Paliperidone
Indications
Paliperidone is an antipsychotic medicine used to treat schizophrenia in adults and adolescents, and schizoaffective disorder in adults, a condition that combines psychotic symptoms with mood symptoms such as depression or mania. The extended-release tablets release the medicine slowly over the day. It is prescription only.
How It Works
Paliperidone is the active form of Risperidone and belongs to the atypical (second-generation) antipsychotics. It blocks dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the brain, which helps rebalance brain chemical messengers. This reduces hallucinations, false beliefs and disordered thinking, and can improve mood and motivation.
Dosage and Administration
Take exactly as prescribed, usually once a day in the morning. Your doctor chooses the dose and adjusts it according to response, side effects and kidney function. Swallow the extended-release tablet whole with water; do not chew, crush or split it, as this changes how the medicine is released. The empty tablet shell may sometimes be seen in the stool; this is normal. Do not stop suddenly without speaking to your doctor.
Interactions
Medicines that affect heart rhythm, such as Amiodarone, Sotalol, some antibiotics like Moxifloxacin, and other antipsychotics, may increase the risk of rhythm problems. Alcohol and sedating medicines increase drowsiness. It can reduce the effect of Levodopa and other Parkinson medicines. Carbamazepine lowers paliperidone levels. It may add to the effect of blood pressure medicines. Do not take with Risperidone.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Paliperidone or Risperidone.
Side Effects
Common effects include restlessness, stiffness, shaking and slow movements, sleepiness, headache, dizziness, fast heartbeat, weight gain and increased appetite. It can raise the hormone prolactin, which may cause breast swelling, milk discharge, missed periods or sexual problems. It may also raise blood sugar and blood fats.
Get urgent medical help for high fever with stiff muscles, sweating and confusion (neuroleptic malignant syndrome), fainting or a fast irregular heartbeat, uncontrolled movements of the face or tongue, a painful erection lasting more than 4 hours, signs of stroke such as sudden weakness or trouble speaking, very high thirst and urination, or an allergic reaction.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Use in pregnancy only if the doctor decides the benefit outweighs the risk; use in the last three months can cause movement problems and withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Do not stop on your own if you become pregnant. It passes into breast milk; breastfeeding is generally not recommended.
Precautions and Warnings
- Older people with dementia have a higher risk of stroke and death with antipsychotics; it is not approved for dementia-related psychosis.
- Use with care in heart disease, low blood pressure, epilepsy, diabetes, kidney disease and Parkinson disease.
- Your doctor may check weight, blood sugar and blood fats regularly.
- Avoid overheating and dehydration.
- It may cause drowsiness; do not drive until you know how it affects you.
Overdose
Overdose may cause severe drowsiness, fast heartbeat, low blood pressure, stiffness and abnormal heart rhythm. Get emergency medical help at once.
Therapeutic Class
Atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Protect from moisture.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Paliperidone