Risperdal (risperidone) is an atypical antipsychotic approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain mental or mood disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar mania and autism. This medication, sold by Johnson & Johnson, is prescribed to help people with these disorders think clearly and take part in normal, everyday life. Atypical antipsychotics, such as Risperdal, work by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.

Common side effects of Risperdal include sudden and involuntary motions of various body parts, dizziness, tiredness, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, or skin rashes.

However, Risperdal has also been linked, along with Invega, to a number of more serious side effects, including diabetes, movement disorders, and development of breasts in males (gynecomastia).

Risperdal Gynecomastia

Hundreds of boys who took Risperdal or Invega have essentially developed breasts, suffering breast tissue enlargement. For some, male breast growth became such an issue that they were forced to have surgery to have the tissue removed.

Gynecomastia is caused by excessive breast tissue growth, not excess fat. Gynecomastia is often caused by imbalanced hormones in the body. The problems can stem from an overabundance of the hormone prolactin, as is the case for Risperdal and Invega users.

Prolactin is a hormone which controls a male’s sex drive and sustains lactation (breastfeeding) in females. Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland and is controlled by dopamine. Both Risperdal and Invega block dopamine receptors, which increases the levels of prolactin and causes hyperprolactinemia. Hyperprolactinemia can, in children and adolescents, cause gynecomastia.

Hyperprolactinemia is a condition that occurs more commonly with Risperdal than other antipsychotics. According to data provided by the New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority, over 90 percent of those taking Risperdal have increased or elevated levels of prolactin, making them likely to develop hyperprolactinemia, or eventually gynecomastia.

Since the FDA approved Risperdal for use in children, hundreds of boys have developed breasts while on the drug. In some of these cases, boys had such excessive breast tissue grown that the breasts became “D” cups.

Other Serious Risperdal Side Effects

Movement disorders and diabetes are also serious conditions allegedly caused by Risperdal, as well as severe heart problems that can lead to death. Risperdal’s production of more prolactin may also cause the pituitary gland to grow in size, which can lead to the development of pituitary tumors by disrupting the production of other hormones.

One study, which analyzed the FDA’s adverse effect database, found that Risperdal was connected to about 70 percent of all pituitary tumors. These tumors are generally benign, but can cause other serious health problems.

Risperdal Lawsuits

Hundreds of boys and young men who have been negatively affected by Risperdal and their families have filed gynecomastia lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson. These injured parties claim that that the drug maker failed to adequately warn patients about the potential side effects of the drug.

If you or someone you know was negatively impacted by Risperdal, or you are a male who has developed excessive breast tissues due to taking Risperdal, you may be able to file a Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuit against Johnson and Johnson for failure to adequately warn about the potential side effects of the drug.