Risperdal is an antipsychotic drug that increase levels of prolactin, a hormone that  stimulates breast development, and is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, as well as irritability associated with autism.

The active ingredient in Risperdal is risperidone, which works by affecting the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. These neurotransmitters are known to affect mood and behavior.

In 2006 and 2007, the FDA approved additional uses for Risperdal including schizophrenia in children, bipolar disorder in adults and children and behavioral disorders caused by autism in children. Risperdal is also being used more and more as a treatment for ADHD, even though this is an off-label use that has not been approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).

Young males who have taken Risperdal and are displaying increased levels of the hormone prolactin may develop male breasts.

Risperdal Side Effects

One of the most documented side effects of Risperdal is the development of male breasts. Boys who have developed breasts may experience pain or nipple discharge. This condition is known as gynecomastia.

Mental health physicians report that gynecomastia or male breasts can have a significantly harmful mental and emotional effect on boys and young men, often causing shame and humiliation and deep self-hatred. The emotional scars may last well past any surgical remedies as boys may be severely taunted by their peers and suffer emotional trauma when trying to engage in normal activities.

Many doctors recommend that such males undergo surgery. While mild cases can be resolved with liposuction, more severe cases will require a mastectomy.

Is Risperdal Safe?

A number of studies have indicated that use of Risperdal may cause male breast growth. In 2006, one such study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that the use of risperidone in children was associated with excessive levels of the hormone prolactin, which is tied to female breast development and lactation.

Three years later, research published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology revealed that these high levels of prolactin could persist for as many as two years.

According to researchers, symptoms of male breast growth associated with Risperdal may include:

• Swollen breast tissue
• Tenderness in the breast
• Pain in the breast
• Nipple discharge from one or both breasts

Risperdal lawsuit are mounting in courts around the country, filed by, and on behalf of, men and boys who allegedly developed gynecomastia, or male breast growth, due to their use of the antipsychotic drug. Many of the Risperdal gynecomastia claims brought against Risperdal manufacturers, Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, have been filed by young adults who were unaware of the connection between Risperdal and male breast growth side effects until recently.

If you or someone you know has taken Risperdal and suffered male breast growth, filing a lawsuit is a way to seek compensation for hospital bills, surgical expenses, mental trauma, loss of income or productivity, pain and suffering, and more.