Parents who are seeking help for behaviors related to mental health issues in their children may be shocked to find that certain medical treatments may cause their sons to grow breasts like those of a female.

However, that just may be the case with a certain antipsychotic drug commonly used to treat the symptoms of autism, bipolar disorder and symptoms of schizophrenia in children, as Risperdal gynecomastia side effects in children are a real cause for concern.

Risperdal, known generically as risperidone, is approved by the FDA to treat the symptoms of autism in children. Specifically, it targets aggressive and explosive behaviors that sometimes are seen in children with autism.

Risperdal’s influence on these aggressive and explosive behaviors can be very dramatic, which can be very helpful. It can also help to reduce irritability and children diagnosed with autism.

Though it is not specifically FDA approved for this reason, sometimes Risperdal is used to treat symptoms of hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors.

As with any pharmaceutical, patients taking Risperdal may experience side effects with its use. Typically the physician prescribes the medication when he or she judges that the medication will be in the patient’s best interest, providing more benefits than risk of such side effects.

Common side effects that are mild in nature with this antipsychotic drug may include headache, dizziness, sore throat, runny nose, drowsiness, stomach problems, insomnia and increased appetite. Most parents are willing to live with these side effects, as they are typically much less severe than the behaviors that Risperdal targets.

Risperdal Gynecomastia Side Effects in Children

One of the more concerning issues related to taking the drug are the Risperdal gynecomastia side effects in children. Gynecomastia refers to the abnormal development or growth of breast tissue. It can affect children prior to puberty and can affect males of any age.

Gynecomastia is more obvious in males who are taking the drug. Scientists believe that Risperdal may lead to gynecomastia by causing an increase in prolactin levels of the body. Prolactin is a hormone responsible for stimulating breast growth as well as milk production.

Although higher levels of prolactin are typically seen primarily in adolescent and adult females as well as pregnant women, males have naturally lower levels of prolactin as well.

Excess levels of prolactin not only cause breast development and milk production but can also cause problems with the nipple such as pain and discharge, pain in the breast and can cause males to lactate.

As any parent can imagine, seeing a male child develop female-like breasts is very concerning. Boys who are dealing with breast development can be the target of teasing, self-loathing, confusion, sadness, anger and more.

Dealing with the physical changes of growing breasts as a young male can be devastating. These changes can affect males emotionally and socially as well as physically. Risperdal gynecomastia side effects in children can lead to depression and may lead to possible suicidal ideation.

Filing a Risperdal Lawsuit

Parents who take legal action against the manufacturer of Risperdal following their child’s gynecomastia diagnosis state that they were not adequately warned of the potential gynecomastia side effects in their child.

Without adequate information from the drug’s manufacturer, physicians and pharmacists may not inform parents of this potential risk even though a link has been suggested in scientific research.

Parents may consult with an attorney at no charge to determine if they qualify to take legal action against the manufacturer of Risperdal to recover damages related to the development of gynecomastia in their child.