Invega (paliperidone) is an antipsychotic pharmaceutical drug that is used to treat schizophrenia in adults and teenagers.

Invega works by altering brain chemicals to assist patients in stabilizing the psychotic features of schizophrenia.

Specifically, Invega is a dopamine antagonist. It works by blocking excessive dopamine activity in the brain which is believed to be responsible for the psychotic features associated with schizophrenia.

Some users of Invega have described the drug as “lifesaving,” but others have experienced Invega adverse effects that have been life altering in a different way altogether.

Invega Adverse Effects

All drugs carry with them the risk of side effects, and drugs are prescribed by physicians when they believe that the benefits of the drug outweigh the potential risks associated with its use. Invega is no different.

Certain Invega adverse effects are mild. These include:

• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Drowsiness
• Stomach pain or upset stomach
• Weight gain
• Dry mouth
• Decreased sex drive or difficulty achieving orgasm
• Blurred vision

More severe Invega adverse effects have also been reported and include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Severe headache that comes on suddenly
• Problems with speech, balance or vision
• Stiff or rigid muscles
• Uncontrolled shaking or tremor
• Restless muscle movements of the face and head
• Confusion
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Feeling as if you might pass out

In addition to the severe Invega adverse effects mentioned above, a particularly troublesome side effect reported by males taking Invega is gynecomastia, colloquially known as “man boobs.”

One of the hormones that is subsequently affected by the use of Invega is called prolactin. Prolactin levels are high in women who are pregnant and breastfeeding, as this hormone helps stimulate milk production and breast development.

Men also have prolactin circulating in their bodies, however the levels are lower. When prolactin levels are increased, males can develop breasts and can begin lactating. Some men have developed breasts as large as a D cup as a result of drug-induced prolactin increases.

It is believed that by blocking dopamine activity, the pituitary gland becomes stimulated and thus releases prolactin.

In addition to developing more breast tissue and stimulating milk production, prolactin can also cause breast and nipple pain as well as nipple discharge.

As can be imagined, adult and teenage males who suddenly develop breasts may suffer severe psychological distress as a result of their changing body.

It has been noted that teenagers and younger males have the hardest time coping with their body changes due to the influence of peers as well as their own perceptions about their changing body as they transition from puberty into adulthood.

Filing an Invega Adverse Effects Lawsuit

Some patients and families have taken matters into their own hands in an attempt to hold the manufacturer of Invega accountable for its allegedly damaging Invega adverse effects by filing a lawsuit.

Plaintiffs in these lawsuits often allege that the manufacturer did not do enough to adequately warn patients about the unreasonably dangerous Invega adverse effects and allege that the product was defectively designed.

An experienced Invega lawyer is available to review your case for free and can help assist you in exploring your legal options to recover damages linked to medical expenses, psychological distress and more.