One of the serious side effects of two atypical antipsychotic medications, Risperdal and Risperidone, is the development of abnormally large breasts in boys and young males.

The condition, known as gynecomastia, can leave men with breasts that resemble those of women.

About Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia
is an enlargement or swelling of the breast tissue in males.  It is most commonly caused by too much influence from estrogen/prolactin secretion and not enough testosterone.

In addition to breast enlargement, most males suffering gynecomastia will experience breast tenderness and/or pain.  In some cases, patients can also have nipple discharge.

While male breast growth is generally not a threat to physical health, it is a condition that often causes a great deal of emotional and psychological damage in males affected by it.

In an April 2013 study conducted at Boston Children’s Hospital, researchers administered a series of psychological tests to 47 boys with gynecomastia and an average age of 16.5 and compared the results with a group of boys with no breast enlargement.

The gynecomastia group scored lower for general health, social functioning, self-esteem, mental health and eating behaviors. These negative effects were similar in subjects with varied levels of breast enlargement, suggesting that merely having the condition, no matter if it is mild, moderate or severe, damages boys psychologically.

Additionally, men and boys who need surgery to resolve breast enlargement also suffer physical pain and trauma. Complications can come with gynecomastia surgery however, including prominent scarring, blood clots, infection, anesthesia reactions, breast shape irregularities and nerve damage.

Medications that Cause Gynecomastia

Many individuals relate male breasts to being overweight, but male breast growth can also be caused by drugs. Common medications that may cause gynecomastia include:

• Aldosterone antagonists like Aldactone
• Estrogen
• Methadone
• Antipsychotics like Risperdal or Risperidone medication

The mechanisms by which these medications are known to cause this this effect are different and/or may not be fully known.  However, it is known that antipsychotics contribute to this side effect through their antagonism of the dopamine receptors in the central nervous system, which causes an increase in prolactin secretion from the pituitary.

Does Risperdal Cause Gynecomastia?

Many antipsychotic drugs like Risperdal or Risperidone medication are linked to the development of gynecomastia.

Essentially, Risperdal and Risperidone medications are classified as prolactin-raising antipsychotics because of their impact on prolactin levels. A hormone released by the pituitary gland, prolactin stimulates breast development and breast milk production in women.

When high levels of prolactin are present in males, those excessive levels can prompt similar processes, resulting in gynecomastia, sometimes accompanied by galactorrhea (abnormal lactation). In severe cases, males have developed large, D-cup sized breasts.

According to an article published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, elevated prolactin levels may occur in more than 90 percent of Risperdal users at some point during treatment. This effect, referred to as Risperdal-induced hyperprolactinemia, often persists throughout Risperdal therapy and for some time after the drug is discontinued.

Risperdal Gynecomastia Lawsuits

If you suspect medications that cause gynecomastia such as Risperdal or Risperidone are responsible for you or your child’s breast growth, you may have grounds for legal action.  An experienced Risperdal attorney can discuss your case and inform you of possible legal actions at no charge.