Risperdal hormonal side effects often result in boys developing “man boobs,” a condition known as gynecomastia.

Risperdal (risperidone), made by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals, is an antipsychotic medication for the treatment of schizophrenia. It is also used to treat bipolar disorder and some autism spectrum disorders.

FDA-approved in 1993, Risperdal is in a class of drugs called dopamine antagonists. Risperdal binds to the dopamine receptors in the front of the brain, where they are responsible for integrating emotions, perceptions and self-control.

Dopamine overactivity is a main factor in schizophrenia and other symptoms of psychosis that include breaks from reality.

More than two million Americans suffer from the debilitating effects of schizophrenia. Hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking, movement disorders and social withdrawal hinder those affected from leading a normal life. Other problems can include difficulty with perception, impaired judgment, inattentiveness, impulsiveness or impairment of speech.

Risperdal Hormonal Side Effects Due to Pituitary Gland Interference

When Risperdal blocks the dopamine receptors, it can cause elevated levels of prolactin, a hormone made by the pituitary gland. This Risperdal hormonal side effects can result in breast pain, breast discharge, breast enlargement, gynecomastia and impotence.

Pregnant women have high levels of prolactin, which helps them produce breast milk. When prolactin levels reach abnormally high levels in men, the condition is called hyperprolactinemia, which is seen more often in Risperdal patients than in patients taking other antipsychotic drugs. Hyperprolactinemia results in gynecomastia, and these breasts might even produce milk.

Unfortunately, weight loss will not resolve the issue of Risperdal-induced man boobs. When Risperdal causes gynecomastia, the increase in breast size includes not only fatty tissue, but glandular tissue as well. With such a high concentration of dense tissue, surgery may be required to reduce breast size.

Off-Label Uses of Risperdal

More young men and boys have been exposed to Risperdal hormonal side effects because doctors prescribe it as an “off-label” avenue to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) sleep disorders, anxiety and depression.

The term off-label refers to medication that is prescribed by a doctor for uses other than those approved by the FDA. No laws prohibit doctors from prescribing a drug for off-label use, but there are laws that prohibit drug companies from marketing drugs for off-label uses.

Even though little clinical evidence suggests Invega and Risperdal treat ADHD successfully, more than 3.5 million children take the drugs for ADHD conditions.

A Michigan State University study shed light on the fact that nearly 1 million children could be misdiagnosed with ADHD when, in reality, these children are simply the youngest members in their grade at school. Their attention spans and behaviors were most likely age appropriate, which means they should have been spared Risperdal hormonal side effects.

Risperdal Litigation

Risperdal hormonal side effects have been the subject of a massive amount of products liability litigation. Several Risperdal patients who developed gynecomastia after taking Risperdal say Janssen Pharmaceuticals did not adequately warn them about the risk of Risperdal hormonal side effects, preventing them from making an informed decision about their medication.

In the largest jury award thus far, a boy received a $70 million Risperdal gynecomastia verdict. He had started taking the drug in 2003, developed man boobs, and was teased and bullied relentlessly. He filed suit in 2013. The verdict was announced in 2016.

If you or someone you know has taken Risperdal and suffered Risperdal hormonal side effects, you could be eligible for compensation.