Paliperidone ER
Generic Invega
Paliperidone (pal ee PER i done) is a generic medication prescribed for certain mental health conditions. Paliperidone belongs to a group of drugs called atypical antipsychotics.
Paliperidone (pal ee PER i done) is a generic medication prescribed for certain mental health conditions. Paliperidone belongs to a group of drugs called atypical antipsychotics.
- Generic
- • Tablet Extended Release 24 HR
- • 6mg
- • 30 Tablets
Dosage settings
Set your dosage
Make sure your dosage values are correct! In order for Optum Perks to provide the most accurate discount pricing for your prescription, take a moment to verify your dosage above.
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
Intro
Introduction
Written by Patricia Weiser, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD
Updated on November 3, 2023
Paliperidone (pal ee PER i done) is a generic medication prescribed for certain mental health conditions. Paliperidone belongs to a group of drugs called atypical antipsychotics.
Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved paliperidone to treat:
- schizophrenia in adults and some children
- schizoaffective disorder in adults
Boxed warning: Increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
Paliperidone extended-release (ER)* oral tablet has a boxed warning about the increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Interactions and warnings for paliperidone” section.
* Extended release” (ER) means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
Side effects
Side effects of paliperidone
Paliperidone may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of paliperidone and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about paliperidone’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for paliperidone listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with paliperidone are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about paliperidone’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for paliperidone listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Paliperidone extended-release (ER)* oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- a feeling of restlessness or a constant urge to move
- movement problems
- sleepiness
- weight gain
- indigestion (heartburn or upset stomach)
- mild allergic reaction†
* Extended release” (ER) means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for paliperidone” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of paliperidone are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about paliperidone’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for paliperidone listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, paliperidone’s serious side effects include:
- heart problems, such as a rapid heart rate
- anxiety
- problems with body temperature control
- high prolactin hormone levels
- metabolic changes, such as increased blood sugar, which can lead to diabetes, lipid disorders, or obesity
- low white blood cell count
- seizures
- temporary drop in blood pressure when you stand up, which can cause fainting, falling, or injury
- neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare reaction to antipsychotic drugs that may be life threatening)*
- tardive dyskinesia (movements of the face and body that you can’t stop)*
- boxed warning: risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis†
- severe allergic reaction†
* This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of the drug. But it has occurred in people after the drug was approved for use.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for paliperidone” section.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for paliperidone
Below, you’ll find information about paliperidone’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of paliperidone
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take paliperidone, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for paliperidone” section below.
Warnings for paliperidone
Some people should not take paliperidone, and others should take it cautiously.
Boxed warning: Increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
Paliperidone has a boxed warning about the increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Boxed warnings are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In general, older adults refers to people ages 65 years and older.
Taking antipsychotic* drugs may increase the risk of death in older adults who have dementia-related psychosis. Dementia is a decline in cognitive function that affects someone’s ability to think and remember. And with psychosis, a person loses touch with reality.
Due to this risk, doctors typically won’t prescribe paliperidone to older adults with dementia-related psychosis. The drug hasn’t been FDA-approved for this purpose.
Older adults with dementia-related psychosis may also have an increased risk of stroke while taking antipsychotic drugs.
If you have concerns about this warning, tell your doctor. They may recommend a different treatment option for you.
To learn more, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
*Paliperidone is a kind of antipsychotic. These drugs are used to treat certain mental health conditions.
Other warnings
Paliperidone could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether paliperidone is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for paliperidone, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Paliperidone can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to paliperidone or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe paliperidone. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to paliperidone, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of paliperidone
You should not take more paliperidone than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much paliperidone, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and paliperidone
Information about paliperidone and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Paliperidone and pregnancy
There are risks to taking paliperidone during pregnancy. But there are also risks with having an untreated mental health condition during this time. Keep in mind that paliperidone is used for treating certain mental health conditions.
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about treatment options for your condition during pregnancy. Together, you can discuss the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take paliperidone during pregnancy.
Your doctor may also talk with you about participating in a National Pregnancy Registry. It’s a program that collects information about atypical antipsychotic use during pregnancy. You can learn more by calling 866-961-2388 or visiting this website.
Paliperidone and breastfeeding
There are risks to taking paliperidone while breastfeeding. But there are also risks with having an untreated mental health condition during this time. Keep in mind that paliperidone is used for treating certain mental health conditions.
For instance, paliperidone may cause severe sleepiness or tremor in a child who’s breastfed.
If you’re planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor. They may recommend other healthy ways to feed your child while taking paliperidone.
FAQ
Common questions about paliperidone
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about paliperidone.
Can paliperidone cause long-term side effects?
Yes, in some cases, paliperidone may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time or last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.
Examples of long-term side effects include:
- tardive dyskinesia (movements of the face and body that you can’t stop)
- metabolic changes, such as increased blood sugar, which can lead to diabetes, lipid disorders, or obesity
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to best manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects may last.
How does paliperidone work? And how long does it take to start working?
How paliperidone works isn’t fully understood. It’s believed to work by balancing different chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals affect mood, thoughts, movement, and other nervous system functions.
Paliperidone extended-release (ER)* oral tablet starts working soon after you start treatment. But it may take up to 5 days to experience the full effects of the medication.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* Extended release” (ER) means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
Uses
Uses of paliperidone
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as paliperidone for certain conditions. Approved uses for paliperidone are described below.
Use for schizophrenia
Doctors may prescribe paliperidone extended-release (ER)* oral tablet for treating certain mental health conditions. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
Specifically, the FDA has approved paliperidone ER oral tablet to treat:
- schizophrenia in adults and children ages 12 years and older
- schizoaffective disorder in adults
Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition that affects your thoughts and behavior. Symptoms may include seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there, feeling unusually distrustful of others, and isolating oneself.
With schizoaffective disorder, a person has symptoms of schizophrenia in addition to symptoms of bipolar disorder (a mood disorder that causes episodes of extremely high or low energy).
Paliperidone may be prescribed by itself or with other drugs to treat schizoaffective disorder. These can include mood stabilizers, such as lithium (Lithobid), and antidepressants, such as sertraline (Zoloft).
* Extended release” (ER) means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about paliperidone or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- When I start paliperidone, should I continue taking my other medications?
- How does paliperidone tablet compare to similar drugs that are given by injection, such as Invega Sustenna?
- What can I do to help prevent or lessen weight gain while taking paliperidone?
* Extended release” (ER) means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
Resources
Resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Paliperidone extended-release tablets, for oral use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/492ee8e7-ee8e-4332-8e36-22a9045d4b44/spl-doc
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
New! No Prescription? No problem.
Affordable Online Care is here! Answer a few questions about your concern and receive a treatment plan in as little as 15 minutes, from a board-certified provider, 100% online.
Learn more