Effexor Cranial Birth Defects Lawsuit

January 31, 2012

Research studies have implied that neurotransmitters are morphogens and have the capability to send signals to molecules during fetal development. One neurotransmitter in particular, serotonin, is believed to affect craniofacial development in particular. These research findings hold much relevance when considering that taking several SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant medications while pregnant results in statistically significant higher rates of cranial birth defects, including craniosynostosis. Medications linked to cranial birth defects include:

Effexor (Venlafaxine)
Zoloft (Sertraline)
Celexa (Citalopram)
Paxil (Paroxetine)
Prozac (Fluoxetine)
Lexapro (Escitalopram)

Many of the birth defects (including cranial birth defects) that can result from taking Effexor (or other antidepressant medication) while pregnant are not only emotionally draining, but financially expensive as well. One potential method for recovering financial compensation is through filing an Effexor cranial birth defects lawsuit. A lawsuit against the company behind the drug is filed on the grounds that they did not perform their duty to perform sufficient testing and warn of potential side effects that could arise as a result of taking their product.

Effexor Craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis, an Effexor cranial birth defect, is present when one or several sutures close prematurely. When a suture closes early, this adversely affects the shape of the infant’s head; which suture affects how the shape of the head is malformed. Although some cases of craniosynostosis occur as the result of genetics, the majority happen to babies with no hereditary predisposition, which suggests environmental factors like taking Effexor during pregnancy. Surgery is the main treatment for this Effexor cranial birth defect and accomplishes the following: alleviates pressure on the brain, allows enough space for the infant’s brain to grow and develop properly, and cosmetically enhance the appearance of the head. If craniosynostosis is not treated quickly, developmental delay and seizures can occur as potential complications.

Other Effexor Birth Defects

Cranial skull birth defects are only one category among many types of Effexor birth defects. August 2011 data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study found that taking Effexor while pregnant showed strong associations with a number of birth and congenital heart defects including: Anencephaly, Spina Bifida, Cleft Lip & Palate, Hypospadias, Limb Defects, Gastroschisis, Transposition of Great Arteries, Tetralogy of Fallot, Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstructions, Pulmonary Valve Stenosis, Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstructions, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Coarctation of the Aorta, Ventricular Septal Defects, and Atrial Septal Defects. Other research has also indicated that taking Effexor while pregnant can also result in the following: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Club Foot/Bilateral Club Feet, Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn, Stomach Wall Defects/Omphalocele, as well as increased risk of miscarriage.

Effexor Lawsuit: File a Cranial Birth Defect Lawsuit

If you or someone you know took an SSRI or SNRI antidepressant while pregnant and had a child born with a cranial birth defect (or other birth defect), you should call the Willis Law Firm today for your free initial case evaluation. Our firm is currently reviewing antidepressant birth defect cases on a national level and can help you decide if an Effexor cranial birth defect lawsuit is right for you and your family. Call us today.