Invega, a popular drug used to treat children with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder and autism, has been the single biggest help for their children, according to some parents.

In general, more boys than girls tend to be diagnosed with the conditions that Invega helps to treat due to the outward behaviors that are typically exhibited in young males.

Invega targets explosive and aggressive behaviors in children that come with a variety of diagnoses. It can also be helpful in treating irritability related with the same conditions.

Some find that it reduces hyperactive and repetitive behavior.

While some saw miracles in their children’s behavior, others found that the Invega adverse effects in children were much more than they were told or had anticipated.

Mild Invega Adverse Effects in Children

Any parent giving their child a medication knows that the drug can come with potential side effects. Most parents also trust that their physicians have only prescribed the medication because the potential benefits of the drug intervention would be greater that the risks associated with its use.

Mild Invega adverse effects in children include:

• Insomnia or restlessness
• Increased appetite or weight gain
• Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
• Drowsiness
• Feelings of anxiety
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Skin rash

Most parents are willing to accept these minor Invega adverse effects in exchange for having the more severe related to their child’s diagnosis disappear.

Many of the mild Invega adverse effects in children tend to go away with time, once the body gets used to the medication.

Severe Invega Adverse Effects in Children

The most severe of Invega adverse effects in children, and boys in particular, is a condition known as gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is the clinical term for male breast growth.

Invega works by altering various chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. Specifically, dopamine and serotonin are affected by Invega use.

Invega is also known in the body known as prolactin. Prolactin is commonly associated with lactating women who are nursing their children, as it stimulates milk production.

Prolactin also stimulates breast growth in general, and is present in much higher amounts normally in females than it is in males.

When males have excess prolactin, they begin to develop breast tissue like that of a female. In some males, the effect is a softening of the tissue of the breasts, but in others, the breasts can actually increase in size.

In addition to the breast growth, breast pain, nipple pain, discharge of the nipple, milk discharge and other breast problems may be present.

This condition can be devastating to boys and young men, as one could imagine. Boys may be teased by others, and may begin to feel confused, angry, sad and hate their bodies for what is happening to them.

Pre-puberty and puberty are difficult times for any young person, and with the added stress of males developing female-like breasts, the effects can be devastating.

Filing a Lawsuit over Invega Adverse Effects in Children

If your child has developed gynecomastia as a result of potential Invega adverse effects in children, you may be eligible to seek legal compensation. An experienced Invega attorney can review your case at no charge and can discuss potential legal options available to you.