Louisville Risperdal Attorneys

If you or your child are like millions of Americans, you rely on Risperdal to control autism, schizophrenia or other conditions caused by bipolar disorder. Risperdal helps you stabilize moods, reduce outbursts, control aggression and prevent self-injury; it is especially useful in controlling these symptoms in children with autism. However, Risperdal is now associated with dangerous drug side effects that can have serious medical consequences for you or your child.

All drugs, including Risperdal, have the potential to cause unwanted side effects. These side effects range in severity from moderate to severe. Many moderate side effects go away with regular Risperdal use. Some serious adverse reactions require the immediate attention of a doctor. If you’re experiencing dangerous side effects, contact a Louisville dangerous drugs lawyer.

Symptoms of Risperdal

One of the most notable side effects associated with Risperdal is the development of breasts in young males. This condition, known as gynecomastia, is a medical problem that requires surgical correction. Gynecomastia can also cause emotional harm in young males already struggling with autism, bi-polar disorder or other mental health issues.

The most serious adverse reaction is the increased risk for death in elderly patients suffering from psychosis related to dementia. According to the National Library of Medicine, studies show that the risk for death for elderly patients who take anti-psychotics like Risperdal is 1.6 to 1.7 times higher than research subjects taking placebos.

According to Drugs.com, common side effects requiring immediate medical attention include changes in mood, such as:

• Aggression
• Agitation
• Anxiety

Side effects may cause muscle problems, such as:

• Inability to move your eyes
• Poor balance
• A mask-like facial expression
• Spasms in your face, neck, and back muscles
• Stiffness, weakness in your arms or legs
• Severe restlessness
• Shuffling gait

Neurological side effects include:

• Trouble concentrating or with memory
• Difficulty speaking or swallowing
• Tic-like or twitching movements
• Trembling, shaky fingers and hands
• Involuntary twisting body movements, known as tardive dyskinesia

Risperdal may cause these other serious side effects:

• Changes in vision, such as blurred vision
• Decreased libido
• Menstrual changes
• Difficulty with urination or an increase in urine volume
• Skin rash, itching
• Difficulty sleeping

Risperdal, which is the brand name for the drug Risperidone, is manufactured by Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals. The FDA approved this drug for use in 1993.

Contact a Louisville Injury Lawyer

If you believe Risperdal or any other medication has negatively affected your health contact the experienced Louisville personal injury lawyers at Meinhart & Manning, PLLC to discuss your situation.