Invega adverse side effects in men can range from man boobs to rapid heart rate.

Invega is the Johnson & Johnson brand name of generic paliperidone, a dopamine antagonist used to treat schizophrenia that works by changing the effects of brain chemicals.

Standard Invega Precautions

On its own website, Invega states it should not be prescribed to treat psychotic conditions related to dementia because the drug has been linked to possible heart failure, rapid heart rate, sudden death or pneumonia is these older adults.

Invega can cause increased sensitivity to temperature changes, especially to very hot or cold surroundings. Increased fluid consumption is recommended for anyone on Invega because it is easier to become dehydrated and overheated.

Invega adverse effects in men can include drowsiness, impairing their abilities to think and react.

Invega Adverse Effects in Men: Man Boobs

Invega can cause a particularly unwanted side effect in males: man boobs, a condition clinically known as gynecomastia.

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

When prolactin levels reach abnormally high levels, the result is man boobs.

Some men and boys gain weight and experience breast enlargement due to not only fatty tissue, but glandular tissue as well. The only way to reduce glandular tissue is through surgery to remove the excess tissue.

Increased Risk of Pituitary Tumors

As Invega causes the pituitary gland to generate more prolactin, the medication can also cause the gland itself to enlarge. When the production of other hormones is off balance because of this growth, pituitary tumors can become a problem.

Anyone on Invega or Risperdal who experiences vision issues, internal bleeding, headaches or convulsions should see a doctor and undergo an examination for a pituitary tumor.

Invega Adverse Effects in Men Can Include Diabetes

The medical community long has recognized a link between schizophrenia and type-2 diabetes.

In addition, studies show Invega is associated with elevated blood sugar levels and a higher rate of type-2 diabetes. Since weight gain is another side effect of Invega, this factor can also lead to a greater risk of diabetes.

Movement Disorders Can Be Permanent

Invega adverse effects in men include a greater risk of movement disorders than seen in older, typical antipsychotic medications.

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) is a loss of control over one’s movements, and tardive dyskinesia is the onset of involuntary, repetitive movements. Both of these motor skill irregularities are linked with Invega.

Any loss of motion or loss of motion control while on Invega should be reported to a doctor because left unattended, the problem can become irreversible. Depending upon the individual patient’s situation, Invega therapy might or might not be discontinued.

Invega adverse effects in men can be numerous and dangerous. If you or someone you know has taken Invega and suffered any of the above side effects, you could be eligible for compensation through a class action lawsuit.