Were You Prescribed Effexor While Pregnant?
Effexor, also known as Venlafaxine, is a medication used to treat depression. This medication was designed to help people who suffer from major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and other anxiety disorders to deal with everyday life. Introduced in 1993, Effexor is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class antidepressant. This means the medicine works on two different chemicals that play a role in regulating moods: serotonin and norepinephrine.
Is Effexor Dangerous?
While Effexor has been quite effective as an anti-depressant in some patients, it has also been linked to devastating side effects, including serious birth defects and infant diseases in children born to women who have taken the medication while pregnant. The drug’s effects are particularly damaging if the mother takes it during her first trimester, because during these critical first 12 weeks of pregnancy, the baby is rapidly forming and developing all of its major organs and body systems. Introducing a harmful substance to the fetus at this stage is particularly devastating due to the rapid neurological development that is taking place. In addition to causing serious birth injuries, a study by the Canadian Medical Association Journal in May 2010 found that using Effexor during early pregnancy nearly doubles the risk of miscarriage.
If you or a loved one has experienced any of these side effects, we invite you to fill out our online case form.
How Do I Know if My Baby Was Injured by Effexor?
Effexor’s packaging carries strong warnings to discourage pregnant women from taking the medication because of its link to birth defects, including cardiac defects, pulmonary defects, and neural tube defects. Babies born to mothers who took Effexor may suffer from:
• heart defects
• lung defects
• brain or spinal cord defects
• unusually shaped skull
• abdominal defects
• anal closure
• cleft palate or cleft lip
• clubfoot
If your baby is suffering from a birth injury caused by your use of Effexor, the drug’s manufacturer may be liable for the damages its product caused. If you think that your baby may have suffered an injury related to Effexor, call 1-800-THE-EAGLE (1-800-843‐3245) today for a free evaluation of your case.
What Can I Do if I Think My Baby May Have a Birth Injury Caused by Effexor?
Contact the Effexor personal injury attorneys at Goldberg & Osborne immediately at 1-800‐THE‐EAGLE (1‐800‐843‐3245) or enter information into our online case form. There are no fees or costs until your case settles!
We have been representing individuals just like you in personal injury cases for over 23 years. Don’t delay. States have statutes of limitations for these sorts of drug-related personal injury cases, and you need to make sure that you get your case filed before time runs out.
We will be your advocates in getting the compensation you deserve!
