Risperdal was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 for the treatment of mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism spectrum disorders.

Considered part of the medication classification known as atypical antipsychotics, the side effects of Risperdal have given rise to a great deal of controversy and spurred legal claims. Although rare, one of the most unusual of these side effects of Risperdal is gynecomastia.

What is Gynecomastia?

According to the Mayo Clinic, gynecomastia is abnormal growth of breast tissue in males secondary to anatomical hormonal imbalance.

Because of its relationship to hormonal imbalance, it is often seen in infants, boys transitioning into puberty, and old men—key times when critical balances between estrogen and testosterone are in flux. The gestation period within the mother subjects a boy infant to more than a usual amount of estrogen and, during puberty and the “golden years” testosterone levels can experience dips that contribute to this unusual physical presentation.

Also indicated by this source is the fact that certain prescription medications can affect this balance, as can commonly used street drugs. Although the Mayo Clinic article doesn’t specifically mention gynecomastia as one of many side effects of Risperdal, it does reveal that other psychoactive treatments for anxiety disorders, clinical depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as Valium and its equivalent, tricyclic antidepressants, and amphetamines may contribute to the necessary hormone balance.

Also, consideration should be given to the use of marijuana, heroin, and alcohol, as well as the presence of certain underlying health conditions.

Do ‘Man Boobs’ Secondary to Risperdal Just Go Away On Their Own?

According to a Dec. 14, 2019 CNN.com  report, 26-year old Eddie B. started taking Risperdal in the early 2000’s for a combination of symptoms diagnosed as co-morbid anxiety and bipolar disorders. He was just 13 at the time and wasn’t told that he could develop “man boobs” as a side effect. Eddie indicated that he grew breasts bigger than most of the females in his high school and became ashamed and hid away from any social life.

Eddie remembers his peers often staring at him and then pointing and making comments. He was not alone in his disfigurement that typically remains unless the patient can afford to undergo breast reduction surgery. Eddie was able to, but Arturo C., another man who took the drug, couldn’t. Arturo believes he will not find a “significant other” with this bizarre condition. Counsel for both of these young men claims he represents up to 13,000 gynecomastia Risperdal victims who were misled by the omission of key warnings and information by Johnson & Johnson.

What is Tardive Dyskinesia?

According to an October 22, 2019 article posted by Very Well Mind.com, another significant side effect of Risperdal is tardive dyskinesia. It is characterized by involuntary muscle movements of the muscles that are typically under voluntary control. Many refer to as these as “nervous tics”. They can take a host of forms and include rocking, lip-smacking, grimacing, sticking out the tongue, jerking the legs and arms. Some sufferers can make sounds such as grunting or moaning without intent. The level of risk for developing tardive dyskinesia corresponds with the dosage amount.

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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