In 2004, research by F. Yaris et al. published in Reproductive Toxicology evaluated the safety of newer antidepressants in pregnancy. To-date, a number of antidepressant drugs, especially SSRIs (Paxil, Prozac, Celexa, Effexor, others) have been associated with a range of life-threatening birth defects.

More information on SSRI and birth defects.

This Yaris et al. (2004) piece examined “590 cases exposed to drugs during pregnancy who were followed by our center, [of which,] 21 cases used newer antidepressants, i.e., venlafaxine, mirtazapine, nefazodone.”  The common names for these drugs are Effexor, Remeron, and Serzone, respectively.

While this study (only including 21 cases of children exposed to SSRIs in pregnancy) did not show evidence for the view that SSRIs cause birth defects, spontaneous abortion was observed in a child exposed to Effexor, Remeron, Alprazolam, Diazepam, and Trifluoperazine.

The problem with studies as small as this is that their results are often misleading.  This study did not show congenital abnormalities in children exposed to SSRIs, but that does not mean that SSRIs do not cause birth defects, it simply means that none were observed among these 21 children.

Other studies, however, show clear, significant, association between Effexor and birth defects.  For more detail on those studies showing the increased rate of birth defects among children exposed to Effexor, follow the preceding link.

Due to the fact that the manufacturers of Effexor and other SSRI drugs have failed to warn physicians and patients about the risks associated with their products, a number of SSRI birth defect lawsuits are currently being filed.

If you or a loved one used SSRIs during pregnancy, and your child was born with a birth defect, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation for injury to your family endured through no fault of your own.

For more information on Effexor and Effexor lawsuits, please do not hesitate to contact our team of Effexor lawyers at the information provided below.  We have the experience, resources, and skills required to bring you the justice you and your family deserve.

(855) 452-5529

justinian@dangerousdrugs.us

Call today and see how we can help!

Our SSRI Birth Defects Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about SSRIs and Birth Defects.