Invega is a psychiatric medication currently approved by the FDA to treat schizophrenia. It’s one of a class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics.

Like most medications, Invega treatment comes with a risk of certain side effects, some of which can persist even after discontinuing the drug.

Less serious Invega side effects may include nausea, vomiting, or difficulty having a bowel movement. Women patients report missed or irregular menstruation, or the cessation of menstruation altogether.

Other patients have experienced headache, restlessness, drowsiness, or weight gain.

Some Invega side effects may indicate a serious medical condition requiring immediate medical attention. Of these major side effects, many involve movement-related problems.

Patients taking Invega may experience problems with walking or loss of balance. Some have reported trembling, jerkiness or stiffness in their muscles.

Others have experienced an increase in body movement or loss of control of movements, particularly in the face, neck and back. Still other patients have reported drooling or difficulty speaking.

Any of these signs and symptoms could signal the need for immediate medical consultation.

Invega Side Effects May Include Male Breast Growth

One of the more controversial side effects associated with Invega is male breast growth, known clinically as gynecomastia and sometimes casually referred to as man boobs.

There are a number of possible causes for gynecomastia, and it can strike males of any age. One possible cause is an alteration of the normal balance of hormones. Research shows that Invega tends to alter hormone levels in a way that may contribute to male breast growth.

Part of the way Invega works involves blocking the action of the neurotransmitter dopamine. While this action may contribute to the management of problematic psychiatric symptoms, it can also cause the pituitary gland to produce greater-than-normal levels of the hormone prolactin.

Prolactin is the hormone that normally stimulates breast growth and milk production in women. At higher than normal levels, it can have the same effect in men.

The amount of breast enlargement varies much from one patient to another. Some men with this condition develop man boobs that can grow as large as any woman’s breasts.

Gynecomastia can also affect just one breast while leaving the other one undeveloped. Other Invega side effects like weight gain may aggravate the breasts’ enlarged appearance.

In most cases, gynecomastia resolves on its own without treatment once the cause is removed. Some more stubborn cases may not resolve without male breast reduction surgery – which can lead to pain, scarring, recovery time, and the risk of complications.

The physical changes associated with male breast growth are not usually considered particularly damaging. Sometimes the new breast tissue may be tender or painful, but not often.

It’s the psychological residuals of gynecomastia that can take quite a toll. Younger patients in particular are vulnerable to teasing and bullying from their peers.

One study published in April 2013 found that teenage boys who suffered gynecomastia had lower levels of social functioning, self esteem and mental health, as well as lower general health scores.

If you or someone you love took Invega, Risperdal, Risperidone or Risperdal Costa and experienced any of the aforementioned side effects, you may qualify to pursue legal compensation.