Sometimes our search for a better and peaceful life brings us many troublesome things that give us nothing but mental stress and anxiety. Like others, I also have a traumatic story among other twists and turns of my life while trying to control my mental health. Initially, I had no idea what it would do with me or how it would turn my life upside down. However, I dance through many drugs to control my mental stress and anxiety but no drug has ever brought a nightmare to me. In this blog, I am going to share my personal life experience of how Invega ruined my life together I will emphasize the value of informed consent, professional oversight, and mental health advocacy.
What Is Invega?
A common antipsychotic drug is Invega. Moreover, it functions by altering the way that certain brain chemicals interact. Although, Invega is usually used to treat Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents who are at least 12 years old.
A common brand-name prescription drug is Invega (paliperidone). Although, the following mental health disorders are capable of being treated with it, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
- Adults with schizoaffective disorder
- schizophrenia in people above the age of 12 and adults
The following are a few details about Invega:
Active Component:
Paliperidone is the active component.
Class:
Atypical antipsychotic drugs
Dosage form:
Extended-release (ER) oral tablets
What Are The Common Side Effects Of Invega?
There are some side effects that Invega can have, some of which are more frequent than others. These negative effects could only last a few days to a few weeks. However, be sure to consult your doctor or chemist if the adverse effects persist for a longer period of time, irritate you, or get serious. However, some common side effects are:
- Digestion problems OR stomach pain
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Constipation
- Drug induced movement disorder OR extrapyramidal symptoms
- Tachycardia
- Tremors
- Headache
- Dry mouth OR xerostomia
- Cough
- Blur vision
- Drowsiness
- Decrease libido
These negative effects could only last a few days to a few weeks. However, be sure to consult your doctor or chemist if the adverse effects persist for a longer period of time, irritate you, or get serious.
What Are The Rare Or Serious Side Effects Of Invega?
Serious adverse reactions are possible with Invega. Not all of the drug’s potentially harmful adverse effects are included below. You can consult Invega’s prescribing information for more details.
Call your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any severe adverse effects while taking Invega. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away if you experience any adverse effects that seem life-threatening or if you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency.
1. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS):
- Muscle stiffness
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Fever
2. Seizures:
- Dizziness
- Uncontrollable muscle movements
- Unconsciousness
3. Tardive Dyskinesia ( involuntary muscle movements commonly affecting the face):
- Frowning
- Blinking
- Lip smacking
4. High fever:
- Dehydration
- sweaty, warm skin
5. Orthostatic Hypotension:
- Falling
- Headache
- Lightheadedness
- Blurry vision
Moreover, other symptoms like abnormal heart rhythm, dysphagia, priapism, low WBCs, increase blood sugar levels, allergic reaction, etc, may occur while having serious side effects of Invega. However, if you notice any of the symptom above as a serious complication, immediately stop taking the medication and consult with your health professional as soon as possible.
How Invega Ruined My life?
I started taking Invega when I first encounter my Schizophrenia symptoms. However, after a whole bunch of medical testing, my doctor diagnosed me with schizophrenia. Moreover, he prescribed me paliperidone aka Invega as my immediate medications. At first, my symptoms were improving and I was able to do house chores and other daily life activities without any trouble or difficulty.
However, after sometime, I begin to notice some symptoms like headache, dizziness, lightheadedness as a persistent symptom. Moreover, after the constant use of invega, major symptoms of NMS stats to show up. One day, I loss my consciousness and get admit into hospital immediately. Finally, there, in the hospital, I find out how Invega ruined my life.
While fighting with my schizophrenia, my medication Invega, which is for my treatment, engage me with the Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). However, my life stopped for a second and I was continuously thinking how I will deal with the both diseases.
