Effexor, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, can potentially cause side effects in its users. These side effects may range from mild to severe and even fatal. The drug has been known to cause birth defects in babies born to mothers using Effexor during pregnancy. As a result, Effexor has been at the center of many product-liability related lawsuits.
The reality behind the psychotropic drug Effexor is that its real benefits and dangerous side effects may never be known. Its manufacturer, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, which is owned by Pfizer, has been warned by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) for misleading current and prospective users and of Effexor XR.
In a warning letter to Effexor's manufacturer, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, the HHS warned of:
Venlafaxine or Effexor is an anti-depressant prescribed to treat depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and general anxiety disorder. Effexor can trigger the following side effects. If they occur, immediate medical attention may be required.
The use of Effexor can cause, trigger or exacerbate existing conditions in its users. The following is only an incomplete list of what Effexor potentially causes:
Having suicidal thoughts; abrupt discontinuation of the drug may exacerbate the condition
Deficiency of Granulocytes, a type of white blood cell
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has classified Effexor as a pregnancy category C drug. In simple terms, it means that the use of the drug by pregnant mothers may not be entirely safe.
Pfizer itself admits that some newborns born to mothers who had taken Effexor XR and other antidepressants during their pregnancy, had developed complications at birth requiring prolonged hospitalization, tube feeding and breathing support. This was especially true of those newborns whose mothers had taken Effexor during the third trimester of pregnancy.
For this reason, it is advised that those women who are taking Effexor and are either pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to their doctor about the pros and cons of the drug. Breast-feeding mothers should also consult their doctor and Effexor can pass into the mother's milk.
The very first lawsuit against Effexor and its manufacturer was filed in 2012. Ever since then more lawsuits have been filed against them. In most of the cases, plaintiffs have alleged that their babies were born with serious medical conditions like heart defects, which were caused by the mother's use of Effexor during pregnancy. In some cases, their babies have died as well.
In addition, they have alleged that Effexor's manufacturer failed to inform the public about the risks associated with the use of the drug.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of Effexor, then discuss your case with an attorney. They may be eligible for compensation for extra hospital and treatment and expenses you have incurred as well as the avoidable pain and suffering that have been borne.
For requesting more information related to your case, please fill out the form provided on this page.