Risperdal side effects in children are a prevalent concern for both the patient population and medical community, some of which indicate serious complications.

This medication is popularly used to treat extreme psychological conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, but can also be used to treat certain forms of autism in children.

Parents and doctors often consider these medications if the child exhibits “extreme tantrums, aggression, and self injury”, says professor of pediatrics at the Marcus Autism Center of Emery University Lawrence Scahill.

Dr. Scahill conducted the drug’s clinical trials, and stated the Risperdal side effects in children can be quite serious and can occur merely weeks after starting the medication.

Overview of Risperdal Side Effects in Children

The most significant of the Risperdal side effects in children can be linked to significant weight gain and increased appetite, with some children reportedly gaining six pounds within eight weeks of taking the medication.

Significant changes in weight and appetite has resulted in some young Risperdal developing type-2 diabetes, permanently altering their lifestyles.

Another significant Risperdal side effect linked to weight gain, and has been primarily observed in children, is gynecomastia or male breast growth.

In this condition, the young male patient’s breast tissue develops significantly larger than normal and can often cause nipple pain and even lactation in some cases.

A side effect of Risperdal is that the body produces large volumes of prolactin which leads to gynecomastia.

Risperdal works by balancing the brain’s serotonin and dopamine levels, which signals the body’s reward and pleasure sensations. In biological response, the body produces high volumes of prolactin.

Prolactin is the hormone primarily responsible for breast development in adolescent girls, and is naturally produced in small amounts in boys. Risperdal causes young male patients to produce the same amount of prolactin as young girls, leading to breast development.

While this is not a fatal disease, gynecomastia can cause severe emotional trauma in young boys for the social anxiety they may face for having what can be referred to as “man boobs.” Oftentimes surgery is necessary to remove the excess tissue.

Lesser Risperdal side effects in children can include fatigue, hormonal changes, and involuntary movements in rare cases.

Even though numerous studies have documented severe Risperdal side effects in children, the drug is still commonly prescribed.

Overall medical experts advise that parents seek alternative treatment drugs for their children given the severity of Risperdal complications.

Even though these complications can be quite serious, Johnson & Johnson allegedly omitted the fact that these Risperdal side effects in children can be severe. Risperdal patients who suffered unexpected side effects may be able to file legal action, and should consult a specialized lawyer to determine eligibility.