Did You Take Effexor While You Were Pregnant?
Doctors often prescribe anti-depressants to patients who are suffering from depression. In some people, the depression is linked to chemical imbalances in the brain, so these patients are often prescribed SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). This type of drug works by increasing a brain’s levels of serotonin, a chemical that affects mood. Effexor is an anti-depressant that works on two different chemicals that play a role in regulating moods: serotonin and norepinephrine. Doctors prescribe Effexor to treat mental health conditions such as:
• anxiety
• depression
• panic attacks
While Effexor has been quite effective as an anti-depressant in some patients, it has also been linked to devastating side effects, including serious birth defects and infant diseases in children born to women who have taken the medication while pregnant.
If you or a loved one has taken Effexor while pregnant, and given birth to a baby who has suffered birth injuries or other associated health complications, we invite you to fill out our online case form.
FDA Warnings about Effexor
In 2006, the FDA published warnings about the increased risk of newborn babies developing a condition called PPHN if the mothers took Effexor during the first and last trimesters of pregnancy. PPHN, which is also known as Neonatal Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension, is related to blood flow. Newborns who suffer from this condition have problems with their blood circulation, which can lead to serious lung complications.
Did Your Baby Suffer from Birth Injuries after You Took Effexor?
In addition to PPHN, Effexor has also been linked to the following birth injuries:
• heart disorders
• pulmonary defects
• neural-tube abnormalities
• craniosynostosis
• newborn omphalocele
• clubfeet
• anal atresia
• cleft lip/palates
• ventrical septical defects
Babies who have been exposed to Effexor could be at a higher risk of developing serious health issues prior to or after birth. Goldberg & Osborne wants women to understand the risks of taking Effexor during pregnancy, and what people’s rights are if their child suffered from birth injuries linked to Effexor.
What Are Your Rights if You Think Effexor Caused Your Baby’s Birth Injuries?
Anti-depressants have been linked to many cases of babies being born with severe health complications. Goldberg & Osborne wants to get the word out to all women who are pregnant, have recently had a child, or who are considering starting a family. If you have depression or other mental health conditions and require treatment, it is advisable to research medications before using them during pregnancy. If you took Effexor or any other SSRI while you were pregnant and your baby suffered from related birth injuries, contact Goldberg & Osborne for more information about your rights.
If your child suffered from any of the injuries listed here, or he or she died from conditions related to Effexor exposure, you might be able to file a claim and obtain compensation. Goldberg & Osborne attorneys have represented clients and their newborn babies in personal injury cases for more than 20 years. We encourage you to contact us today, as each state has a time limit to file personal injury claims for defective medication. We want you to be able to file in time and be awarded what you and your child are entitled to. Our toll free number is (800) 318-6316 or you can fill out and submit our short online form. Contact us today for a FREE evaluation of your case.
