The medical community is warning the patient population against the adverse side effects of Invega, along with its predecessor Risperdal. Due to the long term consequences associated with the adverse side effects of Invega, some patients question if the drug’s risks are greater than its benefits.

Both Risperdal and Invega work by balancing serotonin and dopamine, the chemical for pleasure and reward sensors, to produce mood stabilization. By balancing specific brain chemicals, Invega and Risperdal are popular choices amongst patients who prefer them over other medications that control the entirety of the brain.

However, the reported adverse side effects of Invega and Risperdal have caused many young male patients to experience male breast growth and other serious complications. There are a number of adverse side effects of Invega patients should be aware of, and should report any abnormal side effects to their doctors.

Invega naturally increases the production of prolactin, which is the hormone primarily responsible for female breast growth in young girls. While naturally produced in small amounts in young boys, a dramatic increase in the hormone can potentially result in man boobs. Patients have also reportedly developed severe weight gain and movement disorders.

Overview of Adverse Side Effects of Invega Concern

Invega (Paliperidone) a was approved by the FDA in 2006 to treat patients with extreme mental disorders like schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Invega is also approved to treat adolescents with certain mental conditions.

This medication was approved over a decade after Risperdal, which is prescribed to treat patients with the same condition. Invega is a metabolite of Risperdal, which means it is the core chemical remaining in the body after being metabolized.

Johnson & Johnson and subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals are facing public criticism for allegedly failing to adequately warn patients about these medications. It is also important to note that when Risperdal was initially approved in 1993, the drug was not approved to treat children.

Risperdal was not approved to treat children in 2006. But before then, it was often prescribed to children for off label treatment purposes. It has been alleged the manufacturing companies knew or should have known the adverse side effects of Invega and Risperdal, and that they should have been more prominently mentioned on the drugs’ warning labels.