Males taking the antipsychotic medicine Invega (paliperidone) to treat schizophrenia may be at risk for serious Invega side effects, including gynecomastia.

Invega works by changing the effects of brain chemicals, particularly dopamine.

It is a dopamine antagonist, which means that it binds to to the dopamine receptors in the front of the brain where they are responsible for integrating emotions, perceptions and self-control.

Historically, scientists and doctors have linked dopamine overactivity with schizophrenia.

How Does Invega Result in Male Breast Growth?

Invega side effects can allegedly include gynecomastia, the medical term for male breast growth, in young boys and men.

Of all the body’s organs, the brain is the most complicated chemical soup. Chemicals and electrical energy regulate everything from hormones to heartbeats, emotional feelings to tangible feeling.

Because Invega works by blocking dopamine receptors, it also blocks dopamine’s action on the pituitary gland, resulting in an increase in prolactin, a hormone that controls sex drive in males and enables lactation (breast milk production) in females.

When Invega allows prolactin to reach abnormally high levels, the condition is called hyperprolactinemia. The result is enlarged breasts in males. This increase in size includes not only fatty tissue, but glandular tissue as well.

Reportedly, Invega side effects in some males have included weight gain and breast enlargement to the extent of having the equivalent of “D” cups. Others have lopsided breasts because one will become larger than the other.

Invega and Risperdal

Invega is a derivative of Risperdal, which has allegedly caused hundreds of boys to develop breasts while taking the medicine. The FDA found in clinical trials of children and adolescents taking Risperdal that 43 out of 1,885 boys developed gynecomastia.

Since its FDA approval, hundreds of young males have become endowed with breasts while on Risperdal or its derivative, Invega.

In some cases of gynecomastia, males have produced a milky nipple discharge, a condition known as galactorrhea.

Invega Side Effects Not Only Physical

For young men and boys who are trying to fit in with their peers, the appearance of feminine-looking chests can make them the targets of teasing and bullying.

While already facing the psychological struggles of schizophrenia, the Invega side effects are additional emotional weights to carry.

Invega Side Effects Not Fully Disclosed

Many boys who have suffered the ill effects of Invega-induced enlarged breasts did not know this could be a side effect of taking the medication.

Invega is manufactured and marketed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, which is owned by Johnson and Johnson.

On its website, Invega now states:

“INVEGA SUSTENNA® may cause serious side effects, including:

high level of prolactin in your blood (hyperprolactinemia). INVEGA® SUSTENNA® may cause a rise in the blood levels of a hormone called prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) that may cause side effects including missed menstrual periods, leakage of milk from the breasts, development of breasts in men, or problems with erection”

Help for Boys with Gynecomastia

Adolescence is a difficult time for all young people, and the anguish of being a male with enlarged breasts could cause unneeded pain and suffering. If you or a loved one took Invega and developed enlarged breasts or breast discharge, you could potentially benefit from a class action lawsuit.