As more and more consumers file Risperdal lawsuits seeking compensation and justice for alleged Risperdal side effects, new research suggests that the antipsychotic medication may not be as effective in treating autism symptoms as previously believed.

Risperdal is a an atypical antipsychotic drug that has been manufactured and sold by Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiary, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, since 1993. Also known as Risperidone, the drug was given U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to treat mental conditions including bipolar mania, schizophrenia, and autistic disorder. However, new research suggests that Risperdal may not be effective in treating hallmark autism symptoms, meaning that many children are not receiving any benefits from their drug treatment, but they are still allegedly experiencing some serious side effects.

The Risperdal autism study was conducted over the span of 10 years, though it was only recently published last month in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology. The research study took a close look at 184 autistic children, of which 50 were prescribed Risperdal. Toward the end of the 10-year study period, the children’s parents were asked to report on their child’s behavior across the years.

Thirty-three parents reported that when their child was given Risperdal, they noticed improvements in their irritability, aggression, and anxiety. However, the same could not be said for targeting autism symptoms. According to the Risperdal autism study, parents reported no changes in their children’s autism symptoms, which include repetitive behavior, communication difficulties, and social impairments, while taking Risperdal.

The authors of this Risperdal autism study have recommended that any child being treated for autism symptoms with Risperdal should undergo periodic re-evaluation to ascertain if they are receiving any benefits from the drug. This is especially important considering that Risperdal can have some serious side effects on young men using the atypical antipsychotic, such as gynecomastia.

What is Risperdal Gynecomastia?

According to various medical studies and lawsuits filed by consumers, Risperdal can cause unnatural growth of male breast in young men taking the antipsychotic medication to treat mental disorders. Risperdal has been known to overstimulate the pituitary glands in boys and young men, thereby causing the gland to release a hormone called prolactin. Prolactin stimulates milk production in the breast tissue and can lead to unnatural male breast growth, also known as gynecomastia.

While gynecomastia is physically benign, it is the source of great psychological stress for young men and may lead to issues with body image and body acceptance, adding more distress to patients who are already dealing with mental conditions like bipolar mania, schizophrenia, and autism disorder.

Some symptoms of gynecomastia include:

• Nipple discharge
• Tenderness in the breast area
• Pain in breast tissue
• Swelling of breast tissue and nipples

As a result of the various emotional, psychological and physical side effects allegedly caused by Risperdal, many young men and their parents have filed Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuits or Risperdal gynecomastia class action lawsuits against J&J and Janssen.