Drug Warning: Effexor Side Effects and Risks
The antidepressant drug Effexor, manufactured by Wyeth, is approved for the treatment of depression and anxiety in adults. It is not approved by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) for the treatment of depression and anxiety in children. This drug is included in the list of drugs that are called SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Effexor is also called a SNRI or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which means that it inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine as well as serotonin.
Suffered harm from Effexor? You may have a lawsuit. Click here, for a top rated law firm to evaluate your legal rights.
In October 2004 the FDA required a black box warning for all antidepressant medication that begins with the following language: Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of [Drug Name] or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need.
In July 2005 the FDA issued a Public Advisory warning about Effexor risks of suicide and pointed out that the FDA had not approved the use of Effexor for children. Taking antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts and actions in about 1 out of 50 people 18 years or younger. Although Effexor is prescribed for children, FDA has not approved Effexor for use in children.
In spite of this risk, the FDA did not forbid the prescription of Effexor for children, but advised health care providers to carefully monitor children who are prescribed this drug.
In March 2006 Heath Canada issued a strongly worded warning to all pregnant women and women considering becoming pregnant that SRRI drugs, including Effexor, may pose life-threatening risks to their babies.
Check out the following articles for more information about Effexor, filing a Effexor lawsuit and finding a Effexor attorney.
Suffered harm from Effexor? You may have a lawsuit. Click here, for a top rated law firm to evaluate your legal rights. | 
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