Effexor is an antidepressant drug made by the pharmaceutical company Pfizer. Although it has been proven to be effective in treating depression and anxiety disorders, it does come with a number of serious side effects. Some people who have taken the drug since it was released have complained of birth defects of the heart and lungs. These complaints have been confirmed in a number of studies, which prove that pregnant women are at a higher risk for these types of side effects in their unborn children.

If you or someone you know has taken Effexor and you have reason to believe that they may have suffered from the side effects of the drug, then you may be eligible to seek just compensation with the help of a qualified attorney.

Side Effects of Effexor

Effexor is also known as Venlafaxine in its generic form, and it is considered to be a SSNRI (Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) antidepressant drug used to treat major depressive disorders, clinical depression, panic disorders, and anxiety disorders. It is currently one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs in America and is usually given to adults, but some children and teenagers have also been prescribed the drug.

Effexor has been approved by the FDA and it has been successfully used in treating some patients, but there have been many reports of very serious side effects. Some have actually reported that the drug exacerbated their depression symptoms due to the way the active chemicals can affect brain. In addition to those claims, it has been noted that Effexor causes heart and lung birth defects in newborns.

Effexor Lawsuits

Most of the litigation regarding Effexor stems from the harmful effects of the drug on pregnant women and unborn children, but there have also been claims that the drug worsened the symptoms of depression. Physicians and medical experts have recommended that pregnant women in their 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters not take Effexor at all, as even some of the pregnant women that took small doses of the drug had some serious health problems with their children.

The side effects of Effexor may develop quickly, but it can take several weeks or more to see how the drug really manifests itself. It has been noted that long term use of the drug can cause more severe side effects in pregnant women that have been taking the drug for a significant period of time. Even worse for pregnant women is that the suddenly cessation of taking the drug during pregnancy could lead to withdrawal symptoms.

Consulting With a Physician

Pregnant women should always first discuss the side effects and withdrawal symptoms with their physicians before making the decision to stop taking the drug. It is possible that anyone could suffer withdrawal symptoms or experience side effects for a number of reasons and patients should be aware of the consequences. Some people have reduced their side effects by taking a slightly lower dosage, but this is still something that must be discussed with a doctor.

Additional Side Effects of Effexor

Many people have experienced additional side effects such as insomnia, moodiness, fatigue, confusion, poor motor skills, and sweating. Some of these symptoms may also be exacerbated by other prescription drugs or underlying illnesses. The medical history of a patient can also play a role if the patient is predisposed for certain illnesses or has had certain problems with mental illnesses or substance abuse in the past. People who have had a history of lung, kidney, heart, or liver problems are at a much higher risk of serious side effects from the drug.

In regard to pregnant women, most of them will be largely unaware of any problems with their unborn children until they have actually given birth. The pregnant women themselves may have experienced fatigue, drowsiness, anxiety, blurred vision, and headaches while they were taking the drug. Pregnant women who have experienced those types of side effects should discuss them with their doctors first and also discuss the risks to their unborn children.

Pursuing Legal Action

Many people have suffered from these harmful Effexor side effects and some of them have been successful in collecting damages from Pfizer. The reason why they were successful is because the manufacturer was potentially aware of these side effects, but neglected to inform people about all of them. Pfizer could have been intentionally concealing the information or it may not have performed thorough research and testing. Regardless of the reasons, patients can still receive compensation for the pain and suffering experienced.

Seeking Just Compensation

Pregnant women who have experienced side effects in their newborn children while using Effexor should contact a lawyer immediately to discuss their cases. A qualified attorney will be able to determine if you meet the criteria to file a claim against the manufacturer and how much compensation you may qualify for. You may have to show evidence of the side effects that you suffered as well as the harm that it has done to your child and the lawyer will assist you with that. An experienced attorney will be able to assist in preparing for the case and help you throughout the process.