The Potential Side Effects of Invega. Invega is an atypical antipsychotic medication approved to treat schizophrenia. As with other medications, it carries a risk of side effects. Potential side effects may include somewhat minor issues such as nausea, vomiting, or constipation. There have also been reports of irregular menstruation, or the cessation of menstruation altogether. […]
The Potential Side Effects of Invega. Invega is an atypical antipsychotic medication approved to treat schizophrenia. As with other medications, it carries a risk of side effects.
Potential side effects may include somewhat minor issues such as nausea, vomiting, or constipation. There have also been reports of irregular menstruation, or the cessation of menstruation altogether. Patients have also reported headache, restlessness, drowsiness, or weight gain.
More serious side effects associated with Invega include movement-related issues. Invega inhibits psychotic symptoms by regulating levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. As a result, some patients experience problems with walking or loss of balance, trembling, jerkiness, or stiffness.
While some patients experience an inhibition of movement, others report an abnormal increase in movements, including loss of control in the face, neck, and back.
Another alleged side effect associated with Invega is gynecomastia, or growth of breast tissue in men. One possible explanation is that Invega changes the levels of hormones in men, leading to breast growth.
This may occur because the drug causes the pituitary gland to secrete higher levels of prolactin. In a number of patients, the gynecomastia reverses on its own once the cause is removed. In other cases, however, patients must undergo surgery to remove the breast tissue.
Some Invega users who experienced gynecomastia filed lawsuits, alleging that the side effect caused psychological trauma. These allegations are not unique to Invega. Many lawsuits have been filed over Risperdal, another antipsychotic, with similar allegations.
The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).
Our lawyer for defective Anti-Psychotic Drugs is here to help you when you need it the most.