How Invega Ruined My Life – Should You Take this Medicine?

Invega is a medicine that helps adults with schizoaffective disorder. This medicine is also beneficial for adults as well as teenagers (between 12 and 17 years old) with schizophrenia.

“Invega ruined my life” is just not a statement. It carries the untold stories of Invega users’ suffering after using this medicine.

Invega can negatively impact a person’s life due to its potential side effects and how it affects the brain. It can cause problems like weight gain, emotional numbness, and even physical health issues. Some people may experience a loss of interest in things they used to enjoy. People reported experiencing difficulty thinking clearly. Another severe side effect is involuntary movements. Invega can help manage certain mental health conditions. However, its side effects can be challenging and may only work well for some. 

In this article, I will shed light on why Invega disrupts the natural flow of life. I will also highlight ways to come out of this terrible life experience. Keep reading to know more about the hardships of Invega users who urge others not to use this drug anymore.

What is Invega?

Invega is a medicine that helps with specific mental health issues. It’s part of a group of drugs called antipsychotics, and its fancy name is paliperidone.

Doctors often prescribe Invega to folks dealing with schizophrenia. This mental condition can mess with your thoughts, feelings, and actions. It is also useful for schizoaffective disorder, combining schizophrenia symptoms with mood problems.

Invega works by messing with some brain chemicals to help reduce hallucinations, delusions, and confused thinking.

How Invega Ruined My Life?

Like many medications, Invega has the power to affect a person’s life both for better and sometimes for not-so-great reasons. Let’s delve into why it’s essential to use it wisely.

Imagine Invega as a rescuer for your brain, swooping in to help people with schizophrenia.

Invega comes with a twist of a few drawbacks. It can have side effects that can be challenging. These side effects make you feel sluggish. It can cause weight gain or mess with your coordination.

If you don’t handle Invega responsibly, It can zap your energy or make you feel like you have a heavy backpack. This might affect your daily life, from work to hanging out with friends and enjoying hobbies. Here are the reasons why Invega can ruin your life:

Tardive Dyskinesia

This is a severe side effect associated with long-term use of antipsychotic medications like Invega. It involves involuntary and often irreversible movements. This side effect can impact a person’s quality of life.

Cognitive Impairment

Some individuals may experience cognitive impairment. This also includes memory, concentration, and problem-solving difficulties. Cognitive impairment affects their work or study ability.

Mental Health Impact

Invega and similar medications may not effectively manage symptoms or may exacerbate certain mental health conditions like losing emotions in some individuals. This can lead to increased distress and a decline in mental health.

Discontinuation Syndrome

Suddenly stopping Invega can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which can be distressing and impact daily functioning.

Medical Complications

Invega can have metabolic effects. This leads to an increased risk of diabetes and heart problems. These changes can negatively impact a person’s overall health and longevity.

Lack of Efficacy

In some cases, Invega may not effectively manage the symptoms of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. This can increase the struggles and cause disappointment.

Is Invega A Good Medication?

I am listing a few positive points and also some potential drawbacks regarding Invega. And I leave the decision up to our readers whether Invega is a good medicine or not:

Some Pros of Invega

• It’s specially designed to help people facing challenges like schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
• Picture it as a gentle librarian in your brain, quieting the noisy thoughts and emotions.
• Invega can reduce hallucinations, delusions, and the chaos in your mind.
• Whether you prefer pills or a monthly shot, Invega’s has options to fit your style.
• You choose how you want to take it, making sticking with your treatment plan easier.
• Invega isn’t a one-person show; it’s all about teamwork. Working closely with your healthcare pro, you can find the right dose and adjust as needed.
• With Invega’s help, you can find a stable path through the ups and downs of mental health.
• It can provide the stability you need to live your life more comfortably.
• Invega can give you back the keys to your life.

Some Cons of Invega

• Like many medications, Invega can bring some unwelcome side effects along for the ride. These could include drowsiness, weight gain, or even affecting your coordination.
• It might make you feel less energetic.
• Invega isn’t a universal solution. What works for one person might not work for another.
• Finding the right dosage and form might take some trial and error.
• Invega could affect your emotions, making you feel a bit flat or less expressive.
• It’s like putting a damper on the emotional rollercoaster of life.
• Invega may work slowly; showing its full effects might take some time. This can be frustrating when you’re looking for quick relief.

Is Invega A Safe Drug?

Antipsychotic medications like Invega can raise mortality risk in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Due to this, doctors usually won’t recommend Invega to treat psychosis in dementia-affected older persons.

On various online platforms, it has very low ratings. An anonymous user posted a review on an online platform and cautioned everyone, “Do not use this at all.” He received a diagnosis of bipolar with psychosis.  After that, he took four doses of Invega. Total two loading doses, two further doses over two months. Since finishing his last dosage, he has gained weight and experienced erectile dysfunction.

Even if you have to take this medicine, do it under a doctor’s close observation.

Side Effects of Invega

During the testing of Invega for schizoaffective disorder, some common side effects were seen. These included:

• Shaking or trembling of the muscles.
• Walking with small steps and shuffling movements.
• Movements that you can’t control on your own, like jerking or twitching.
• Strange eye movements.
• Feeling like you have a burning sensation in your chest, known as heartburn.
• Difficulty with regular bowel movements, which is called constipation.
• Feeling very sleepy.
• Gaining weight.
• Having a sore throat.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome is a major side effect seen with Invega. Though it is rare, it can be life-threatening. If you’re being treated for NMS, you should stop the treatment.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• High fever
• Stiff muscles
• Trembling
• Confusion
• Unusual sweating
• Higher heart rate or blood pressure
• Muscle pain or weakness.

Invega and similar medicines might lead to lower counts of white blood cells in your bloodstream. If you’ve had low white blood cell counts before or get a fever or infection without an apparent reason, immediately contact your doctor.

Invega can make a hormone called prolactin go up in your blood.

If you keep taking them, prolactin levels can stay high and cause side effects. These side effects might include:

• Skipping menstrual periods
• Milk leaking from the breasts
• Grown breasts in men
• Troubles with getting an erection.

If your erection lasts longer than 4 hours and it’s painful, don’t wait. Get medical help right away to prevent lasting damage.

Be careful when using Invega if you have a history of seizures. 

This medication can make you more sensitive to heat. So, it might be harder for your body to cool down. And you could become dehydrated more quickly. Be cautious when you exercise or do activities that make you warm.

When taking Innvega, swallow the whole tablet. Don’t chew, break, or crush it. Don’t worry if you see something like a tablet in your stool.  It’s just what’s left after all the medicine has been used up.

Do not drink alcohol when you’re using Invega. Drinking alcohol while taking Invega can have side effects, like feeling sleepy and worse.

How to Get Invega Out of Your System

Do not stop taking Invega or any other medication without consulting your doctor. They will guide you on how to discontinue the medication if needed safely.

The half-life of Invega is approximately 23 hours. This means that after taking a dose, your body takes about 23 hours to eliminate half of it. Generally, it takes around five half-lives for a medication to completely clear from your system. This implies that Invega may remain in your body for approximately 115 hours. This means it will take nearly 5 days to leave your system after your last dose.

What Happens If You Suddenly Stop Taking Invega

Withdrawal from Invega should be managed closely and often in consultation with the prescribing doctor, who can periodically alter the dose to ease potential withdrawal symptoms.

It is advised to only stop taking Invega abruptly if it is medically essential.

For instance, it might become permanent if you develop tardive dyskinesia. This condition involves uncontrollable movements. But in some cases, if you stop the drug immediately, it could improve. Always follow your doctor’s advice when stopping or changing your medication.

Should I Be Worried About Invega Overdose?

Absolutely yes. This is a serious problem. If you believe you’ve accidentally taken too much of this medication, here’s what you should do:

• Get in touch with your healthcare provider immediately for guidance on what to do next.
•  You can also contact the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222. They have an online tool as well.
• If your symptoms are severe or in distress, don’t hesitate to call 911 or your local emergency number. Alternatively, visit the nearest emergency room for urgent medical attention. Your safety is a top priority.

Invega Horror Stories

Here are some terrible experiences people posted on social platforms regarding their condition after taking Invega:

“This medicine changed me completely.” He used to be a funny and perceptive person who could make people laugh and understand their feelings. But this drug took all of that away. It made him feel like he didn’t care about anything anymore. He lost his emotions and will to live.  He lives in constant fear that his condition will be like this forever because this isn’t really living; it’s just existing. 

“It was the worst time of my life.” A patient named Eano shares her experience: I can’t explain all the bad things that happened when I took Invega Sustenna in just a few words, but it made my mind feel really empty. It was like all my thoughts disappeared. I gained 25 pounds right after I started, and I lost muscle. It stopped my delusions, but I think it was because my thoughts stopped altogether. I got hurt a lot, like 4 sprains and a pulled muscle, since I got this shot. My skin was flaking, and my hair was falling out. I couldn’t feel any emotions. I couldn’t have an orgasm for a whole month. More bad things were happening, and I can’t fully explain how desperate I felt for this medication. But I want people to know if you’re on it and you hate it, there is hope. You’ll get better once you stop taking it.

“It ruined my life completely. I learned that this medicine can take a very long time, maybe a year or more, to leave your body.” Doug shares his story: I’m almost 40 years old, and now I have to live with my parents because I can’t work or do things I used to enjoy. It was an incredibly awful experience. I was put on a treatment order, but they changed my medicine to Abilify. When I tried to tell the nurses and the doctor how bad Invega was for me, they blamed my symptoms instead of the medicine. I couldn’t get out of bed for a whole month, and I thought I might not make it because I couldn’t breathe. It takes away your spirit, your health, and your ability to be social.”

Actions to Take If Invega Ruined Your Life

You can try out these steps to overcome the horrific experience you had to go through because of taking Invega:

Consult a Healthcare Professional

If you’re experiencing adverse effects from Invega, consult with a healthcare provider immediately. They will check your condition and provide appropriate medical guidance or treatment.

Document Your Experience

Keep detailed records of your medical history, including when you started taking Invega, any side effects or adverse reactions you experienced, and any medical treatments or consultations related to these issues. This documentation can be valuable if you decide to pursue legal action.

Contact the Manufacturer

You may reach out to the pharmaceutical company that produces Invega to report your adverse experiences. They have mechanisms in place to handle such reports.

Support Groups 

Consider joining support groups or seeking out communities of individuals with similar experiences with Invega. Sharing your experience and learning from others can provide emotional support and valuable insights.

Explore Treatment Alternatives 

Discuss alternative treatments with your healthcare provider if you’re dissatisfied with the current medication. They can help you explore options that better suit your needs.

Mental Health Support

If Invega has affected your mental health negatively, consider seeking counseling or therapy to address any emotional distress or trauma.

Patient Advocacy Organizations

Reach out to patient advocacy organizations related to mental health or medication safety. They can offer resources, information, and support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Invega Kill You?

Invega and other antipsychotic medications raise the mortality risk in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. When prescribing these drugs to this particular patient people, healthcare professionals must carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. The safety and wellbeing of elderly people with dementia who may be taking antipsychotic drugs also need thorough supervision and frequent evaluations.

What to avoid when taking Invega?

It’s best to avoid drinking alcohol when you’re taking paliperidone. Alcohol can make the side effects of paliperidone, like feeling dizzy, tired, and having trouble focusing, worse. It might also affect your thinking and decision-making abilities. So, it’s a good idea to skip alcohol while using this medication.

Can Invega Worsen My Mental Health?

Yes, Invega can affect mental health. It is given to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. It also adversely affects a person’s mood, thoughts, or emotions.

Bottom Line

“Invega ruined my life” is an alarming statement. Before deciding to use Invega, it’s important to think carefully. This medication can have side effects, and not everyone responds the same way. While it can help with certain mental health problems, it might also cause things like weight gain, feeling emotionally distant, and other problems. Some people may even lose interest in things they used to enjoy or need help thinking clearly. It’s crucial to talk to a doctor about the pros and cons of using Invega and consider other treatment options. The choice to use Invega should be made thoughtfully with guidance from a healthcare professional.