Risperdal is an antipsychotic drug that is used for the treatment of disorders such as schizophrenia, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. However, according to reports, there are several known side effects of Risperdal including gynecomastia, or the condition that causes breast growth in boys.

Gynecomastia, as one of many side effects of Risperdal, is perhaps one of the more severe ones. According to reports, as many as 18,000 lawsuits have been filed alleging that the drug’s manufacturer Janssen Pharmaceuticals failed to adequately and sufficiently warn male patients of Risperdal’s adverse side effects including that they can grow male breasts.

There are several others side effects of Risperdal. Some of these side effects include weight gain, sexual dysfunction, high cholesterol, muscle-related spasms, uncontrollable, movements, dizziness, and nausea.

Allegedly, the way Risperdal may lead to gynecomastia is due to a hormone imbalance. This hormone imbalance causes the growth of male breasts and significant weight gain.

Additionally, it is understood that Risperdal may cause male breast growth in males because it increases the hormone prolactin, which is known to stimulate the production of breast development and lactation.

Gynecomastia, as one of many side effects of Risperdal, was looked into in several studies. According to a report, one study published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology discovered that there was a strong link between Risperdal and young adult males being diagnosed with gynecomastia.

According to the study, “[c]urrent users of risperidone had approximately four times the risk of developing gynecomastia than non-users.” Additionally, the study concluded that “when the analysis was stratified to children and adolescents taking risperidone, the risk of gynecomastia was five times higher than for non-users.”

The study concluded by determining that there is an association with the use of Risperdal and an increase risk of gynecomastia in adolescent and young adult males.

It is well presumed that a young boy who develops breasts will not only suffer from physical side effects but will also have to endure some psychological adverse effects as well. Reports say that young males with gynecomastia may not understand what is happening to them, and may feel puzzled, perplexed, and startled. They may not quite understand what is happening to their bodies and what is causing the change.

Due to these feelings, moreover, they may feel fear and begin to isolate themselves from their peers, which may also be due to the taunting and shaming of them for their bodies. The effects from relentless bullies can have long-lasting effects on an adolescent’s feelings of self-worth.

Several victims have been prescribed Risperdal to treat their depressions, ADHD, or bipolar disorder. But by taking the anti-psychotic, they began growing breasts and the condition of gynecomastia.

Many such victims have filed lawsuits against Janssen Pharmaceuticals and its parent company Johnson & Johnson over these adverse side effects and complications.