Venlafaxine (Effexor) has become a popular antidepressant medication, used to treat major depression and anxiety disorders in adults.  The antidepressant has been widely used, seen as a highly effective medication for patients across a broad demographic.  A current study conducted by Kara Polen, et. al. concerned itself with the lack of research done on Venlafaxine’s effects during pregnancy.  This research team believed that the safety of the mother and child was to be determined on a clinical level, leading to their study of the possible birth defects reported to be in relation to the use of Venlafaxine during pregnancy.

The study determined that significantly higher instances of several birth defects were seen in mothers who took Effexor during pregnancy over the instances with mothers who were not taking the drug.  The birth defects determined to be seen more often in instances with mothers who used Venlafaxine included: anencephaly, atrial septal defect (ASD) secundum, coarctation of the aorta, cleft palate, and gastroschisis.

While further research must be done, the seriousness of these birth defects must not be ignored as they have cause suffering for countless families around the world.  Venlafaxine may be associated with higher chances of these birth defects, indicating that despite the drug’s efficacy as an antidepressant, it may be too unsafe for consumer use.  If you or a loved one has experienced the listed birth defects, it may be because of the presence of Venlafaxine in the mother.  Our attorneys can help you determine if you may be eligible for an Effexor lawsuit, so do not hesitate to contact us for a free, no-obligations consultation at the information provided below.

(855) 452-5529
justinian@dangerousdrugs.us

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