Paliperidone

Uses

This antipsychotic medication is used for the treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.

IUPAC name: 3-[2-[4-(6-fluoro-1,2-benzoxazol-3-yl)piperidin-1-yl]ethyl]-9-hydroxy-2-methyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one

Drug class: Atypical antipsychotics

Route of administration: oral and intramuscular

Is it a drug that needs a prescription? YES

Is it an OTC drug? NO

Mechanism of action

This medication works by regulating and restoring the activity of certain neurotransmitters (such as dopamine and serotonin) in the brain and helps to enhance thoughts, feelings, moods, and behavior. 

Side effects

It may cause dizziness, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, weight gain, salivation, difficulty sleeping, agitation, fatigue, tremors, and increased appetite.

Precautions

Before using this medication, take the following precautions and notify your doctor:

If you are allergic to it or to other antipsychotic drugs (such as risperidone), or if you have any other allergies,

If you are taking any other medication (prescribed, non-prescribed, or herbal products),

If you have a history of hepatic issues (liver disease), cataracts, glaucoma, leukemia (low white blood cell count), seizures (fits), breathing/lung problems (including sleep apnea, severe asthma, COPD-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), diabetes, high cholesterol, cystic fibrosis, cardiac disease (heart attack, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia), kidney problems, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, trouble swallowing, intestinal blockage due to paralytic ileus, peritonitis,

If you have undergone any type of surgery,

Paliperidone may increase the risk of QT prolongation if you have certain cardiac diseases (bradycardia, heart failure, or QT prolongation).

 If you have low blood levels of magnesium, potassium, or sodium, you may be more likely to experience QT prolongation (extended intervals between cardiac contraction and relaxation) when taking this medication.

Limit your alcohol usage since it increases your chances of developing blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. It may also cause a loss of alertness.

This drug’s adverse effects are more severe in older adults with dementia.

Avoid activities that can cause you to overheat while taking this medication.

Avoid abruptly discontinuing this medication without first talking to your doctor.

If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor. Using this drug in the last trimester of pregnancy is not recommended since it might harm the unborn child.

 This medication should not be taken by breastfeeding moms since it may pass via breast milk and harm the infant.