Invega is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient paliperidone, a type of atypical antipsychotic. This medication is indicated to alleviate symptoms associated with a mental illness called schizophrenia. Invega works by altering the activity of specific mood-related chemicals within a patient's brain. Before receiving treatment with this medication, patients should review the side effects of Invega with a medical professional.
Fatigue, Weakness or Dizziness
Unusual sensations of fatigue or weakness may arise in patients treated with Invega, MedlinePlus reports. These side effects may occur in conjunction with dizziness and can lead to difficulty focusing or moving about normally during normal daily activities. Patients who experience episodes of lightheadedness, particularly upon standing, should sit down until the sensation passes in order to prevent injury from tripping or falling.
Upset Stomach or Weight Gain
After taking a dose of Invega, patients may experience upset stomach side effects. Gastrointestinal complications may include nausea, abdominal pain or digestive difficulties, PDRhealth explains. Though Invega can be taken without food, eating a small snack before dosing may help reduce the risk of stomach upset side effects in certain patients. Minor weight gain may also occur in patients treated with Invega.
Body Tremors, Fidgeting or Restlessness
Approximately 20 percent of patients who took a once daily 9 mg dose of Invege developed unusual, involuntary body tremors or twitching--a side effect called extrapyramidal symptoms--during clinical trials for this medication, RxList reports. Affected patients may fidget excessively or can appear unusually anxious or restless.
Increased Heart Rate
Invega may induce an abnormal increase in a patient's heart rate, a side effect called tachycardia. This side effect may exacerbate symptoms of restlessness, weakness or fatigue in certain patients. Patients who develop any type of heart rhythm changes while taking Invega should consult a medical professional.
Sexual Changes
Treatment with Invega can cause sexual changes in both men and women. Patients may experience a decrease in their normal sexual drive or libido and may develop difficulty achieving orgasm, Drugs.com reports. Unusual swelling of the breasts may also occur, and patients may notice abnormal discharge from their nipples. Men receiving treatment with this medication can experience prolonged, painful erections, while women may develop changes in their normal monthly menstrual cycle. Patients who experience any of these sexual changes while taking Invega should talk with a physician.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Infrequently, treatment with Invega may cause a potentially fatal nerve condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome or NMS, PDRhealth warns. Symptoms of NMS include sweating, heart rate irregularities, confusion, blood pressure changes, unusually stiff muscles and a high fever. If such symptoms arise, affected patients should be taken to an emergency medical provider immediately.
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