Back in 1993 the way psychosis is treated was revolutionized. Prior to this time doctors only had access to typical antipsychotics, those are drugs that only help to control the dopamine levels in the brain but don’t control serotonin levels; or they could use an atypical antipsychotic that had such severe side effects it was rarely ever used. But in 1993, the pharmaceutical market saw Risperdal hit the shelves. And treatment was revolutionized. For the first years this drug was only approved to treat adults with schizophrenia. It was not approved for those under 18 years of age, and it was not approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder, autism, ADHD or ADD. However, it was used that way many times because it was highly effective. This off-label prescription has caused many problems for those who have used the drug. Even when the drug was approved to treat schizophrenia in youth, it was still not safe. The young men taking this drug saw weight gain, and even worse, they saw breast growth. This breast growth, known as gynecomastia , cannot be reversed by ceasing the medication. Instead, young men who suffer have to undergo surgery to remove the breasts. Before those breasts are removed, there is permanent emotional damage that has been done. Those with mental disorders are already stigmatized. They are shamed, bullied, teased, and taunted. The drug used to treat the disorder helps them overcome their mental illness, but it causes them to grow breasts. This causes even more taunting, shaming, and bullying. Removal of the breasts leaves permanent physical scars to remind of the horrible emotional abuse they put up with. There were no warning labels on Risperdal for a number of years after it was made available to the public. Patients would take the drug without ever knowing the full extent of the consequences they may face after taking this dangerous drug. Fortunately a dangerous drug attorney is ready to help them receive the compensation that they deserve.
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risperdal, invega, antipsychotic, gynecomastia, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder,
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