For some, the antipsychotic Risperdal has been nothing short of a miracle drug.  Stories of helping parents “get their child back” after a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, adults saying they can live a normal life and function without delusions or hallucinations, elimination of obsessive thoughts and more are quite common in reference to the drug.

Like with any drug, Risperdal has also been reported to have a dark side. The unwanted side effects are most devastating to men who begin to show Risperdal breast growth, also known as gynecomastia, or colloquially as “man boobs”.

Risperdal Male Breast Growth

Risperdal breast growth in male patients taking the drug is thought to be the result of elevated levels of a hormone called prolactin. Prolactin is most commonly known as a hormone that stimulates milk production in women to prepare the body for breastfeeding an infant.

Men and non-lactating women also have levels of prolactin normally, but the levels are kept in check by the body. Prolactin is needed by the body for metabolism, immune regulation and development of the pancreas.

The degree of Risperdal breast growth in males can vary widely. Some boys and men experience a softening of breast tissue without much increase in mass and the difference may only be perceptible to the individual.  Other males have had drastic growth, with one case of a male developing a size 46DD bust as a result of Risperdal use.

Psychological Effects of Risperdal Breasts

The psychological effects of men dealing with breast growth can be overwhelming. Boys and men may be teased by others for their abnormal appearance.  They can be the target of stares and head shaking by strangers, through no fault of their own.

Breasts are associated with women, so males finding themselves with breasts of their own can feel like less of a man, can feel their sex and gender identity has been shaken due to the physical confusion, and self-loathing and body hating are all too common.

Boys and adolescent males have an added layer of confusion and feelings of isolation and humiliation. Where adult males may be secure in their bodies and have had decades to understand their masculinity, they may be able do distance themselves more from their physical condition.

For boys or young males still undergoing bodily changes and growth throughout puberty into young adulthood, the emergence of Risperdal breath growth may be too much to bear, potentially causing identity issues and severe depression, which at the extreme may lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Treatment of Risperdal Breast Growth

Risperdal breasts that develop as a result of the increased prolactin stimulation may persist even after a boy or man stops using Risperdal. In cases such as these, gynecomastia surgery is required to reduce the Risperdal male breast growth.

Mastectomy and liposuction are two types of surgery aimed at treating Risperdal breasts. Liposuction is used to remove the fat in the breast while keeping the breast gland tissue intact.  A mastectomy removes the breast gland tissue fully from the breast through small incisions.

Filing a Risperdal Lawsuit

If you or a loved one developed Risperdal breasts as a side effect from taking the antipsychotic drug, you may be entitled to legal compensation. A Risperdal attorney can review your case at no charge and can assist you in determining if filing a Risperdal male breast growth lawsuit is right for you.