Antipsychotic (Atypical / Second-generation)
Last reviewed June 2026
Who is this for?
Paliperidone palmitate is a long-acting mental health injection that works by balancing certain brain chemicals (especially dopamine and serotonin) to help control thoughts, mood, and behaviour in people with mental illness.
Blocks dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways, reducing psychotic symptoms and stabilizing mood disturbances. The long-acting palmitate ester formulation provides sustained dopaminergic antagonism over weeks, improving treatment adherence and symptom control in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
This is NOT a drug you take at home — it is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse into the muscle (usually the upper arm or buttock). Trevicta is given once every 3 months. Your doctor will first stabilise you on the monthly paliperidone injection for at least 4 months before switching you to the 3-monthly Trevicta injection. Never try to inject yourself.
If you miss your scheduled injection appointment, contact your doctor or clinic as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not wait until your next regular appointment — missing doses can cause your symptoms to return. Your doctor will decide if the dose or schedule needs to be adjusted.
This is a strictly prescription-only medicine — never buy it from roadside vendors or patent medicine stores, and only receive it from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not stop your injections because you feel better — stopping suddenly can cause your symptoms to come back worse. Always keep your clinic appointments so you do not miss a dose.
Avoid alcohol completely — it increases drowsiness and can worsen side effects. Be careful with blood pressure medications as paliperidone can further lower your blood pressure and cause dizziness. Tell your doctor if you take carbamazepine (an epilepsy drug) as it can reduce how well paliperidone works.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Paliperidone with your other drugs?
Paliperidone is not considered safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding — it can affect the newborn baby, so consult your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat — this is important in Nigeria's hot climate. Keep the injection in its original packaging until ready for use. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
For information only — not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under — especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.
Dispensing Paliperidone?
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