Paliperidone

Paliperidone is a drug to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia. This medication may also be used to treat symptoms of schizoaffective disorder, which is a combination of schizophrenia and a mood disorder, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

Paliperidone works by restoring the balance of natural chemicals in the brain. That way, the symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations and agitation , experienced by people with schizophrenia or schizoaffective sufferers can be reduced.

The use of paliperidone will also help sufferers become calmer, be able to think more clearly, and improve their mood, so that they can carry out normal activities. It should be remembered that this medication should not be used to treat psychosis associated with dementia in the elderly.

Paliperidone trademarks: Invega, Invega Trinza, Invega Sustenna.

What is Paliperidone

Precautions Before Using Paliperidone

Paliperidone should only be used based on a doctor 's prescription . There are several things that must be considered before using this drug, including:

• Do not use paliperidone if you are allergic to it or to antipsychotic drugs, such as risperidone .
• Tell your doctor if you have or currently have kidney disease, liver disease, Parkinson's disease , glaucoma , cataracts , diabetes, heart disease , heart rhythm disturbances, electrolyte disturbances , peritonitis, cystic fibrosis , or seizures .
• This drug should not be used by people with psychosis associated with dementia. Tell your doctor if you have dementia .
• Tell your doctor if you have ever been on medication for a mental disorder or if you have had any serious side effects while having it.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages while on paliperidone treatment, because alcohol can make you more sleepy.
• Do not drive or do activities that require alertness while taking paliperidone, because this drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
• Do not stop using paliperidone suddenly without consulting your doctor first. Follow the control schedule given by the doctor while undergoing treatment with this drug.
• Paliperidone can reduce your ability to sweat, which can lead to heatstroke . Avoid or limit activities in hot air or under direct sunlight.
• If you are planning to have dental work or surgery, including eye surgery, tell your doctor that you are using paliperidone.
• See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction, more serious side effects, or an overdose after using paliperidone.

Dosage and Rules for Use of Paliperidone

The following is a general dosage of paliperidone based on the condition, drug form, and age of the patient:

Paliperidone tablets

Condition: Schizophrenia

• Adult: Initially 6 mg once daily in the morning. The next dose will be adjusted to the patient's condition. The maximum dose is not more than 12 mg per day.
• Children ≥12 years, weighing ≥51 kg: Initially, 3 mg once daily, in the morning. Dosage can be increased according to the patient's condition. The maximum dose is 12 mg per day.
• Children ≥12 years, weighing ≤51 kg: Initially, 3 mg once daily, in the morning. Dosage can be increased according to the patient's condition. The maximum dose is 6 mg per day.

Condition: Schizoaffective

• Adult: Initial dose of 3–6 mg according to the patient's condition, once a day, in the morning. The maximum dose is not more than 12 mg per day.

Paliperidone is also available in injection form which will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.

How to Use Paliperidone Properly

Follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the instructions for use listed on the package before using paliperidone. The injectable type of paliperidone should only be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.

For paliperidone tablets, take them at the same time every day for maximum drug effect.

If you forget to take paliperidone, it is advisable to consume it as soon as you remember if the break with the next schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.

Paliperidone tablets can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not split or crush the tablet as this may increase the risk of side effects.

Store paliperidone in a room with room temperature. Do not store it in a damp place or in direct sunlight. Keep this drug out of reach of children.

Paliperidone Interactions with Other Drugs

The following are a number of drug interaction effects that can occur when using paliperidone together with other drugs:

• Increased risk of QT prolongation when used with antiarrhythmic drugs, such as quinidine , disopyramide, or amiodarone
• Increased blood levels of paliperidone when used with valproate
• Decreased blood levels of paliperidone when used with carbamazepine
• Increased effect of paliperidone when used with other antipsychotic drugs or antidepressant drugs
• Increased risk of central nervous system disorders which can cause breathing problems, coma, and even death when used with opioid drugs, such as codeine , fentanyl, or morphine
• Decreased effect of levodopa drugs
• Increased risk of tardive dyskinesia when used with metoclopramide

Side Effects and Dangers of Paliperidone

Some of the side effects that may appear after using paliperidone are:

• Drowsiness
• Nervous
• Headache
• Dizziness or difficulty keeping balance
• Dry mouth
• Stomach ache
• Constipation
• Excessive weakness and fatigue

Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't go away or get worse. See a doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

• Muscle stiffness or muscle pain
• High fever
• Pounding heart or irregular heartbeat
• Body shaking, tremors , or slow, stiff body movements
• Excessive sweating
• Changes in mood or mood
• Swollen and painful breasts
• Longer and more painful erections