There is no item in your cart
What do you know about Paliperidone?
Paliperidone tablets is an antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. It is the active metabolite of risperidone, another antipsychotic drug. Paliperidone belongs to the class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics (second-generation antipsychotics), which work by affecting the levels of certain neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and serotonin, in the brain.
Key Information:
- Mechanism of Action: Paliperidone tablets works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors, which helps in reducing psychotic symptoms like delusions and hallucinations. The drug helps stabilize mood, thoughts, and behavior.
- Forms:
- Oral (extended-release): Available in tablet form, typically taken once a day.
- Injectable (long-acting): Available as paliperidone palmitate, which is used for long-term treatment. The injectable form is administered either monthly or every three months, making it a convenient option for patients who struggle with medication adherence.
- Uses:
- Schizophrenia: Effective in managing symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: Helps treat the mood symptoms (mania or depression) that accompany schizophrenia-like symptoms.
- Side Effects: Common side effects include:
- Weight gain
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Restlessness (akathisia)
- Extrapyramidal symptoms (movement disorders, like tremors or muscle rigidity)
- Elevated blood sugar or cholesterol levels
More serious side effects can include tardive dyskinesia (a potentially irreversible movement disorder), increased risk of stroke (especially in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis), and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare but life-threatening condition).
- Metabolism: Unlike risperidone, which is extensively metabolized in the liver, paliperidone is primarily excreted unchanged by the kidneys, making it a better option for patients with liver issues. However, those with kidney problems may require dose adjustments.
Benefits:
1. Effective in Reducing Psychotic Symptoms
- Paliperidone helps alleviate positive symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
- It also addresses negative symptoms (e.g., apathy, social withdrawal) to some extent, improving overall daily functioning.
2. Long-Acting Injectable Formulation
- Paliperidone is available as a long-acting injectable (LAI), which can be administered once a month or every three months (in the case of paliperidone palmitate). This greatly improves medication adherence for patients who have difficulty taking daily oral medication, reducing the risk of relapse.
- This option also minimizes the need for frequent dosing, improving patient convenience.
3. Lower Risk of Liver-Related Side Effects
- Paliperidone is excreted primarily through the kidneys, which means there’s a lower risk of liver-related complications, making it a safer choice for patients with liver dysfunction.
4. Reduced Sedation Compared to Other Antipsychotics
- Some antipsychotics can cause significant drowsiness and sedation. While paliperidone can still cause drowsiness in some patients, it generally tends to cause less sedation compared to certain other atypical antipsychotics like clozapine or quetiapine. This can help patients maintain alertness during the day.
5. Long-Term Maintenance of Symptom Control
- Paliperidone is effective not only in treating acute episodes but also in preventing relapses. For individuals who have been stabilized on this medication, it provides good long-term control of schizophrenia symptoms.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.