Risperdal has been linked to increased prolactin levels. Prolactin is a hormone that triggers breast development in women. However, young boys and men who've taken prolactin and have elevated levels of this hormone could develop male breasts. This condition is known as gynecomastia in medical terms. Also, pain or nipple discharge may be experienced by boys who have acquired gynecomastia. Risperdal has been associated with the development of breasts in young guys, according to new research. Risperdal's generic version, risperidone, was administered to children and teens at doses widely used for the treatment of psychotic symptoms. These doses can drastically increase prolactin levels that lead to medical complications like gynecomastia, according to a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology in 2006.  Since the long-term consequences of Risperdal are not well-documented—particularly in terms of development and delayed puberty—the medicine should be recommended with caution to children and adolescents.