Effexor Birth Defects

We are no longer accepting new Effexor cases

​Effexor, also known as generic venlafaxine HCI, is an antidepressant that is also sold in an extended-release form as Effexor XR. It is an SNRI or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which means that it inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine as well as serotonin. Wyeth, now owned by Pfizer, is the manufacturer of Effexor.

The FDA has placed Effexor in the Pregnancy Category C class of drugs which says that animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risk. The Pregnancy Categories measure the teratogenic effects a drug has on a fetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other). Teratogenic means that a drug or other substance is capable of interfering with the development of a fetus. Embryocidal pertains to the killing of an embryo.

The FDA also lists the following non-teratongenic effects:

• Neonates [newborns] exposed to Effexor XR, other SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), or SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), late in the third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery. Reported clinical findings have included respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying. (…)
• Nursing Mothers
  Venlafaxine [Effexor] and ODV have been reported to be excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Effexor XR, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Effexor Details

Pharmaceutical: Effexor, Effexor XR

Manufacturer: Pfizer

Generic Name: venlafaxine (or venlafaxine hydrochloride, venlafaxine HCL)

Drug Class: Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant

CAS Number: 99300-78-4

Guidelines:

Zoloft is used to treat the following disorders:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
• Panic Disorder (PD)

Contraindications:

• The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with Effexor XR or within 7 days of stopping treatment with Effexor XR is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
• The use of Effexor XR within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders is also contraindicated.
• Starting Effexor XR in a patient who is being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is also contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Hypersensitivity to venlafaxine hydrochloride or to any excipients in the formulation.