Invega Sustenna Description

If you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia and struggle with the symptoms of hallucinations, confusion, disinterest in things you once enjoyed, and jumbled thoughts, see your doctor and ask about treatment with Invega Sustenna.

This is an injectible drug your doctor or another health professional will administer in a clinic or office as prescribed. Once your first two doses of Invega Sustenna are given one week apart, you may then only need monthly visits. Invega Sustenna is administered into a muscle, either in your arm or buttocks, so it is more beneficial for you to have this done by a trained health professional.

Correct the Balance of Your Neurotransmitters to Reduce Symptoms

Paliperidone Palmitate, the active ingredient in Invega Sustenna, dissolves slowly after the IM (intra-muscular) injection and is then hydrolyzed to Paliperidone. This works in your brain to affect certain chemicals stored in nerve cells (neurotransmitters) that are responsible for sending messages between the nerve cells. As it is believed that schizophrenia is a result of an imbalance of some of your neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin in particular, Invega Sustenna is designed to block their receptors in order to prevent the over activity of dopamine and serotonin. This will help you gain better control of your moods and behavior and reduce your symptoms.

Other Uses for Invega Sustenna

Invega Sustenna is also prescribed to treat schizoaffective disorder which is a combination of schizophrenia and a mood disorder, usually bipolar disorder. In the case of schizoaffective disorder, the intense mood swings of bipolar disorder are the strongest feature with delusions and depression being secondary. The onset of schizoaffective disorder can begin during the late teens and early 20’s with symptoms of hallucinations, paranoia, mental confusion, and episodes of being depressed or manic. Your doctor may prescribe Invega Sustenna injections in addition to an oral antidepressant medication.

Before Invega Sustenna is Administered

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding as Invega Sustenna may be harmful to an unborn or nursing baby. To determine if Invega Sustenna is safe for you, advise of other medical conditions or allergies you have and provide your doctor with a list any current over-the-counter or Rx meds you take or use, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements. It is beneficial to have a good support system in place that includes mental health professionals and family members.

Invega Sustenna Precautions

Invega Sustenna is not approved as treatment for the mental problems associated with dementia. Until you know how your body will react to Invega Sustenna you should not drive, operate machinery, or perform any task that may be unsafe if you become tired or dizzy. Do not consume alcohol while using Invega Sustenna as your risk of side effects could increase.

Possible Side Effects of Invega Sustenna

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Weight gain
• Nausea/vomiting
• Constipation/diarrhea
• Agitation, restlessness

Drugs Similar to Invega Sustenna

• Latuda
• Abilify
• Seroquel XR