Invega (Paliperidone) is a popular antipsychotic medication, which can be used to treat adults and children with extreme mental disorders.

This drug, however, has been garnering negative press for manufacturer Johnson & Johnson over the alleged Invega side effects in boys.

Ever since the drug was approved by the FDA in 2006, numerous reports of Invega side effects in boys were submitted.

While medication side effects are concern to both young boys and girls, Invega has been causing severe side effects in young boys specifically.

The Invega side effects in boys most commonly reported include weight gain and male breast growth, or gynecomastia.

This condition is described as when breast growth develops unexpectedly in young boys, sometimes as large as D cup, which often requires surgery to remove the excess tissue.

Invega is very similar to its predecessor Risperdal (Risperidone), which was used for similar treatment purposes but had also allegedly caused young boys to develop “man boobs.”

Invega is a metabolite of Risperdal, which means it is one of the core chemical ingredient remaining in the body after the liver breaks down the medication.

As the primary metabolite of Risperdal, Invega also works in a similar method to treat the psychological disorders.

Overview of Invega Side Effects

Both Invega and Risperdal work by leveling the serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, which controls the mind’s pleasure and reward sensors.

By balancing these brain chemicals, the patient’s mood can be stabilized and they would be able to live a relatively normal life.

However the Invega side effects in boys reported are troubling, as this is a highly popular medication to prescribe to children.

Due to the treatment mechanism directly interfering the brain’s dopamine levels, Invega may consequently affect the patient’s prolactin levels.

Prolactin is the primary hormone responsible for breast development in young girls, and is naturally produced in small amounts in young boys.

When Invega causes prolactin levels to be manufactured at a much higher levels in boys, male breast growth can occur. Other reported Invega side effects in boys include:

• Galactorrhea (milk production from breasts)
• Diabetes, High Blood Sugar (hyperglycemia)
• Sexual Dysfunction
• Pituitary Tumors
• Metabolic Changes
• Weight Gain (sometimes extreme)
• Suicide
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Constipation
• Nipple Discharge
• Pain or Discomfort in the Breast Area

Even though these complications are fairly serious, the Invega warning label does not warn against many of these complications.

Patients who experience Invega complications may be able to file legal action against Johnson & Johnson. Potential claimants should contact a specialized lawyer, to determine eligibility for an Invega lawsuit.