Effexor During Pregnancy
Effexor Pregnancy Warning – Is Effexor Safe to Take While Pregnant?
In their Consumer Product Information guide titled, “Understanding Antidepressant Medications,” the United States Food and Drug Administration discusses the serious risks associated with taking various prescription antidepressants. In addition to suicidal thinking, mania, and high blood pressure, the FDA clearly listed “Birth Defects” as a serious risk when taking antidepressants. Effexor, (along with Zoloft, Lexapro, and Prozac) is currently labeled as a pregnancy category C drug, which means that current medical research does not rule out a risk to the fetus when taken during pregnancy. However, in December of 2005, another similar antidepressant prescription (Paxil) was changed from Category C to a category D drug, meaning that positive evidence of fetal risk exists. It is believed that with further research and studies, other antidepressant medications (including Effexor) will soon also be classified as pregnancy category D.
What is Effexor?
Effexor, or Venlafaxine, is a type of antidepressant medication called a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). While it is primarily used for the treatment of depression, Effexor is also used to treat anxiety disorders such as social phobias and panic disorders. Typically, Effexor is taken twice daily, although it is also available in an extended release form, which is taken once daily. As of 2007, Effexor had been prescribed to over 17 million Americans. Unfortunately, despite its popularity, Effexor is believed to be linked to an increased risk of several birth defects, including congenital heart defects.
Effexor Birth Defects Research
Effexor, along with the other previously listed antidepressants, has been the subject of multiple research studies, especially in terms of the potential harm that they may cause to a fetus during pregnancy. Here are the findings of a few key studies:
National Birth Defects Prevention Study — Released in 2011 and specifically studying Effexor (Venlafaxine), this study suggests that there is a link between use of Effexor during pregnancy and some birth defects, specifically congenital heart defects.
Da-Silva Study — Animal Study using rats; found adverse effects of Effexor use on rat fetuses.
New England Journal of Medicine — 2006 study indicated that the occurrence one type of congenital heart & lung defect (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension) was found to be six times greater when the mother took an antidepressant medication during pregnancy.
Effexor and Congenital Heart Defects While Pregnant
Based on esteemed medical research, it is believed that the risk of several birth defects (including congenital heart defects) increases significantly when the mother takes Effexor (or other antidepressant medications) during the term of a pregnancy. The term “Congenital Heart Defect” refers to any of several heart defects present at birth, and often occur as the result of genetic or environmental factors during fetal development. During pregnancy, a mother shares what she ingests with her developing child, and as a result infants can be adversely affected by what their mothers ingest. As a result, the fetus can be adversely affected.
Types of Effexor Congenital Heart Defects
Congenital heart defects can vary greatly in terms of their severity and the potential for the sufferer to lead a normal life. Here are several types of congenital heart defects that have been linked to the use of antidepressants, like Effexor, when taken while pregnant:
Ventricular Septal Defects and Atrial Septal Defect: Septal defects are characterized by a hole in the heart wall. Can occur on wall between both upper chambers (atrial) or lower chambers (ventricular). Treatment varies depending on severity of defect.
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS): Poor development of left ventricle, mitral valve, and aorta. Very severe congenital heart defect and requires multiple surgeries during infancy as well and possibly further surgery in adulthood.
Transposition of Great Arteries: As its name suggests, this defect happens when the aorta and pulmonary artery change positions. TGA results in a shortage of oxygen and also requires surgery during infancy.
Tetralogy of Fallot: Combination of 4 congenital heart defects and requires surgery during infancy.
Heart Valve Abnormalities: Pulmonary Stenosis, Pulmonary Atresia, and Ebstein’s Anomaly are all examples of this category of heart defects, which are characterized by poor blood flow and poor circulation. Each of these occurs when heart valves do not fully develop during pregnancy.
Other types of congenital heart defects that can occur when Effexor is taken while pregnant are coarctation of the aorta, patent ductus arteriosus, and total anomalous pulmonary venous return.
Effexor Congenital Heart Defects Lawsuit
Many of the congenital heart defects resulting from taking Effexor while pregnant require expensive treatment, even surgery and hospitalization. After initial treatment, the child may also need specialized medical attention and monitoring for an extended period of time, even through adulthood. This child and his/her family are not at fault for the injuries that result from taking Effexor during pregnancy, so they should not be held financially liable either. For this reason, many families choose to file an Effexor lawsuit in order to seek the compensation that they deserve. The producers and manufacturers of medications that are harmful to take while pregnant should be responsible for the harm in which their products cause.
Talk to an Effexor Lawyer Today
If your child was born with a congenital heart defect or other birth defect and you believe that this occurred as a result of using an antidepressant medication (Effexor or other) during pregnancy, you may have a legal right to financial reimbursement. Call the Willis Law Firm today to have your potential Effexor Pregnancy Lawsuit Claim evaluated by a talented team of legal professionals led by David Willis, a Texas trial lawyer with the highest peer review rating. The Willis Law firm is ready to hear your story and help determine whether an Effexor lawsuit is the right course of action for you. We are currently accepting antidepressant pregnancy lawsuits nationwide and on a contingency fee basis.
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