called atypical (or second-generation) antipsychotic medications. It is not entirely known how it works for the treatment of 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.
 
Invega is not a cure for schizophrenia. It only helps to control symptoms (see Symptoms of Schizophrenia).
 

Effectiveness

In previous clinical studies of Invega for the treatment of schizophrenia, people taking it experienced improvements in their schizophrenia symptoms (including hallucinations and suspiciousness), compared to those not taking it. Longer studies also showed that Invega can help prevent hospitalization due to schizophrenia and can help symptoms from returning.
 

When and How to Take Invega

The following are some general considerations for when and how to take the medication:
 
  • Invega comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth once a day in the morning.
     
  • You can take it with or without food. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • The tablets are specially designed to slowly release the medication over time. They should be swallowed whole with water (or other liquids) and should not be crushed, chewed, or broken.
     
  • Invega should be taken at the same time each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For it to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing

The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Invega Dosage for more information about dosing for Invega.)
 

What Are the Side Effects?

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Invega. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Headaches
  • A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Drowsiness
  • Feelings of internal restlessness or jitteriness.
     
(Click Invega Side Effects to learn about specific side effects of the drug, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can also read about possible side effects by clicking on:
 

Drug Interactions With Invega

Invega can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
 
(Click Invega Drug Interactions for more information about these possible interactions.)
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
 
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Invega Warnings and Precautions for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take this medication.)
 

Overdose With Invega

People who take too much of the medication may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  • Unsteadiness when walking
  • Shakiness, tremors, or unusual body movements.
     
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Invega Overdose for more information.)
 

Storage Methods

Invega should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. It should be stored in an airtight container.
 
Keep this medication and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Invega as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths

Invega tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Invega 3 mg
  • Invega 6 mg
  • Invega 9 mg.

 

Alternatives to Invega

There are several alternatives to this drug for the treatment of schizophrenia. Other atypical antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia include:
 
Older, "typical" antipsychotics are also approved to treat schizophrenia. Haloperidol (Haldol®) and thioridazine (Mellaril®) are examples of typical antipsychotics.
 
(Click Invega Alternatives for more information, including non-medication alternatives to this drug.)
 

Generic Invega

There is currently no generic Invega licensed for sale.
 
(Click Generic Invega for more information.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;