Invega complications

Hello everyone,

I wanted to share my experience with Invega, in case it helps anyone else going through something similar.

I was on Invega injections for 4 years to treat bipolar disorder. Looking back, those were 4 years I’ll never get back. Yes, it controlled my BP symptoms, but the cost was enormous. Emotionally, I felt completely flat—like I had no feelings at all. I turned into a shell of myself: unmotivated, lazy, unable to do even the simplest tasks. My marriage somehow survived, and I thank God every day for that.

The medication was first offered to me while I was hospitalized in a deep depressive state. I wasn’t in the right frame of mind to make an informed decision, but at the time I was desperate to feel better, so I agreed.

I later learned how powerful and complex this drug is—especially how long it lingers in your system (up to 6 months between injections). Yet, in 4 years, not once did a doctor check my prolactin levels. Only today, months after stopping, did my family doctor finally order a baseline prolactin test, along with other labs and a Dexa scan for bone loss.

I stopped Invega on January 1st of this year, and honestly, my health has spiraled since then. I’ve been through *** with the aftermath. Here’s what I’ve been dealing with:

• Multiple spine issues

• Severe pinpoint pain in both elbows

• Intense pain in the joints of both hands (especially at night)

• Restless legs at night

• Only about 3 hours of sleep per night

• Frequent urination (new symptom)

Here’s what’s been done so far:

• Extensive autoimmune labs → all negative

• Orthopedic specialist ruled out arthritis

• Cortisone injections in both elbows → no relief

• Neurology appointment and CPAP pressure adjustments → still struggling

• Sleep study scheduled

• Family doctor ordered more labs and a Dexa scan

• Referral to a pain management specialist

I’ve been an HVAC technician for many years. It’s a tough, physically demanding job. I don’t know how I managed to keep working full-time (plus overtime) during those 4 years on Invega—I’d come home and collapse, barely able to function. Thinking back fills me with shame and frustration.

If you’re currently on Invega, please talk to your doctor about the risks, especially bone loss. Ask about getting a Dexa scan for a baseline. Don’t let what happened to me happen to you.

Has anyone else had issues after stopping long-term Invega injections? I’d really like to hear your stories.