Paliperidone Side Effects

A few common paliperidone side effects include drowsiness, headaches, and a rapid heart rate. Less common side effects of this medicine (occurring in less than 5 percent of people) can include heartburn or indigestion, fatigue, and a dry mouth. Certain side effects of paliperidone are more serious and should be reported to your healthcare provider. These more serious side effects can include large or rapid weight gain, anxiety, and very severe constipation.

 

An Introduction to Paliperidone Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with paliperidone (Invega®). However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate paliperidone well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with paliperidone. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of paliperidone side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects With Paliperidone

Paliperidone has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common paliperidone side effects included:
 
  • A rapid heart rate (tachycardia) -- in up to 14 percent of people
  • Headaches -- up to 14 percent
  • Drowsiness -- up to 11 percent
  • Weight gain -- up to 9 percent (see Invega and Weight Gain)
  • Nausea -- up to 6 percent
  • Dizziness -- up to 6 percent.
     
Some other common paliperidone side effects (occurring in 2 percent to 5 percent of people) included:
 
  • Heartburn or indigestion
  • Muscle tension
  • Increased salivation
  • Shakiness (tremors)
  • Upper abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
  • Dry mouth (see Invega and Dry Mouth)
  • Cough
  • Blurred vision
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue
  • A fever
  • Back pain.
     
(Paliperidone Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;