Jason Stephens | December 18, 2020 | Personal Injury
Produced by Janssen Pharmaceuticals—a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson—Risperdal is a drug used to treat various mental and mood disorders.
This includes:
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Autism
The drug works by rebalancing various natural chemicals found in the brain allowing those who use it to think more clearly and focus more easily. While the drug was very much welcomed when it was introduced in the early nineties, after nearly thirty years, there have been thousands of individuals who have suffered from its many dangerous side effects.
In addition to being unacceptably long, the list of side effects includes ailments that are serious and humiliating and can affect both young and old.
The Humiliating Effects on Youngsters
Doctors might prescribe Risperdal (also known as Risperidone) to your son or daughter thinking it will help them focus. Unfortunately, the drug has been found to also cause much harm and humiliation among this particular group of patients.
Risperdal can cause a substance naturally found in the body, prolactin, to be overproduced. This abundance of prolactin has been known to bring on a host of humiliating side effects in young girls and women.
These side effects include:
- Early lactation
- Missed periods
- Difficulty becoming pregnant
The unnatural production of prolactin is not isolated to girls or women either. Boys and young men can develop breasts and in some cases might notice decreased sexual performance and low sperm count.
Adolescence is already one of the most difficult stages in life. It is even more challenging when trying to cope both with a mental or emotional disorder and then the side effects and fallout from trying to treat that condition. While these side effects might not seem like a big deal because they are not life-threatening, they should be taken seriously.
No child should have to experience unnatural breast growth or early lactation, or the humiliation that comes with it. Any individual who has taken Risperdal and experienced these side effects could be eligible to collect damages for the humiliation, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering they have endured.
Johnson and Johnson has made billions off of Risperdal and should be held accountable when their drug harms those who take it.
Increased Weight Gain
Another dangerous side effect of Risperdal is increased weight gain. In some cases, this can be coupled with a rise in cholesterol levels. Both of these can in turn increase the risk of a heart attack.
In this case, not only are the side effects humiliating, but they really can be life-threatening. If you or someone you know has experienced significant weight gain after taking Risperdal, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Premature Death Among Elderly Patients
Risperdal and Risperidone have been required by the FDA to include language on the packaging of the drugs that its usage can lead to death for elderly patients who are suffering from dementia. This side effect is among the most serious of all and the FDA’s actions should not be taken lightly.
Other Side Effects
The above are only a few of the dangerous side effects brought on by the usage of Risperdal.
Some of the other dangerous side effects include:
- A rise in blood sugar
- Muscle spasms or tremors
- Anxiety
- Irregular breathing while sleeping
- Bleeding
If you have or are experiencing any of the above side effects do not hesitate to contact a doctor as soon as possible.
You May Have the Right to Pursue Compensation If You’ve Suffered From Risperdal Side Effects
After getting the medical attention you need, you should also contact a qualified personal injury lawyer. A skilled lawyer will be able to look into your case and determine if the side effects you are experiencing could make you eligible for compensation.
No one should have to endure side effects from a drug that are worse than the cure the drug promises. Let a seasoned personal injury lawyer review your case and help you recover the damages you deserve.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Fort Worth, TX
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth and need legal help, contact our Fort Worth personal injury lawyers at Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents to schedule a free consultation.
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents
1300 S University Dr # 300
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 420-7000