Risperdal: News and Research

Risperdal (risperidone) is an atypical antipsychotic medication doctors prescribe to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Johnson & Johnson's subsidiary, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, manufactures this drug. The FDA approved Risperdal in 1994.

Over the years, researchers have found that Risperdal may cause gynecomastia. It's a condition where male patients taking the drug experience dramatic breast growth. There have also been many Risperdal lawsuits alleging the same thing.

Abnormal breast development is a common side effect of Risperdal. But, clinical trials have also linked Risperdal to other conditions, including:

• Stroke
• Diabetes and blood sugar problems
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Parkinson's disease
• Kidney problems

Here, we'll discuss recent research on Risperdal, including its off-label uses and severe side effects.

FindLaw's Risperdal Side Effects and Litigation page discusses the history of Risperdal lawsuits.

Oct. 20, 2006: Group Urges Caution on Use of Risperdal to Treat Autism

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Risperdal for the symptomatic treatment of irritability in autistic children and adolescents. In response, the National Autism Association (NAA) urged parents and health care providers to carefully research the potential side effects of Risperdal use by autistic children.

According to the NAA, documented side effects include:

• Lactation (in boys and girls)
• Weight gain
• Tardive dyskinesia, an often irreversible movement disorder

May 2020: Use of Risperdal to Treat Dementia Patients

The FDA has not approved Risperdal for the treatment of age-related dementia. The FDA hasn't approved any antipsychotics for this purpose. But studies suggest that these drugs may help treat patients with "Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia" (BPSD).

In a May 2020 study appearing in Frontiers in Pharmacology, researchers found that, of all the antipsychotics, risperidone may be the most effective at treating dementia. Other countries have approved Risperdal for this use. These countries include:

• Canada
• UK
• Australia

Other prescription medications the study considered include:

• Olanzapine
• Clozapine
• Quetiapine
• Aripiprazole

Of all these drugs, the study found Risperdal to benefit older patients who have dementia the best. But researchers warn that using antipsychotics to treat dementia and Alzheimer's is a last resort.

November 2020: Study on Risperdal and Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Mental Health Clinical published a study in November 2020 about the use of Risperdal to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). According to the study, more than half the patients suffering from GAD fail to respond to initial treatment. So, researchers are often looking for alternative therapies and treatment options.

This 2020 study found that Risperdal can be effective at treating GAD. But, the study warned that these patients should take much lower doses of Risperdal than patients who have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

The reason experts believe Risperdal helps with GAD is that patients with an anxiety disorder usually have the same symptoms as those with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. These symptoms include:

• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Sleep disturbances
• Excessive fear and anxiety
• Inability to concentrate
• Irritability
• Muscle tension

Risperdal has sedation and calming effects. Researchers believe it may be suitable for the long-term treatment of GAD.

February 2021: Effectiveness of Using Risperidone to Treat Stuttering

In February 2021, Frontiers in Neuroscience published a study on using risperidone to treat stuttering. The study found that patients who took Risperdal had higher glucose uptake levels. They also showed an increased metabolism in the left striatum.

There is ample evidence that people with a stutter have higher metabolisms in the striatal and Broca areas. Risperdal works to slow down this activity. This, in turn, reduces a patient's stuttering.

August 2021: Study Shows Harms May Outweigh Benefits for Patients Taking Risperdal

A study in BMC Medicine found that the risks of risperidone may outweigh the benefits in patients who have schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This August 2021 study used the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) to measure the pros and cons of taking this medication.

Researchers found that patients taking Risperdal were up to eight times more likely to suffer an adverse event compared with patients taking a placebo.

Specifically, the study found that Risperdal caused the following adverse side effects:

• Weight gain
• Tardive dyskinesia
• Gynecomastia

The study suggested that Risperdal was less harmful than benzodiazepines for the long-term treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. But, the health risks are still high. Researchers urge doctors to consider these adverse events before prescribing the drug.

Risperdal Litigation

To date, more than 13,000 Americans have sued the drug companies over their antipsychotic drug Risperdal. Many of the cases involved young men who developed breasts while taking the medication. Studies confirm that male breast growth is a side effect of taking Risperdal.

The plaintiffs in the Risperdal gynecomastia lawsuits filed claims in federal district courts. They also filed cases in state courts. Some significant cases occurred in:

• New York
• Wisconsin
• Philadelphia

The U.S. Department of Justice also charged the defendants with deceptive marketing of Risperdal and healthcare fraud. In 2013, the federal government sued Johnson & Johnson for failing to warn patients about the growth of breast tissue. The parties settled the case for more than $2.2 billion.

Johnson & Johnson also faced charges in Texas. The Texas attorney general filed charges against the drug company for making misleading statements about Risperdal's safety and effectiveness. The pharmaceutical company settled the matter for $158 million.

What To Do if You Become Sick After Taking Risperdal

If you or your loved one suffer harm after taking Risperdal, you have rights. Depending on the facts of your case, you may have a legal claim against the drug manufacturer. It doesn't matter if you took Risperdal or a generic version of the drug.

Over the years, plaintiffs have filed individual and class action lawsuits against various pharmaceutical companies. Specifically, plaintiffs have filed personal injury suits against the following drugmakers:

• Johnson & Johnson
• Janssen Pharmaceuticals
• Janssen Research and Development
• Elsevier Inc.
• Excerpta Medica Inc.

Most of the Risperdal cases focus on the development of gynecomastia. But, you may suffer any of the injuries discussed. Your best option is to contact an experienced product liability attorney to review your claim.