How dangerous is Risperdal?

Designed to treat schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and symptoms of autism, Risperdal (risperidone) is an antipsychotic drug which received its approval in 1994 from the FDA. Manufactured by Johnson & Johnson/Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Risperdal can cause young boys to develop female breast tissue and has been subjected to multiple lawsuits.

Johnson & Johnson never strengthened Risperdal labels to warn of gynecomastia risks even though there were calls from doctors to do so. In fact, J&J allegedly knew of the risks but manipulated its data obtain approval to market risperdal for children.

Risperdal has been studied and shown to cause gynecomastia, a rare medical condition where boys and men grow huge breasts. Although the Janssen Pharmaceuticals has already paid billions to settle the lawsuits, any more are awaiting trial.



The Risperdal gynecomastia link gained attention from a 2006 study where it concluded that when risperidone is administered to adolescents for psychotic symptoms, the drug can rise the prolactin levels and lead to gynecomastia.

Some of the other serious health issues found as the complication include:

•    Pancreatitis
•    Bone loss
•    Pituitary tumors
•    Tardive Dyskinesia
•    Stroke
•    Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
•    Cellulitis
•    Neutropenia
•    Risk of sudden death from heart attack

Lawsuit Allegations

Plaintiffs in risperidone lawsuits allege that Janssen Pharmaceuticals have:

•    Illegally marketed Risperdal to children as a treatment for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) as well as other psychiatric disorders without getting the proper FDA approval from 1993 to 2004

•    Actively masked the information regarding the drug’s health risks

•    Misrepresented the potential benefits and risks of the use of Risperdal in children

The victims of the drug can claim for:

•    Expenses of the future and ongoing medical treatment
•    Emergency hospitalization cost
•    Loss for the wages and reduced capacity to earn
•    Emotional distress, pain and suffering

Find out with the experts from risperdalsideeffect.com if your case is eligible for financial compensation. Visit http://risperdalsideeffect.com or dial 1 (855) 631-1491 to get a free, legal and confidential consultation of the case.

Most Common Side Effects Of Risperidone

Risperidone is among the most widely prescribed medicine to treat certain mental or mood disorders making everyday life easier to deal with. Though it is used to treat some minor to major mental health issues, the drug reportedly has many side effects leading to severe problems in patients.

Risperidone belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics and is available as both a generic and brand-name drug as Risperdal. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain. It is used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, and irritability associated with autistic disorder. However, Risperidone side effects are many and often lead to patients filing for lawsuits against the manufacturer.

Why is Risperidone used?

Risperidone is used to treat the symptoms of several psychiatric conditions. These include:

• Schizophrenia: This is a mental illness that causes changes in thinking or perception. People with this condition may hallucinate or have delusions.

• Acute manic or mixed episodes caused by bipolar I disorder: People with bipolar disorder have intense mood episodes including mania, depression, or a mixture of both.

• Irritability associated with autism: Symptoms of irritability may include aggression towards others, harming yourself, temper tantrums, and mood swings.

Serious side effects of Risperidone are:

• Death from infection and stroke in seniors with dementia

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Symptoms include:
• high fever (above 100.4°F, or 38°C)
• heavy sweating
• stiff muscles
• confusion
• changes in your breathing, heart rhythm, and blood pressure
• kidney failure

• Tardive dyskinesia: uncontrollable movements in your face, tongue, or other body parts

• Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Symptoms include:
• feeling very thirsty
• needing to urinate more often than normal
• feeling very hungry
• weakness or tiredness
• nausea
• confusion
• fruity-smelling breath

• High cholesterol and triglyceride levels

• High blood prolactin levels. Symptoms:
• breast enlargement
• milky discharge from your nipple
• erectile dysfunction (trouble getting or keeping an erection)
• loss of your menstrual period

• Orthostatic hypotension (a decrease in blood pressure when you stand up from a sitting or lying position). Symptoms include:
• lightheadedness
• fainting
• dizziness

• Low WBC count. Symptoms include:
• fever
• infection

• Trouble thinking, and impaired judgment and motor skills
• Seizures
• Trouble swallowing
• Priapism

There are several patients who have suffered from one or many of these side effects that disrupted their normal lives and made them file Risperdal lawsuit against the manufacturer, brand or the practitioner who might have prescribed the drug. If you are among one of the victims, don’t suffer in silence. Contact Risperdal Side Effect on Risperdalsideeffect.com or call at 1(855)631-1491 to take immediate action for compensation.