Effexor Linked to Heart Birth Defects

Effexor side effects may place babies who were exposed to the drug before birth at an increased risk of developmental delays, and heart and lung defects. SNRI medications, including Effexor, have been linked to serious risks for newborn babies. If you have taken Effexor, or any other SNRI medication and feel that you or a loved one has been harmed as a result, you may want to speak with an attorney regarding a possible lawsuit.

Effexor (venlafaxine) is in the class of drugs called serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SNRIs act to increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the spaces between the cells in the brain. These increased levels allow a more efficient transmission of electrical signals to the brain and help increase an individual’s feeling of well-being. Effexor was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December of 1993. However, recent studies have linked the drug to serious side effects. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals is the manufacturer of Effexor.

Effexor is an antidepressant that is used to treat mood disorders, including major depression. Effexor differs from other popular antidepressants, called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) because it acts to increase the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine. SSRI antidepressants act selectively on serotonin.

In 2007 the Journal of Pediatrics reported that Effexor side effects may include behavioral issues, central nervous system problems, respiratory issues, digestive system issues, and hypoglycemia to babies exposed to the drug. Premature infants may be more susceptible to the negative side effects of Effexor. Another study cited an incidence of withdrawal symptoms associated with the drug including restlessness, hypertonia, jitteriness, irritability, and poor feeding in newborns.

Another serious side effect that has been associated with Effexor is Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn or PPHN. PPHN occurs when a newborn’s circulation system does not adapt to breathing outside the womb. Babies born with PPHN may experience heart failure, brain hemorrhage, shock, kidney failure, seizures, organ damage, or even death. About 20 percent of babies born with PPHN do not survive and of those who do survive, many experience long-term health problems. Health issues associated with infants who have been born with PPHN include difficulty breathing, developmental disorders, hearing loss, and seizures.

PLEASE SPEAK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE DISCONTINUING USE OF EFFEXOR OR ANY OTHER PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION.

If you believe that you or a loved one has been taking the antidepressant Effexor and has suffered as a result, you may want to speak with an attorney today, regarding your potential lawsuit. A lawyer familiar with new developments in the investigation of Effexor may be able to help you make important personal and legal decisions.

Please contact the law offices of d'Oliveira & Associates at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form for a free legal consultation.