Patient Education: Paliperidone (Invega)

Paliperidone is prescribed by your healthcare provider based on current guidelines to address specific mental health conditions. While effective, all medications have potential side effects. It's crucial to be informed about these risks and benefits. It's also important to understand strategies to reduce their occurrence or manage them effectively. It's vital to know when to contact your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention. This guide aims to empower you with this knowledge, ensuring a well-informed approach to your child's treatment. If you are still unsure, always reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance.

What is Paliperidone?

Paliperidone belongs to a group of medicines known as Second Generation or Atypical Antipsychotics. It is the active metabolite of risperidone, meaning it is a derivative of risperidone.

When is Paliperidone prescribed to Children & Adolescents? 

Your doctor may prescribe Paliperidone for: 

• Behavioral disturbances or Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (also known as DMDD)
• Bipolar disorder
• Autism-related irritability
• Psychosis
• Tics or Tourette’s Syndrome

What is the Dose of Paliperidone?

• Oral Tablets: The typical dose ranges from 3 to 9 mg per day.
• Monthly Depot Injection (Invega Sustenna): The dose ranges from 39 mg to 234 mg per month.
• 3-Month Depot Injection (Invega Trinza): The dose ranges from 273 mg to 819 mg every 3 months.

Paliperidone is usually started at a low dose, gradually increasing to reach an effective level.

What can be the possible

side-effects from the medication?

Serious but Rare Side-Effects

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

• Symptoms: High fever, severe muscle stiffness, changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.
• Action Required: Immediately discontinue medication and seek urgent medical care in a hospital.
• Treatment: Immediate medical care in a hospital.

To learn more about this medication, please visit MedlinePlus, an official US government website, part of the National Library of Medicine and managed by National Institute of Health. Click HERE for information on oral Paliperidone and HERE for information on Paliperidone injection.