About paliperidone palmitate
Long-acting atypical antipsychotic
Used for
- Maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adults previously stabilized on monthly paliperidone injections.
Usual adult dose
Given by a healthcare professional as a deep gluteal injection every six months; the dose and transition schedule are individualized.
Common side effects
- Injection-site pain
- Weight gain
- Sleepiness or restlessness
- Raised prolactin levels
Important warnings
- Not for starting treatment; patients must first be stabilized on monthly paliperidone.
- Can cause movement disorders, severe sleepiness, and impaired judgment.
- Seek urgent care for fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, or fainting.
- Use caution with heart rhythm problems, diabetes, seizures, or kidney impairment.
Pregnancy
Use only when clearly needed; discuss risks with a healthcare professional. Exposure near delivery may cause newborn movement or withdrawal symptoms.
Breastfeeding
Paliperidone passes into breast milk and may cause infant sleepiness or movement problems; discuss risks with a healthcare professional.
Interactions
- Other medicines that cause sleepiness or lower blood pressure may increase these effects.
- Medicines that prolong the QT interval may increase abnormal heart rhythm risk.
- Carbamazepine may reduce paliperidone levels.
- Avoid combining with risperidone or oral paliperidone unless specifically directed.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.