Risperdal (risperidone) is one of America’s most popular antipsychotics, most notable for its unique treatment mechanism in adult and pediatric patients.

The drug works by streamlining the dopamine levels in the brain to promote mood stabilization.

By channeling only one brain chemical, the method of action and resultant side effects often associated with Risperdal are typically not as severe as other antipsychotics.

Originally approved by the FDA in 1993, Risperdal was meant to be prescribed to adult patients with extreme mental disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Released as a joint effort between Bayer Pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson, the companies noted that their drug was often prescribed to children for off label purposes.

The companies soon started advertising Risperdal as a safe and effective drug for pediatric patients suffering from bipolar disorder or irritability associated with autism, despite not being officially approved to do so by the FDA in 2006.

Since the allegedly premature advertising campaign, a number of patients have reportedly suffered severe Risperdal side effects with gynecomastia being one of the most significant.

Gynecomastia, also known as male breast growth, occurs when there is an overabundance of the hormone responsible for breast growth called prolactin.

While prolactin is naturally produced in both men and women, the amount manufactured is much higher in women due to their breast development.

Even though men produce prolactin, the amount is typically so insignificant that it only results in minimal breast growth.

Risperdal has been allegedly triggering the bodies of young male patients into producing much more prolactin, resulting in serious cases of gynecomastia.

There are other Risperdal side effects commonly reported that include abdominal pain, anxiety, nausea, major weight gain, potential diabetes, movement difficulties, pituitary tumors, and even cardiac complications.

Even though these major health hazards can also life altering for patients, gynecomastia remains one of the most persistent problems in association with Risperdal side effects reports.

Overview of Risperdal Gynecomastia

As previously stated, Risperdal works by controlling the dopamine levels in the brain, which interacts directly with the pituitary gland. This is significant because the pituitary gland is responsible for the hormone production and regulation of different biological functions, which include producing prolactin.

According to medical research, the consequence of Risperdal’s dopamine interference actually spurs the pituitary gland to manufacture high amounts of prolactin.

Combined with the fact that the young male patients were often going through puberty, a time of extreme hormonal changes, gynecomastia added a whole new concern for these young men.

Patients who reported male breast growth after using Risperdal stated they also suffered breast tenderness, nipple discharge, and even lactation. Some cases of gynecomastia were as severe developing into a size D cup, with most of the patients having to undergo surgery to remove the excess breast tissue.

In addition, a number of young men have reportedly suffered extreme psychological and emotional distress due to the trauma of having male breasts..

A number of these affected young men and their families have filed legal action against Bayer and Johnson & Johnson for allegedly illegally marketing the drug and for failing to protect them against the possibility of Risperdal gynecomastia.

Potential claimants should contact a specialized lawyer to determine if they have a Risperdal lawsuit.