Gynecomastia, or the prolific development of breast tissue in males, is caused by an imbalance in the ratio between estrogen and androgen in the body.

Several things can interfere with the proper balance in this ratio including normal physiological changes, anatomical pathologies, and pharmacological actions such as those linked to the psychiatric medication Risperdal. As a consequence, Risperdal side effects in males include gynecomastia.

Risperdal, or risperidone as it is known generically, is a drug treatment for schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and irritability secondary to some autism spectrum disorders.

Prolactin Imbalance Among Risperdal Side Effects in Males

Prolactin, a hormone, affects sex drive in males and triggers breast formation and breast milk production in females. Dopamine, a brain chemical known as a neurotransmitter, acts on the pituitary gland where prolactin is created to help control balance of the hormone in the body.

Risperdal side effects in males include allegedly blocking dopamine’s effect on the pituitary gland. Without dopamine’s inhibiting factor acting on the pituitary, prolactin can build up to unusually high levels. These high levels set the stage for similar breast development and lactation in males that occurs in females.

Social Stigma Accompanies Risperdal Side Effects in Males

Gynecomastia generally is not a proliferation of fatty tissue in the chest region of a male like in situations of obesity. Actual breast tissue development is triggered hormonally, as is milk creation or nipple discharge. Risperdal side effects in males involving this breast tissue development, however, may not even be symmetrical.

One breast may develop and the other may not or one side may grow larger and faster. This contributes to a lopsided appearance that can further contribute to the social stigma already associated with gynecomastia.

The psychological scarring that can occur with Risperdal side effects in males can be overwhelming and result in the necessity of stopping the drug.

Most cases of gynecomastia can be treated with a complete discontinuation of the drug. This stoppage interrupts the chemical blockage put on dopamine’s prolactin control and frequently resolves the problem without further intervention.

This assumes, of course, that an adequate antipsychotic drug can be found to replace Risperdal as the option of remaining non-medicated is usually out of the question.

In some cases, other pharmacological choices are not clear or viable and steps are taken to remove breast tissue through surgical intervention. Surgical choices may be a mastectomy, or standard or laser-assisted liposuction. These interventions can come with risks such as blood clots, significant scarring, damage to nerves, infection of the surgical sites, and reactions to anesthesia.

Risperdal was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1993. Since that time, Janssen Pharmaceuticals and Johnson and Johnson Inc., developers, makers, and distributors of Risperdal, have brought in approximately $40 billion dollars in revenue with this drug alone.

The company is currently facing countless numbers of Risperdal lawsuits stemming from gynecomastia and other Risperdal side effects in males, however. Some sufferers have even recounted situations in which they or a child of theirs has developed overwhelmingly large breasts.

Have you or a loved one experienced a similar side effect when taking the drug Risperdal? We encourage you to consult one of our expert product liability lawyers to see if you qualify to file a Risperdal lawsuit.