A look at Invega reviews sheds light on the side effects of this popular antipsychotic medication.

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

The drug binds to the dopamine receptors in the front of the brain where they are responsible for integrating emotions, perceptions and self-control.

Invega Warnings

Invega reviews
on its own website indicate 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 in older adults.

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

Some patients who take Invega become drowsy with impaired thinking and reactions.

Invega and Man Boobs

Invega reviews point to a disturbing 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 condition is called hyperprolactinemia. 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 via surgery

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.

Invega reviews also often include Risperdal information because the antipsychotics are very similar.

The journal, Pharmacotherapy, published a study that showed Risperdal was responsible for 70 percent of diagnosed pituitary tumors reported to the FDA. Researchers speculate more such cases exist, but are not reported.

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

Diabetes in Invega Reviews

For more than a century, the medical community 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 Problems

Invega reviews indicate the medication is more apt to cause movement disorders than 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 Reviews Find Multiple Issues

Invega can cause a multitude of side effects. If you or someone you know has taken Invega and suffered from its effects, you could benefit from a class action lawsuit to receive compensation for pain, suffering, hospitalizations and other incurred expenses.