Paliperidone and Weight Gain: What Users Say (Page 5)

• Inv...
• December 14, 2009

Paliperidone for Bipolar Disorder "I have been on Invega 6 mg for about 3 years now. I have gained about 70 extra pounds, and nothing I do seems to drop the weight. Also, it messed with my periods so much that I had to have a hysterectomy. But it does keep my moods stable for the most part. I think it's time for me to start a new medication, though. Because when I do have outbursts, they are really bad. And the depression is still here."

• DTa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2019

Paliperidone for Schizophrenia "Invega did work to keep me from relapsing into psychosis. Also, the injection makes it ideal for people who might tend to forget or stop taking medication. I have had some minor issues like diminished sex drive (also times when I couldn't produce any semen), blurry vision, and weight gain. However, soon after taking this medication, I developed a depression. My depression has varied from severe mental agony for entire days to its current more anhedonic state. It is debilitating, to say the least. After holding on for five months, I will try to switch back to Seroquel, which in the past has left me more stable while also getting rid of any symptoms related to psychosis. I am, however, not sure how much of the depression was caused by this medication."

• Joe...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 14, 2021

Paliperidone for Schizoaffective Disorder "I have been a user since 2008, with a break of one year in the beginning related to my opinion that I am okay now, but unfortunately, the disease was still there. After this break, it's been 11 years that I am normal, I don't hear voices, I have a stable job, with no tension to feel conspiracies towards me. I may have gained some weight in the beginning, then I was too thin, but now I am normal in kilos according to my age of 42. I would propose it to someone who wants to live a normal life. Of course, according to my doctor, it suits me perfectly. May not to other people."

• San...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 16, 2017

Paliperidone for Schizoaffective Disorder "This medicine helps in curing the voices and delusional thoughts that sometimes come with schizoaffective disorders. But the worst side of this medication is complete weight gain. I went from size 2 to 14. It also makes your boobs grow bigger and stops the menstrual periods. The drug stays in the system for a long period of time. I stopped it in May, and it’s been 5 months, but I keep on gaining weight and boobs keep getting bigger and bigger. Worst medication ever! I have to deal with the weight gain, and this causes a lot of insecurities, especially for a lady! But the doctor told me that it gradually comes out of the system with time. So still hoping that my life will get back to normal with time."

• Don...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2017

For Depression "I gained 60 pounds in 45 days on this med. I had many side effects, of which were listed on the website. You name it, I basically had it. Made me crazy, majorly depressed, etc. This is the worst medication I've ever received, and it was given by a doctor who never called my shrinks, my past doctors of long-term status, nor even my personal family. This drug states blood work, etc., is required to be done before issued."

• Ear...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2022

Paliperidone for Schizophrenia "Terrible experience. I have slurred speech, head tremors, loss of thought, memory loss, lower IQ, weight gain, and disconnected from reality. I have lost all my friends from not being able to communicate. I shuffle when I walk. I would not wish this on my worst enemy. My family thinks I am mentally impaired. It is hard for me to make eye contact with people as my vision has slowed. I have been off of the 150 mg injection for 2 months and have seen no improvement. If it takes 14 months like the other reviews mention, I don’t know how I’m going to make it."

• Hmm...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 16, 2021

Paliperidone for Schizophrenia "I've been getting the Invega Trinza injection for about 3 years now. My life beforehand: continuous hospital visits, absolutely no stability, and no order in terms of thought. Every symptom of bipolar/schizophrenia I exuded. While undergoing this treatment, I've been able to finish my degree, obtain 2 licenses, and formulate and create memories that weren't just about hospital visits. There are downsides. In the last year, I've started getting headaches frequently. I've gained 50 lbs, and I don't like socializing with others too much, and sometimes it can be awkwardly detached. I have what seems to be hypergraphia, but in my head/thinking (the only way to put it); compulsive and sometimes impulsive behavior/reactions. So... do I recommend this injection? I guess I would if nothing else has helped (I'm taking an 819 mg injection). It's also convenient if you don't like taking daily pills. Forgot to mention, my hallucinations are obsolete, but I still experience bouts of depression."

• You...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 6, 2023

For Schizoaffective Disorder "I have been taking paliperidone Invega for 3 years constantly and have gained 80 kg over this time and now am basically an invalid! I can barely get around anymore, feel suicidal still every morning, and honestly, it couldn't get any worse for me. I have more than doubled my healthy weight...this drug makes you rapidly gain weight, not gradually, we are talking up to 6 kg in a month! Stay away, run away, and don't let the doctors EVER fool you into thinking that the pros of the drug outweigh the cons. There are no pros in life if you can barely walk out your front door every morning! I've said enough."

• ROM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2022

Paliperidone for Schizoaffective Disorder "I have been on Invega Sustenna twice. Once a few years ago, from Jan 2018 to March 2018, and recently one shot in May 2022. Both times for schizoaffective disorder diagnosed based on drug abuse. The first time, I indeed gained weight and felt hopeless throughout the whole process. This last time, I made a change that has been beneficial. So far, I have had 8 weeks since my shot and have lost weight. Especially liver fat. This has been accomplished by doing a ketogenic diet with intermittent fasting. I also added a blended lemon with ACV (apple cider vinegar) and cayenne pepper blended with a glass of water twice daily, at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. It is true... you are not in the mood to do anything at all times. All movies are boring, all activities feel like an overwhelming need for energy, which one does not possess. However... losing weight throughout the process this time around has been a tremendous help to boost non-dopamine morale, just cognitive comprehension of self, with no brain reward."

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 7, 2018

Paliperidone for Schizoaffective Disorder "I don't know why they started me on 156 mg, but I couldn't think straight on such a high dose, and I was sleeping 16 hours a day. Zero libido, dizzy spells, acne, plus 50 pounds of weight gain. I lowered my injection 3 times to now 39 mg, the lowest dose. Less acne, still fat, still zero libido, but less dizzy. The benefit was that I have zero delusions."

• Din...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2023

Paliperidone for Schizoaffective Disorder "The worst medicine. I had a radical weight gain, 60 lbs gained in 3 months. I felt depressed while on it. I’ve been off for 2 and a half years and still haven’t gotten back to my normal weight, although I’ve lost 22 pounds."

• Meg...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 19, 2023

For Bipolar Disorder "I’m on paliperidone and lithium, so unsure which drug is to blame for my side effects, but after reading other reviews, I’m guessing it’s the paliperidone. I have the driest, roughest skin, have gained weight, about 2 stone, that’s the physical side. Emotionally, I feel empty inside, had severe anhedonia, don’t want to do anything, feel anxious all the time. I would kill myself if it wasn’t for knowing it’s the medication's fault, that gives me a little hope. Also, my sleep is messed up, wake up throughout the night, and barely dream."

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 18, 2021

Paliperidone for Schizoaffective Disorder "Started getting monthly injections when I was stuck on a psychiatric petition hold for mood disorder and depression. The MD would not let me finally leave unless I started this here stuff with my regimen. It seems to balance me out and I don't need to have a hospital transport nearly as often as I used to. With that being said, 99% of the ambulance rides were forced upon me and they have added significant amounts of debt being taken against my will. But, yes, I plan on continuing this Invega and happy the product was approved by the FDA in the medical unit. I do eat quite a bit and it has made me gain weight since I started, but that's okay I guess. Oh, and run away from those paramedics because they are bullies trying to bring you into more debt. - Thanks for reading."

• mol...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 10, 2018

Paliperidone for Schizophrenia "I've been taking Invega Sustenna for a little over a year now, and for the majority of that year, I had absolutely no positive or negative symptoms. Recently, though, the paranoia and slight delusions have started to creep back into my mind. My psychiatrist upped my dose to 234 mg, and now I can't stop eating, and I'm hungry all the time. I already had a binge eating disorder, but now it's infinitely worse. Also, the newer symptoms are still there. We're currently trying metformin to help with my appetite, but so far it's doing absolutely nothing. I'm now thinking that I want to try switching to ziprasidone. It's supposed to be really good with weight management, but I'm worried it might not be as effective with my mental symptoms? I can't freak out because I'm working and going to school now. Back to Invega, though, I guess I can thank this medication for giving me my life back and making it so I can function in society. But I can't handle the weight gain..."

• vet...
• October 20, 2015

For Depression "I had two half injections of this medication to treat my depression. I experienced many of the side effects that are listed. Some of those include discharge from my breast, missed menstrual cycle, weight gain, and other funny feelings in my body. Upon experiencing these side effects, I decided that this medication was not for me."

• Nub...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 9, 2019

Paliperidone "I have been on Invega Sustenna 125 mg for 2 years for bipolar. Previously, I was a zombie when on lithium treatment, I lost two jobs for not being able to show interest. I also suffered from depression, but that got fixed with an antidepressant that made things much better. On the Invega, I gained weight, around 30 lbs, but it did kill the hallucinations and symptoms of the illness. However, it had its side effects like any treatment. Things got better as I lowered to 75 mg and took the antidepressant Celexa."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2020

For Schizophrenia "Took this medicine for nonstop thinking. Doc says it's a symptom of psychosis. Made me anxious. Antipsychotics have tried about 10 different ones. Did nothing for the thoughts. Took Ativan, which helped me calm down a bit. Need new answers and new treatments, nothing works on me. Caused me to go from 160 to 210 pounds. Please reexamine dopamine theory, doctors, or what subset or type of people the medicine actually works for to calm the mind. And what type of people don't respond? What are some similar traits they share? Is it constant scattered thoughts vs. sporadic voices, or sporadic racing thoughts vs. constant obsessive thoughts? Feel hopeless. Have been put on 20 different medicines, only one to calm me down was lorazepam. There has to be more detailed research done to get better in the future and more accurate prescribing. All feels like throwing shots in the dark."

• tir...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 20, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "Side effects experienced: diarrhea, dyspepsia, asthenia, fatigue, hypotension, agitation, insomnia, hyperactivity, restlessness, increased weight, increased appetite, akathisia, headache, sedation, muscle aches, back pain. Benefits of the medication: less mania, reduced hyperactivity."

• Jac...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 31, 2021

Paliperidone "I was put on this for bipolar disorder. Probably one of the worst drugs you can take for bipolar disorder. You will feel like not doing anything pretty much every day. In other words, it makes you feel like a vegetable. There are so many other medications for bipolar disorder that can be helpful, but this by far is not it. Sure, it probably helps with things like paranoia or maybe even hallucinations, but in return your best friend becomes the couch. Side effects include sleepiness, flattened mood, no drive or motivation. And when you bring this stuff up to the psychiatrist, they'll think it's because of your condition. Not because they're injecting you with pretty much a tranquilizer every month. Oh, and the worst part of it all is the weight gain. Oh man, I gained probably more than 80 pounds on this drug, which is ridiculously hard to lose when my best friend is the couch. This is all based on my experience, and yours might be completely different. Be wary of this med!"

• Fin...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 2, 2017

For Bipolar Disorder "Been on this for 11 months for my bipolar 1. Side effects have been very minimal compared to other antipsychotics I've been on. I'm on the 156 mg every 28 days. I also take Topamax, Cogentin, and melatonin. I feel slowed down compared to when I was living in a manic state, but I'm trying to get used to it. It's not a sleepiness but a lack of mania I feel. But I do feel sleepy between 5:30 and 7 pm. I'm guessing that's when the sustained part of the medication kicks in. I have had some moderate weight gain. I have had severe problems with muscle rigidity with other antipsychotics, so I am super happy to find I don't have to go through that with Invega Sustenna! It did give me a big knot in my arm, so I get it in my butt now, and that's worked out better!"

• Lau...
• July 1, 2021

For Schizophrenia "I am NOT schizophrenic. NOW, with these paliperidone injections, I cannot keep fit. I constantly feel dizzy, faint, and when this is so bad if I don't literally faint, I have loss of hearing. This drug blocks receptors in the brain such as dopamine, estrogen, and serotonin, therefore, I cannot be happy. I find it difficult watching my grandson, my teeth started to deteriorate, and it also affects the bones. I am so isolated, I don't like going outside. I do not contact anyone. I just want to be alone. Everything feels like a hassle. I have no energy, the thought of driving is awful. Paliperidone also has caused me to put on weight, 4-5 stone to be precise."

• new...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 5, 2016

Paliperidone for Schizoaffective Disorder "Before I was on this injection, I was taking up to 7 pills a day, and lucky me, I had a good social worker and nurse who talked to my doctor to find something better too for me to take. I was having episodes and tripping out like I was in the spirit world. TVs were talking to me, and people were turning into demons. But after taking this medicine, it clears my mind and keeps me sane. I have quit my medication a couple of times, but the episodes come back. This medicine is really good. I did gain weight, but riding my bike to school helps. The longer you stay on this medicine, the better it works, I find. But I was always getting headaches. I thought it was the medication, but really, I just needed glasses. The medicine works, I get it in my arm."

• Nie...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2018

Paliperidone for Schizoaffective Disorder "First I was on Zyprexa depot because of manic psychosis in 2016. Then I switched to Invega tabs 12 mg, and I felt a lot better, less zombie feelings, and less weight gain. Now I'm decreasing to 9 mg to see how this will work."

• Kpa...
• April 1, 2021

"Where do I begin, extreme fatigue, weight gain, depression that has lasted over a year (ever since I have been on it). I feel extremely numb and emotionless on this medication, find it nearly impossible to laugh or to smile. Tired all the time, sleep for hours. I feel like nothing will make me happy, I'll be happy once it's out of my system, that's for sure. Worst drug I have ever been on, extremely sick of the way I am."

• Sim...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 21, 2023

"It makes me depressed and suicidal and doesn't do anything good. It affects me every second in the way I feel. The way I sleep is more light and not as good. I have put on weight, and listening to music isn't enjoyable anymore, and when I sleep, I can't lie in because it ruins it. I hate this medication."