Effexor Side Effects Attorneys

Effexor (venlafaxine) was introduced by Wyeth pharmaceuticals in 1993. It is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant used primarily to treat major depression, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. Because it inhibits the reuptake of serotonin as well as norepinephrine, Effexor is also classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

In October 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration FDA advised that all antidepressant medications add a black box warning regarding an increase in the risk for suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with certain psychiatric disorders including major depressive disorder. The agency recommended that anyone considering prescribing antidepressants for a child or adolescent should balance this risk with the clinical need.

In July 2005, the FDA then specifically cited Effexor in a public advisory warning of the risks of suicide in children. The advisory asserted that approximately one in 50 people aged 18 or younger may form suicidal thoughts, and reiterated that the drug had not been approved for use for children.

In March 2006, Health Canada then warned pregnant women, and women considering pregnancy, that SRRI drugs may pose life-threatening risks to their babies. A study conducted at Duke University also linked an increased risk of death amongst patients with coronary artery disease who used this type of antidepressants.

Other potential serious side effects associated with taking Effexor include:

• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Abnormal vision
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Serious bone marrow damage
• Hepatitis
• Pancreatitis
• Seizure
• Tardive dyskinesia
• Psychosis
• Activation of mania/hypomania
• Homicidal Thoughts
• Visual Hallucinations

More common side effects associated with taking Effexor include headache, nausea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, dry mouth, dizziness, sweating, decreased appetite, abnormal ejaculation, hypertension, vivid or abnormal dreams, agitation, decreased libido, increased yawning, constipation, apathy, fatigue, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, vertigo, fatigue, postural hypotension, impulsive actions, memory loss, electric shock-like sensations, and Restless Legs Syndrome.

If you suspect that you or a loved one has been injured by taking, or having taken, Effexor, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a qualified pharmaceutical injury attorney for an evaluation of your case.