When a physician prescribes Risperdal for kids, it is not for a condition that is to be taken lightly. Risperdal is used to treat symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism in children.

The effects associated with these conditions are often quite severe and can leave the child and the entire family to deal with a great upheaval. Oftentimes, parents may choose an antipsychotic medication as a last resort to treat their child after trying other medications and behavioral modifications.

Once they finally decide to fill the prescription, parents may nervously await the potential positive behavior change. In some cases, Risperdal for kids can seem like a miracle cure for parents when parents notice that the difficult acting out behaviors are reduced and the positive, previously absent behaviors are increased.

Side Effects Associated with Risperdal for Kids

Parents know that any medication comes with the risk of potential side effects. In some cases, the worst that happens is that a child’s behavior is completely unaffected by the drug. For others, mild to moderate side effects can such as:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or constipation
• Rash on the skin
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat

For some parents, these side effects may be overshadowed by the marked improvement they notice in their child’s behavior, and the side effects appear nearly inconsequential. Some parents may discover that the benefits of the drug greatly outweigh the side effects of Risperdal for kids.

Severe Side Effects Associated with Risperdal for Kids

Some parents may never have to deal with any side effects associated with Risperdal use that goes beyond the mild to moderate conditions listed above. For others, side effects of Risperdal for kids can be much more devastating than the initial behaviors that the drug was designed to treat.

Use of Risperdal for kids has been associated with levels of insulin and the potential for developing type-2 diabetes.

A study of Risperdal use in children showed that after the drug was taken for 6 weeks, children experienced an increase in insulin levels and in insulin resistance when compared to a group of children who were taking a placebo drug.

Another condition, known as tardive dyskinesia, can develop after the use of Risperdal for kids. Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder that causes the affected individual to have involuntary repetitive movements.

This condition can be distressing to watch and children experiencing this side effect may feel embarrassed at the inability to control their movements.

Possibly the most distressing side effects parents have witnessed after beginning treatment with Risperdal for kids is the development of male breast growth in their sons. This condition is clinically known as gynecomastia.

Boys who Risperdal may develop breasts that begin to look like those of a female. They may also begin to lactate, have nipple pain and discharge or breast pain.

In addition to the confusion and embarrassment that is brought forth by this abnormal development, boys also have to deal with all of the psychological side effects of having female-like breasts.

For some, stopping the Risperdal is enough to halt and possibly reverse gynecomastia. For others, the condition persists, and in severe cases, surgery must be undertaken in order to correct the condition.

Taking Legal Action over Side Effects Seen with Risperdal for Kids

Judging by the number of lawsuits filed against the manufacturer, parents using Risperdal for kids feel that the drug maker did not do enough to sufficiently warn parents and physicians of the risk of severe side effects associated with its use, particularly in the case of gynecomastia side effects.

If your child has developed side effects after using Risperdal, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer over personal injury claims. A lawyer experienced with Risperdal cases can review your particular situation in a complimentary case review and can help you decide if pursuing legal action is right for you.