Atypical antipsychotic Risperdal, used for years to control symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, has also been prescribed to treat other mental illnesses.

When Did the FDA Approve Risperdal for Children?

Risperdal, made by Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals, was originally FDA-approved in 1993. In October 2006, the FDA approved Risperdal to treat irritability in autistic children and adolescents. The behaviors the drug was approved to address include aggression, deliberate self-injury, and temper tantrums.

The FDA has approved risperidone as a treatment for irritability associated with autism in children from ages five to 16. It’s approved to treat schizophrenia in children at least 13 years old and to treat bipolar disorder in adults and children who are at least 10 years old.

Is Risperdal Sold in Generic Form?

Yes, generic Risperdal is known as risperidone. Both Risperdal and its generic form treat schizophrenia by affecting the way that the brain processes dopamine and serotonin. The drugs are an “antagonist” for these neurological receptors, meaning that they block the action of the receptor.

What Side Effects Have Been Associated with Risperidone?

Fatigue, dizziness, drooling, nausea, vision disturbances, light-headedness, sleep problems, and weight gain are possible side effects.

Are Serious Side Effects Possible in Children?

Yes, serious Risperdal side effects are possible in children. Significant weight gain and hormonal changes are potential side effects that can seriously impact a child’s health. Risperdal also may cause blood sugar levels to rise, which can be a problem for diabetics.

How Much Weight Might a Person on Risperdal Gain?

A child on Risperdal may gain a lot of weight very quickly. In 2009, an 11-week study by psychiatric researchers at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, N.Y. found that children taking antipsychotics gained a significant amount of weight — between 10 pounds and 19 pounds — fat mass, and waist circumference.

A control group who took a placebo (pretend pill) gained less than a half-pound during that same time span.

What Types of Hormonal Changes Might Risperdal Cause?

Risperdal used for irritability in children may cause gynecomastia in boys and young men. This condition is commonly called man boobs because the male breasts develop due to glandular tissue, not just fatty tissue associated with weight gain alone.

Gynecomastia may be a side effect because Risperdal elevates the level of prolactin, a hormone known to instigate lactation in pregnant women.

Does Losing Weight Result in Man Boobs Going Away?

Unfortunately, most young men must undergo surgery to remove the excess breast tissue. Because the excess breast tissue is glandular tissue and not fatty tissue, losing weight won’t completely reduce the size of the man boobs.

Has Anyone Filed a Lawsuit Due to Risperdal Side Effects?

Thousands of patients have sued over Risperdal side effects, accusing Janssen Pharmaceuticals of failing to adequately warn about the risk of gynecomastia. In a recent verdict, a Pennsylvania jury awarded a man $8 billion in punitive damages in his gynecomastia lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson.

Risperdal used for autism was prescribed to the plaintiff, Nicholas M., when he was just nine years old. Nicholas claimed Janssen Pharmaceuticals failed to warn that boys taking Risperdal could experience breast growth as a side effect.

Reuters reported in January that a judge reduced the $8 billion award to $6.8 million.  Nicholas was also awarded $680,000 in compensatory damages. Both sides said they planned to appeal the reduction of the punitive damages.

Nicholas’ lawyer told Reuters that the ruling was “wrong” and “provides essentially no punishment for the worst of corporate misconduct,” and that he hopes an appeals court will reinstate the $8 billion judgment.

Johnson & Johnson reps said that the judge “appropriately reduced the excessive punitive damages award,” but the court failed to consider evidence that Risperdal’s label “clearly and appropriately” reflected the drug’s risks.

The outcome of these appeals could provide both sides a barometer for future Risperdal trials. If the plaintiff emerges victorious, it may be a good sign for the thousands of plaintiffs in pending Risperdal lawsuits. However, if J&J wins the appeal, it may spell trouble for future plaintiffs.

Others who have developed breasts after taking Risperdal used for mental disorders have spoken out about the humiliation and social alienation they say they experienced as a direct result of the drug’s side effects. Eddie B. told CNN that he had to undergo surgery to remove the breast tissue from his chest after he began taking Risperdal to treat anxiety and bipolar disorder when he was 13. Eddie said he never would have taken Risperdal had he known about the potential side effects. The body changes, he said, caused him embarrassment and made him the subject of ridicule by classmates.

“Looking back on it, I feel like an experiment,” said Eddie, adding that the psychological side effects of being alienated because of his breasts were worse than the symptoms of his anxiety and bipolar disorder.

Although Eddie was eventually able to pay to have his breast tissue removed, others who suffered Risperdal side effects are not always so lucky. Since breast removal surgery is generally considered an elective or cosmetic procedure, it may not be covered by insurance. Those who cannot afford to pay out of pocket for the procedure may have no other options. Additionally, even those who are able to afford the surgery may have visible chest scars for life.

Join a Free Risperdal Side Effects Lawsuit Investigation

If you or your son took Risperdal and experienced any of the following Risperdal side effects listed below, you may qualify to pursue compensation for your injuries:

• Male breast growth
• Man boobs
• Gynecomastia
• Painful breasts
• Nipple pain
• Nipple discharge

See if you qualify by filling out the form on this page for a free case evaluation by a Risperdal gynecomastia attorney. 

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