Risperdal

Risperdal, an antipsychotic medication currently prescribed to treat patients with schizophrenia, manic-depressive disorders, autism, Asperger's syndrome, and paranoia, has come under fire from consumer advocacy groups in recent years. In fact, a Duke University study was conducted in 2006 due to concerns over its efficacy and unwelcome side effects.

The drug known as Risperdal works by blocking dopamine, which releases prolactin from the pituitary gland. Thus, Risperdal creates a sedating effect on the patient, typical in antipsychotics of its class. It can be administered orally in the form of tablets or via a bi-weekly injection (in a form marketed under the name "Risperdal Consta") for those who have trouble remembering to take daily pills.

There have surfaced an alarming number of recent reports of the development of pituitary tumors among patients who have used Risperdal (manufactured by Johnson & Johnson). Because the pituitary gland in located very close to the optic nerve, those pituitary tumors (usually benign but sometimes requiring removal by surgery) have led to other unwelcome and unexpected complications, including eye problems, headaches, bleeding, and convulsions.

Risperdal Side Effects - Gynecomastia or Male Breast Growth

Other noted and suggested side effects of Risperdal from patients and physicians are just as concerning as the ones mentioned above. Those cited by Risperdal users include: nausea, hyperprolactinemia, amenorrhea, galactorrhea, gynecomastia (male breast development), insomnia, dizziness, weight gain, tremors, sexual dysfunction, tardive dyskinesia, muscle pain, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cautioned the public about Risperdal (especially after receiving so many reports from consumers and advocacy gropus) and Risperdal's possible link to pituitary gland tumors, the medication is still available on the market.

By not receiving proper warning about the dangers of Risperdal usage, you may be entitled to financial restitution for your side effects and any lifestyle changes or medical bills that resulted from taking Risperdal.

Dedicated to protecting consumers like you, our law firm wants to ensure that those whose lives have been negatively changed by taking Risperdal receive fair restitution for any suffering they have endured from taking the drug.

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or tardive dyskinesia and gynecomastia (male breast development) in teens or adolescents after taking Risperdal, seek medical help first, then contact our Risperdal lawyers today.

Comments on This Topic:

There are 9 comments related to:
Defective Drugs: News, Statistics and Legal Guide

janine barrettsays: 2011-11-17 21:15:18

i have been on this drug on and off for 3 years.i have put on 30kgs in weight.i have no menstrual cycle no sex drive very little motivation and have had to take antidepressants now.I was vomiting and shaking in the mornings .taking b vitamins helped.i have had my meds reduced but still very tired.i detest this medication.

LEEsays: 2011-08-29 20:07:30

i have been on and off these meds for the last couple of years the last time i gained 30 kgs, and was so depressed i almost killed myself. i was taken off it for around 8 months and lost all the weight, i have been on this medication again for around 4 months and gained half of the weight i had lost back. i have sore breasts constant headaches, stiffness, mental fogginess, terrible fatigue dry skin and depression, constipation, and irregular menstrual cycles, this medication is horrific and has been likened to a chemical lobotomy (rightly so.) I am not trying to obtain compensation or legal assistance although i am receiving this treatment against my will, as i have been labeled with schizo affective disorder and there is nothing i can do about it. but i wanted to contribute to these comments.

steven lee woodwardsays: 2011-08-11 10:53:51

I hate this drug. I'm due for another injection this wednesday. I am now a non violent person so I will refuse to fight back during the injection. Please somebody stop this torture.

Isabellasays: 2011-06-13 17:51:48

Over a year ago I was prescribed this drug. After 10 days into the treatment I began lacating! The doctor never warned me that was a possible side effect. Honestly it took a few months for the lacating to stop about that same time I began passing out. My doctor is not certain what is causing the seizers. Every doctor should explain the lacating and other serious side effects to their patients before prescribing Respiradal. If I'd know about the breast milk production it would have been a drug I'd refuse.

mike jamessays: 2011-04-11 00:40:23

ive taking respiradal and have sexual side effect depresion and other problems need help

Aaron Arthursays: 2010-09-26 14:57:04

I know this is not a good drug as I have been on it over 2 years. I get stiff muscles and joints. I also feel confused. I would support its ban.

Sic Mellitussays: 2010-02-24 15:45:06

I had a serious deppression and psychotic behaviour (nonviolent to myself or anybody else) After I got out of hospital I was prescribed Risperdal Consta injection. After a years use I had gained 35 Kg weight and then was diagnosed as Type I diabetic. I would urge medical personnel to be trained better. In my country I know several cases similar because here genetics causes very much Diabetes. Medical personnel should be trained to take longterm bloodsugar tests. Not short term. I wish if there is a way to take this "Medicine" out of market I would gladly help and be first inline to participate in lawsuit. Cynical is that I haven't used any medication in a year exept Insuline by injection. My weight is now ideal 75 Kg and I feel better than in years. You can learn to live with depression and even recover. With these drugs you'll never even got a chance.

Sue Hartwigsays: 2010-01-13 05:20:09

I live in Australia. I have had a horrific experience with this drug. Nothing I said could seem to make any difference with being forced to have injections. I had a brief psychosis, I was not in any way violent or dangerous to myself or others. I saw no justification with the continual injection of this drug for 18 months into my body. I became extremely ill and have since developed hashimotos. I have not been well since in many respects and put on 30 kgs upon taking this drug. I have since had to constantly see naturopaths and health shops. I have had many ongoing health issues since taking this drug

RICHARD MANASIANsays: 2009-12-08 13:55:49

I HAVE TAKEN RESPIRADAL AND HAVE WHAT I THINK ARE RELATED SYMPTOMS I HAVE HAD EXTREME BOUTS OF WIEGHT GAIN, ENLARGED BREASTS, HEADACHES, INSOMNIA HEART RELATED AND HYPERTENSION OCCURRANCES RECORDED O EKG I HAVE BEE DISABLED NOW ON SSDI FOR THREE YEARS AND CANNOT MAINTAIN AN INCOME I HAVE LOST MY HOME MY FAMILY DIVORCED AND CHILDREN ARE GONE I LIVED ON THE STREET FOR A YEAR FOR A AWHILE AND HAD A LARGE INCOME AND CONSULTIG COMPANY ALL GONE NOW I NEED ASSISTANCE.

First Name
Last Name
Phone - -
Email
Address
Zip
Comments
By clicking the "Submit" button below, you agree that law firms you are matched with may contact you by telephone even if you are on a federal or state Do Not Call registry. Up to 10 law firms may respond to your request within approximately 2 weeks. In some cases 3 or more firms may respond to your request after 30 days. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use.

By leaving this box checked, I agree to receive future advertisements and announcements from our firm, its affiliates and partners.
I agree that submitting this form and the information contained within does not establish an attorney client relationship.
I agree that my information will be reviewed by more than one attorney and/or law firm.
I agree that the information that I will receive in response to the above question is general information and I will not be charged for the response to this e-mail question and I further understand that the law for each state may vary, and therefore, I will not rely upon this information as legal advice. Since this matter may require advice regarding my home state, I agree that local counsel may be contacted for referral of this matter.
By clicking the Submit button, I agree to wiselawgroup’s Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions and I am also providing my express consent to receive pre-recorded marketing messages from wiselawgroup, it’s affiliates and partners as set forth here.