Dangerous Antidepressant Drug: Effexor

What is Effexor?

Effexor, known generically as venlafaxine, is an antidepressant from the family of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Manufactured by Wyeth, Effexor is also prescribed to relieve abnormal anxiety.

Effexor and Birth Defects

Effexor has been connected to birth defects. Mothers taking SNRIs during pregnancy – especially in the third trimester – run the risk of giving birth to a child with one or more of the following birth defects:

Congenital Heart Defects
Conotruncal Defects
Cleft Lip & Clubfoot
Craniosynostosis

Omphalocele
Septal Defects
Ventricular Obstruction
And many more

Effexor Controversy

In December 2004, authorities in the United Kingdom announced new labeling for Effexor, SNRIs, and other antidepressant drugs known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).

For Effexor, the British regulators strengthened warnings about:

suicidal thoughts and behaviors
certain withdrawal effects

Patients with heart disease or high blood pressure were also warned not to use Effexor.

FDA Warning

FDA requires all antidepressant medications to have a "black box" warning about the increased risk of suicide in teenagers and children. But, a black box warning does not prohibit the use of antidepressants in children and teenagers.

Get Help from Lawyers Who Understand Dangerous Drug Cases

If you, or someone you care about, were hurt because of taking Effexor you need to act quickly. When our law firm gets involved with your case, we immediately get to work investigating the cause of your drug reaction and fighting for your legal rights to fair compensation.

Get Answers to Your Questions:

Do you have a case? Find out the criteria we use to determine if you have a legal claim.
Do you need a lawyer? See how hiring a lawyer gets you a better outcome.
How much will it cost? You pay nothing unless we win money for you.

Drug News

Read about other dangerous drugs in our drug news archive.

Injured Because You Took Effexor For Your Depression? Contact Us Now For a Free Evaluation of Your Legal Case.

Call us toll-free at 1-866-943-3427 or get online legal help, and we'll give you a free evaluation of your claim.

Please note: All of our lawyers are licensed to practice in the state of Pennsylvania. We also have lawyers licensed to practice in Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia and we associate with experienced attorneys in other states. In addition, all drug-related litigation involves co-counsel.