Anyone taking the popular antipsychotic drug should know about Invega adverse side effects in boys.

The FDA has approved both Invega (paliperidone) and Risperdal (risperidone) to treat schizophrenia. Invega is actually a derivative of Risperdal.

Invega adverse side effects in boys are caused by hormonal imbalances as a result of the drug’s work on the pituitary gland.

Invega works by blocking dopamine receptors, and dopamine controls the levels of prolactin, the hormone that controls sex drive in men and enables lactation in women.

Invega Adverse Side Effects in Boys: Man Boobs

Gynecomastia is the medical term for the development of abnormally large breasts in men.

The breast size cannot be reduced by simply losing weight because the tissue is mainly glandular tissue, not fat. Only surgery can reduce the breast size.

Invega adverse side effects in boys can include one breast becoming noticeably larger than the other. In other cases, hormonal changes can result in a milky substance leaking from the breasts.

According to the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority, more than 90 percent of people taking Risperdal or Invega have high levels of prolactin.

Clinical trials showed 43 boys of 1,885 on Risperdal developed gynecomastia. These Invega adverse side effects in boys can end up with boys developing the equivalent of “D” cups in relation to women’s bra sizes.

Pituitary Tumors A Possibility

Invega causes the pituitary gland to generate more prolactin, and as a result, the gland itself becomes enlarged. The production of other hormones becomes off-balanced because of this growth, and pituitary tumors can develop.

Because Invega adverse side effects in boys can include pituitary tumors, those who experience vision issues, internal bleeding, headaches or convulsions should see a doctor and undergo an examination for the possibility of a pituitary tumor.

Fortunately, most of the pituitary tumors are benign.

Invega Can Encourage Diabetes

Invega adverse side effects in boys can include elevated blood sugar levels and a higher rate of type 2 diabetes. Weight gain is another side effect of Invega, and weight gain itself can lead to a greater risk of diabetes.

For unknown reasons, people with schizophrenia have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Those taking Invega should monitor their blood sugar levels.

Invega and Movement Disorders

At least two movement disorders have been connected to Invega use. Extrapyramidal Syndrome (EPS) is a loss of control over one’s movements, and tardive dyskinesia is the onset of involuntary, repetitive movements.

Invega adverse side effects in boys include aberrations in movement that can resemble Parkinson’s disease.

Any loss of motion 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 may or may not be discontinued.

All patients need to be aware of the adverse effects of Invega. If you or someone you know has taken Invega and suffered adverse side effects, you could benefit from a class action lawsuit to receive compensation.