A widely used drug to treat symptoms of autism in children comes with a hefty list of Risperdal side effects in kids.

Risperdal (risperidone) was the first drug to treat the symptoms of autism in children. Many parents have found that this antipsychotic drug produced a “miracle” in the behavioral change exhibited in their children.

Specifically, Risperdal is used to target the explosive and aggressive behaviors that often accompany an autism diagnosis, and its effect on these behaviors can be dramatic.

It is also used to treat the irritability associated with autism.

The drug is also said to help reduce hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors, but the FDA has not approved Risperdal to be used for those reasons, though some physicians prescribe it “off label” for patients to use that way.

Mild Risperdal Side Effects in Kids

For some children, the “worst” that can happen is that a child simply does not respond to the medication. For others, a rapid return of symptoms occurs immediately after the drug is discontinued. The drug should not be considered a “cure” for autism.

Mild Risperdal side effects in kids include:

• An increased appetite which may lead to weight gain
• Problems sleeping
• Stomach issues including nausea, stomach pain, vomiting and constipation
• Feeling drowsy or tired
• Feelings of restlessness or anxiousness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Skin rash
• Sore throat
• Stuffy or runny nose

For many patients, these side effects may prove to be manageable. When parents witness their children engaging in extremely challenging behaviors associated to autism, these mild side effects may prove to be a small risk when compared to the greater benefit parents see from the drug.

Severe Risperdal Side Effects in Kids

A study of Risperdal side effects in kids showed that after taking the drug for six weeks, children had increases in insulin levels and in insulin resistance that was greater when compared to children taking up placebo drug.

Tardive dyskinesia, a disorder that causes a person to develop involuntary repetitive movements, has also been seen with Risperdal use.

Perhaps the most devastating Risperdal side effects in kids are those linked to the increased levels of prolactin that are stimulated by the drug’s use.

Prolactin is a hormone that is typically present in small amounts in men and in large amounts in pregnant and lactating women.

Prolactin stimulates breast development, and males can begin to develop gynecomastia, a condition where their breasts begin to resemble a female’s breasts.

Additionally, prolactin can cause nipple pain, nipple discharge, breast pain and even lactation and males.

As one can imagine, the Risperdal side effects in kids, especially boys, that are linked to disrupted hormones and prolactin levels can be devastating.

Young boys and teenagers may begin to develop breasts and can be the target of stares, ridicule and bullying by their peers.

In addition to the outer experiences these children and teenagers may experience, the inner experience of having female-like breasts as a male can cause a great deal of confusion, anger, sadness and feelings of self-loathing.

Preadolescence and puberty are difficult enough for typically-developing males, and adding on abnormal breast development can make things exponentially harder.

Along with the physical changes, emotional changes are often seen. Young males often concurrently suffer from depression, and may also experience suicidal thoughts and act out with suicidal behavior.

Filing a Lawsuit over Risperdal Side Effects in Kids

If your child has experienced any of the above listed Risperdal side effects in kids, you may be at able to file a lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturer. An experienced Risperdal attorney can review your case at no charge and can help you decide if filing a Risperdal lawsuit is the right choice for you.