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Paliperidone

Sounds like 'PAL-ee-PER-i-done'

Key points about paliperidone

Paliperidone is used to treat some types of mental illness such as schizophrenia.
Paliperidone belongs to a group of medicines called antipsychotics.
Paliperidone is also known as Invega or Invega Sustenna.
Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.

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Paliperidone is used to treat schizophrenia. It doesn't cure this condition, but is used to help ease the symptoms and help you on your recovery path. It can help improve symptoms such as the experience of hearing voices (hallucinations), ideas that distress you and don't seem to be based in reality (delusions), and difficulty in thinking clearly (thought disorder). Paliperidone belongs to a group of medicines called antipsychotics. Read more about antipsychotic medication.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, paliperidone is available as a long-acting or depot injection. The depot injection releases the medicine slowly over time so that you don't have to take this medicine every day. There are different brands and strengths of paliperidone injection:

Invega Sustenna is usually given once a month.
Invega Trinza is usually given every 3 months.

Based on your symptoms and response to treatment, your doctor will decide which strength is suitable for you. Read more about depot antipsychotics.

Here are some things to know when you're taking paliperidone. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Avoid alcohol while you're taking paliperidone, especially when you first start treatment. Alcohol can increase your risk of side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness.
Paliperidone can interact with other medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking including over the counter medicines, herbal and complementary medicines or recreational drugs.
Paliperidone may cause changes in your blood glucose levels, cholesterol level and heart function. Your doctor will check your physical health – you may need to have your weight and blood pressure (BP) measured regularly. You may also need blood tests to check your kidneys and liver, and cholesterol and glucose levels.
Women will need breast and bone density screening.
Paliperidone is best avoided for people with certain medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, depression and diabetes. Contact your doctor if you have or develop any of these conditions while taking it.
Contact your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding.
Make sure your drink plenty of water while taking paliperidone, it's important to be well hydrated especially during strenuous exercise or exposure to extreme heat.
Protect yourself from too much sunlight. Paliperidone can make you more sensitive to the sun and your skin is more likely to burn. Avoid direct sun exposure. When outside, protect your skin by using an oil-free sunscreen. Read more about using sunscreen.

Like all medicines, paliperidone can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.

Side effects	What should I do?
Feeling dizzy Feeling sleepy, drowsy, or tired	Don't drive or use tools or machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid drinking alcohol – it can make drowsiness worse. Tell your doctor if these effects bother you.
Feeling shaky and restless (cannot sit still) Eyes or tongue may move on their own	Paliperidone can cause changes in your movement. Tell your doctor. Read more about medicines and movement side effects.
Pain where the injection is given	You may feel some pain or discomfort when you have your injection, but this may become less over time.
Weight gain Increased appetite	Eat a diet full of vegetables and fibre, drink plenty of water and limit sugary or fatty foods. Exercise regularly. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned.
Signs of changes in hormones hormones such as changes to periods in women and breast changes in both men and women.	These changes are due to raised levels of a hormone called prolactin, and it can be very distressing for some people. Discuss with your doctor.
Did you know that you can report a medicine side effect to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product.(external link)

Paliperidone interacts with many other medications and herbal supplements so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting ziprasidone or before starting any new medicines..

Depot antipsychotic injections
Antipsychotic medicines
Schizophrenia | Mate wairua tuakoi

The following links has more information on paliperidone.