Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Invega.  It can help you feel better and have fewer mood swings.  Invega can take several weeks to start working. 

You should take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor.  Your doses can be taken with or without food. You should swallow the tablet whole. Do not chew or crush it.

Common side effects can occur, like weight gain, restlessness and feeling like you need to move around. Some patients may feel anxious or have a fast heartbeat.  It can cause sleepiness or dizziness.  You should wait until you know how it affects you before doing activities that require you to be alert like driving or riding a bike.  You may also have difficulty moving, muscle stiffness or tremors. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking this medicine, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

As with any medicine, rare but more serious side effects could occur.  You should read the Patient Information sheet to know which symptoms to watch for and when to report them.  To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow you closely and will order blood tests.  You should call you doctor right away if you have thoughts of suicide, or worsening moods or behaviors, especially in children or young adults.

Invega can interact with other medicines. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other medicines.  It is also important to drink plenty of fluids and avoid getting overheated.

Women should talk to their doctors before becoming pregnant or breastfeeding.

For best results, you should continue taking Invega exactly as prescribed.