What Is Invega Used For?

Invega^® (paliperidone) is an atypical (or second-generation) antipsychotic medication that is available by prescription only. This medicine is used for treating schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

Schizophrenia is a group of mental disorders that involve abnormal thinking. Although the causes of this condition are not fully understood, it is currently thought that genetics and environmental factors play an important role in developing the illness. Depending on the type of schizophrenia (see Types of Schizophrenia), symptoms may include the following:

Hallucinations
Delusions
Thought disorders
Disorders of movement
A diminished ability to initiate and sustain planned activity
Speaking infrequently, even when forced to interact
An inability to stay focused
Problems with working memory (the ability to keep recently learned information in mind and use it right away).

Although psychotherapy may be helpful for the treatment of schizophrenia (see Psychosocial Therapy for Schizophrenics), medication is often essential to schizophrenia treatment. Invega can help improve the symptoms of schizophrenia. It also helps to prevent schizophrenia relapses (worsening of schizophrenia); however, the medication is not a cure for schizophrenia.

(Click Invega Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, to learn about Invega's specific effects, and to find out if it is safe for use in children.)