Effexor Lawsuit Settlement
Two of the most popular types of medicines used to treat depression are Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Commonly prescribed drugs of these types include Effexor, which is an SNRI and Paxil, Zoloft and Prozac, which are SSRIs. If your child was affected by Effexor birth defects please contact us for the latest Effexor lawsuit settlement news and litigation information.
Although depression can be caused by stress and outside events, researchers believe that it is also caused by an imbalance of hormones in the brain. The SNRI and SSRI medicines are thought to change the balance of chemicals in the brain that affect mood.
Effexor, generically known as Venlafaxine, blocks serotonin and norepinephrine from being reabsorbed in the brain, altering the way brain cells send and receive messages. The effect is an improved mood.
According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 9 out of every 100 Americans are depressed. That means that over 20 million people cope with this debilitating disease every day. Once diagnosed, a variety of treatment options are available, including prescription medications. Some popular medications, however, can increase the risk of even more problems.
Effexor Birth Defects
Although Effexor can help people with depression or anxiety, it can have some devastating side effects as well, particularly for women who take Effexor while pregnant.
For reasons scientists have not yet completely understood, SNRIs like Effexor, as well as SSRIs have been linked to numerous birth defects when taken during pregnancy.
Although women are strongly cautioned to minimize their intake of medicines while pregnant, for some people, it is not so easy. One in 10 women are depressed during pregnancy. They may have already suffered from depression, or it may have developed during the pregnancy. Discontinuing the medicines or delaying treatment until the baby’s birth is not always an option. Depressed moms-to-be may put their unborn children’s health at risk, perhaps by using other coping methods, such as drinking alcohol, smoking or using drugs. They may also be more likely to engage in suicidal behavior. Even if this is not the case, babies born to mothers with untreated depression are often more stressed at birth.
On the other hand, studies have shown that using Effexor during pregnancy can increase a mother’s chance of having a miscarriage. Both SNRIs and SSRIs have been linked to birth defects like craniosynostosis, omphaloceles, cleft palate and clubfoot.
For a mother who wants to balance her own health with what is best for her baby, it can be quite a dilemma. Talk with your doctor to determine the best course of action.
If you have taken Effexor and your child was born with a birth defect, the medication may have been a factor. A number of parents whose children have had Effexor birth defects believe the drug’s manufacturer should be held accountable. If you would like to know more about how this drug may have affected your child, and what you can do about it now, please contact us for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your legal options including the latest Effexor lawsuit settlement information. We are currently representing families throughout the United States.