Popular antipsychotic drug, Invega, is widely used, but patients’ reports of Invega complications might outweigh its benefits.

Invega was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2006 for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Invega, also known generically as paliperidone, is manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

Invega, incidentally a metabolite of Risperdal, works by blocking serotonin and dopamine in the brain. This decreases psychotic and aggressive behavior which minimizes the symptoms of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

Invega has been effective in treating these disorders in both adolescents and adults, but more and more patients are complaining of serious Invega complications.

Invega Complications

One of the more serious Invega complications is a movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia. This is characterized by jerky or twitching movements of the body or the face and tongue. These movements are not only involuntary, but they are also painful.

Tardive dystonia can also be a side effect of Invega. This is characterized by involuntary, uncontrollable sounds.

If a person takes Invega for long periods of time, the possibility of tardive dyskinesia and tardive dystonia is increased. Both of these Invega complications are part of a family of movement disorders called Extrapyramidal symptoms, or EPS.

Another one of the more serious Invega complications is called gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is a condition in which males develop an abnormally large amount of breast tissue.

Those who take Invega often have elevated levels of a hormone called prolactin. Prolactin is what is responsible for breast growth in young girls and milk production in nursing and pregnant mothers.

Males have a small level of prolactin also, but if it is elevated it can produce breasts in young men and boys. Invega complications like gynecomastia are more often seen when younger male patients take the drug, but the condition can affect patients of any age.

Gynecomastia is embarrassing and emotionally scarring for young men. The breasts can grow as large as D cups and cannot be lost by losing weight. Often surgery must be involved to correct the problem.

Diabetes and heart problems have also been connected with Invega complications. Neuroeleptic malignant syndrome can also occur. This is characterized by high fever, shaking, rigid muscles, muscle pain and weakness and confusion.

Changes in metabolism, decrease in white blood cells, feelings of suicide or self-harm, and feelings of faintness or passing out are also listed among serious Invega side effects.

Other Invega Side Effects

Additionally, there are other less serious, but harmful Invega complications. These include:

• Increased heartbeat
• Anxiety
• Stiff muscles
• Dehydration
• Heartburn
• Constipation
• Abnormal movements including uncontrollable tremors or movements of the eyes
• Weight gain
• Seizures
• Low blood pressure

If you or someone you love has experienced Invega complications like gynecomastia or EPS, you may be entitled to legal compensation. A knowledgeable Invega lawyer can answer your questions and help decide if an Invega lawsuit is right for you.