Paliperidone Palmitate

Paliperidone palmitate is a prescription drug licensed to treat schizophrenia. It comes in the form of an injection that is administered by a healthcare provider once a month. This long-acting antipsychotic works by blocking certain brain chemicals that may be elevated in people with schizophrenia. Headaches, drowsiness, and dizziness are some of the common side effects.

What Is Paliperidone Palmitate?

Paliperidone palmitate (Invega® Sustenna®) is a long-acting prescription medication approved to treat schizophrenia. It is used in people who have previously taken, and are known to tolerate, an oral form of paliperidone (Invega®) or a similar medicine called risperidone (Risperdal®).
 
(Click What Is Paliperidone Palmitate Used For? for more information on this topic, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Are There Side Effects?

Just like any medicine, paliperidone palmitate may cause side effects.
 However, not everyone who uses the drug will experience problems. Most people tolerate it quite well.
 
If reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of paliperidone palmitate include but are not limited to:
 
  • Reactions at the injection site
  • Headache
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Feelings of inner restlessness.
 
(Click Paliperidone Palmitate Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 
Paliperidone Palmitate Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Susan Lakey, PharmD, MPH, BCPP
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
Other Articles in This eMedTV Presentation
Referring Pages Articles Health Topics Drugs & Supplements