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(paliperidone)
http://chealth.canoe.ca/drug_info_details.asp?brand_name_id=4853
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is important to use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. If you miss 2 or more doses, contact your doctor. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children. Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
anxiety blurred vision breast swelling and sexual difficulties (men) constipation dizziness drowsiness dry mouth fatigue headache increased appetite increased saliva production leakage of fluid or milk from breasts (women)
muscle stiffness or spasm nightmares restlessness runny nose sensations that the room is spinning slowness of movement stomach or abdominal pain toothache tremor vomiting weakness weight gain
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
abnormal heart rhythms such as fast or slow heart rate (palpitations) changes in body temperature, or feeling very hot and unable to cool down confusion, reduced consciousness, high fever, or muscle stiffness dizziness, especially when standing from a lying or seated position painful eye movements swelling of the legs or other parts of the body
Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
abnormal movements of the face or tongue continuous erection (an erection that lasts more than 4 hours) muscle twitching seizures sudden changes in mental state symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (itching, skin rash, shortness of breath, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue) symptoms of a stroke such as sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arms, or legs (especially on one side); slurred speech; vision problems
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
Blood sugar: This medication may cause high blood sugar levels. If you experience weakness, increased thirst, increased urination, and increased appetite while taking this medication, contact your doctor. Body temperature: This medication, like other antipsychotic medications, can disrupt the body's ability to control body temperature. People who exercise vigorously, who are exposed to extreme heat, are dehydrated, or are taking anticholinergic medications (e.g., benztropine, oxybutynin) are more at risk. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you feel very hot and are unable to cool down while taking this medication. Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Paliperidone may interfere with activities requiring mental alertness. People taking this medication should not drive or operate machinery until they know how this medication affects them. Gastrointestinal problems: Paliperidone should not be taken by people with conditions associated with narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., esophagus disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, "short gut" syndrome, cystic fibrosis), or by people who have difficulty swallowing. Low blood pressure: Paliperidone may cause low blood pressure when rising from a sitting or lying position. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or feel your pulse racing, call your doctor. While you are taking this medication, get up slowly after you have been sitting or lying down for a prolonged period. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Paliperidone, like other antipsychotic medications, can cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you experience the symptoms of NMS such as high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion or loss of consciousness, sweating, racing or irregular heartbeat, and fainting, get immediate medical attention. Parkinson's disease: People with Parkinson's disease or dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) may be at an increased risk of NMS (see warning about NMS), as well as other side effects associated with paliperidone. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication. Risperidone: People who are taking risperidone should not take paliperidone at the same time. These medications are related, and taking them together may cause an increased risk of side effects. Seizures: Paliperidone may increase the risk of seizures, especially in people who have had seizures in the past. People who are at risk of seizures who take this medication should be closely monitored by their doctor. Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): TD, a syndrome consisting of potentially irreversible, involuntary, repetitive movements of the face and tongue muscles, may develop in people who take certain antipsychotic medications including paliperidone. Although TD appears most commonly in seniors, especially women, it is impossible to predict who will develop TD. The risk of
developing TD increases with higher doses and long-term treatment. If you experience muscle twitching or abnormal movements of the face or tongue, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Pregnancy: This medication should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor immediately. Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. Women should not breast-feed while they are taking paliperidone. Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children less than 18 years of age. Seniors: Medications similar to paliperidone can increase the risk of death when used to treat seniors with dementia. Paliperidone should not be used to treat seniors with dementia.
alcohol amiodarone blood-pressure medications chlorpromazine dopamine agntagonists (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole) gatifloxacin levodopa moxifloxacin procainamide quinidine risperidone sotalol thioridazine
If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:
stop taking one of the medications, change one of the medications to another, change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.