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How To Detox From Invega Sustenna (An Antipsychotic)?

Read on to learn more about the antipsychotic medication
Invega Sustenna and what Invega Sustenna detox looks like.

What Is Invega Sustenna?

Many prescription medications can be responsible for someone developing an addiction, and some of the most notable ones include oxycodone, hydrocodone, and codeine. However, some antipsychotic medications can also lead to a substance abuse disorder, including one called Invega Sustenna. Invega Sustenna is a drug grouped under the drug class of antipsychotics, and it’s mainly used for treating and managing schizophrenia in adults. 1.

Understanding Invega Sustenna

The common or generic name for Invega Sustenna is paliperidone palmitate, and it is usually administered by intramuscular injection, although there are pill forms of the drug as well. Invega Sustenna has been around for many years and was approved for use as an antipsychotic in 2006. Its effectiveness still makes it a widely used drug for treating and managing schizophrenia.2

Although this drug is an effective antipsychotic, it has been known to cause addiction when it is misused or used for extended periods.

How Does Invega Sustenna Work?

When it is introduced into the body, Invega Sustenna acts as dopamine and serotonin receptor agonists, meaning that it will prolong the duration of exposure of the body to the effects of these neurotransmitters, thereby amplifying their effects. In addition to this, Invega also has some impact on the histamine (H1) receptor, which usually promotes sensations like drowsiness.

The drug’s effect on the dopamine and serotonin levels and functioning in the body is what is responsible for its addictiveness, making it a potential drug of abuse.3

Is Invega Sustenna Abused?

Invega Sustenna does get abused, often for the effects it has on dopamine, serotonin, and histamine functioning. Dopamine is commonly referred to as the body’s “feel-good” chemical. It promotes feelings of relaxation and significantly improves mood when it’s available in significant amounts. These positive sensations that dopamine produces, usually in conjunction with serotonin and histamine, are the major reason why this drug is often abused

Invega Sustenna Side Effects

It is worth mentioning that there is no such thing as a “perfect” medication, and Invega Sustenna is no different in this regard, as many side effects are associated with its use. Some of the most common Invega Sustenna side effects include the following:

These side effects may not happen for everyone who uses the drug, but they’re important to look out for if you or a loved one are currently taking Invega Sustenna.

How Does Invega Sustena Withdrawal Work?

Invega Sustenna withdrawal usually starts by paying a visit to your doctor. Your doctor will ask you several questions, usually centering on how long you’ve been on the medication and what symptoms or side effects you’ve felt if you have tried to stop using the drug.

Your doctor will also conduct a complete physical and mental examination to detect any underlying medical conditions that could affect detox and worsen the severity of Invega Sustenna adverse effects during the detoxification process. Once your doctor has finished all of these procedures, they will then proceed to use all the information obtained to design a detox plan that takes fully into account your physiological and mental needs.

Can You Detox By Yourself?

While it may be possible for you to detox from Invega Sustenna by yourself in your home, this isn’t really recommended due to the severity of Invega Sustenna’s side effects that could occur during the withdrawal or detox period. It is recommended that detoxing from this drug takes place in a licensed medical facility fully equipped to deal with the withdrawal complications that are likely to follow after starting to take fewer doses.

Detoxing from Invega can take a long time depending on a number of factors, such as individual patient differences, duration of drug use, and other physical or mental conditions. While complete withdrawal could take only several days for some people, it could take some other individuals weeks or even months to detox from Invega completely.

How to Detox From Invega Sustenna

Treatment and recovery from this antipsychotic usually start with Invega Sustenna detox. This detox process basically refers to a gradual reduction of the Invega Sustenna dose a patient takes until the drug is fully withdrawn

How Long Does Invega Sustenna Stay in Your System?

A single Invega Sustenna dose can stay in your body for almost fifty days, meaning that detoxing or stopping Invega Sustenna entirely often isn’t a quick or easy process. It’ll take a while before you are fully detoxed from the drug.4

It should also be noted that withdrawal and detox from Invega Sustenna isn’t a direct or straightforward process, as there are some health side effects to stopping Invega use. This is worth mentioning because these Invega side effects can be pretty severe, especially in cases where the addiction has been present for quite some time. It’s very important to talk to a doctor before starting detox or changing doses of Invega Sustenna. 

Is It Easy to Detox From Invega Sustenna?

Detoxing from Invega Sustenna is generally no different from what is observed during detox and recovery treatment for several other addiction cases. However, the withdrawal timeline of Invega Sustenna is extended compared to most other drug detox cases.

This long withdrawal process still stands as one of the major challenges with Invega Sustenna withdrawal, as the withdrawal timeline generally means patients have to endure unpleasant withdrawal effects for long periods. There are, however, a number of Invega Sustenna detox tips that could make your withdrawal process much more bearable. Some of these tips include:

Is Weight Gain a Common Side Effect?

Weight gain is one of the more common side effects of Invega Sustenna use. However, you should know that while the weight gain that occurs during the period of time that you use the drug will generally stop, this doesn’t mean that you will automatically lose the weight after stopping usage entirely. Often, after a successful detox program, you will have to adjust your diet and lifestyle in order to lose the weight that was gained.5

How Do I Withdraw Safely From Invega Sustenna Without Side Effects?

You should know that it is practically impossible to detox from Invega Sustenna without experiencing any side effects. However, it is possible to safely get off the drug if the drug withdrawal process is handled safely with medical supervision.

Get Help For Detoxing Invega Sustenna At San Diego Detox

A treatment program for recreational or prescription drug use will involve detox as well as behavioral therapy to work on coping mechanisms to manage the addiction and any other underlying conditions that are contributing to the substance abuse issue. Drug addiction treatment programs teach patients life skills that are needed to manage the stresses of life without the use of drugs. Alcohol treatment might involve programs like Alcoholics Anonymous as well.

Heroin Addiction Treatment Program

Are you looking for a treatment center that can offer safe Invega Sustenna withdrawal treatment and recovery? If you are, then San Diego detox is the perfect option for you. We have teams of licensed and experienced professionals that will be able to guide you every step of the way in your recovery journey, so you have nothing to worry about. Reach out today and let’s get you or your loved one on the path to a safe recovery.