Risperdal, or Risperidone, is a prescribed antipsychotic medication. The drug has been found to treat depression when combined with other kinds of medications, but is usually prescribed to treat those with conditions such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and irritability caused by autism.

Risperdal belongs to a group of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics. It is also available as an oral tablet, an oral solution, or a dissolving tablet. The drug works by affecting the number of neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers located in the brain. These chemical messengers function to transmit signals from one neuron to another neuron through a chemical synapse.

Risperdal specifically works by helping to treat the chemical imbalance suffered by those who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. There are, however, several side effects of Risperdal.

Some common side effects include: tremors, restlessness, uncontrollable muscle contraction, and difficulty moving. They may also include drooling, dizziness, anxiety, sleepiness, weight gain, blurred vision, dry mouth, and increased appetite.

More recently, however, several cases have reported of the severe adverse health effects that may result in taking Risperdal, particularly including the development of Risperdal gynecomastia, commonly known as “man boobs” in boys.

Several lawsuits have been filed addressing the adverse health effect and risk in boys who develop Risperdal gynecomastia.

Risperdal Gynecomastia Facts

According to the Mayo Clinic, gynecomastia is the “swelling of the breast tissue in boys or men, caused by an imbalance of the hormones estrogen and testosterone.” Gynecomastia can affect either one or both breasts, and sometimes unevenly.

Some symptoms of gynecomastia include breast tenderness and swollen breast gland tissue. Seeing a physician immediately is recommended if one or more of the following occurs: tenderness, nipple discharge in one or both breasts, swelling, and pain.

Scientists believe Risperdal gynecomastia may happen because Risperdal increases levels of the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is also known as a luteotropic hormone or luteotropin. The general function of this hormone is to enable mammals, particularly females, to produce milk. It is, moreover, also allegedly “influential in over 300 separate processes in various vertebrates, including humans.”

Therefore, increased levels of prolactin due to Risperdal treatment allegedly stimulates the breast growth development in men. Reports further indicate that Risperdal gynecomastia is generally a permanent change.

The actual growth of “man boobs” from Risperdal is not an increase in fat tissue but instead an increase in the growth of actual breast tissue. As such, the breast tissue may need to be removed surgically if it does not go away with discontinuation of the drug.

According to reports, Johnson & Johnson is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of medical products and pharmaceuticals with estimated yearly revenue of more than $71 billion. The company, however, has allegedly faced hundreds of Risperdal lawsuits pertaining to Risperdal gynecomastia development and conditions.

The company has also allegedly faced governmental enforcement actions alleging improper and allegedly inaccurate marketing descriptions of the antipsychotic medication.