Does Risperdal really elevate prolactin to pathological levels in some men?

Here are several examples from recent science that suggests that it does. This blog series will address additional research later.

A study by Vitiello et al in 2009 concluded that: “an analysis [that] combined the data from five clinical trials in 5 to 15 year-old children with Risperidone found a rapid rise of serum prolactin after starting treatment, with a peak by two months.”

The authors continued: “In a different study, in 5 to 7 year-old children with autism, Risperidone induced-increase in prolactin, while declining, was still significantly evident after 22 months of treatment.” Finally, Vitiello and his co-authors found that: “Prolactin increases… especially for children and adolescents treated with Risperidone.” 

The next important question is: do high levels of prolactin cause gynecomastia? 

Research has found that abnormally elevated levels or prolactin – especially prolonged, pathological levels – can lead to all sorts of dysfunction, including the growth of breasts.

As the authors of the book Cutaneous Manifestations of Endocrine Diseases note on page 88: “another rare cause of gynecomastia is hyperprolactinemia.”

The proposed chain of cause-and-effect seems rock solid, scientifically:

Risperdal — Too much prolactin — Gynecomastia

But is it really that simple? Is the evidence really that conclusive? This blog series will examine the subtle arguments and counterarguments shortly. First, though, we need to consider Johnson & Johnson and Janssen’s role in the marketing of this drug. We’ll get to that next time!

For insight into your Risperdal case, call the Davis & Crump team now at 800-277-0300 or email us at info@daviscrump.com..