paliperidone, an antipsychotic drug. ▪ INDICATIONS: This drug is used to treat schizophrenia. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: Lactation, seizure disorders, AV block, QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, and known hypersensitivity to this drug or to risperidone prohibit its use. Geriatric patients should not use this drug. ▪ ADVERSE EFFECTS: Adverse effects of this drug include dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, blurred vision, vomiting, and weight gain. Life-threatening side effects include seizures, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tachycardia, heart failure, and QT prolongation. Common side effects include EPS, pseudoparkinsonism, akathisia, dystonia, tardive dyskinesia, drowsiness, insomnia, agitation, anxiety, headache, nausea, anorexia, and constipation.
