Effexor

Los Angeles Effexor Drug Attorneys

Effexor Overview

Effexor (generic name venlafaxine) was introduced by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in 1993 and marketed by Pfizer from 2009, after Pfizer purchased Wyeth. This drug belongs to the class of antidepressants, specifically a Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI).

The drug is primarily used to treat general anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Other than these FDA approved uses and some off-label uses of the drug include treatment of fibromyalgia, arthritis, chronic fatigue, headaches and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

How Effexor Works?

Venlafaxine is believed to inhibit re-uptake that affect action of some neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinphrine). Serotonin is a chemical that affects mood of a person. The drug is one of the commonly used SSRI (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors) that increases or maintains level of serotonin in the space between brain cells, helping in maintenance of normal communication by nerve cells.

Side Effects of Effexor

Insomnia, fatigue, sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, sedation, sexual dysfunction, weight gain or losses are some common side effects experienced by users of this drug. In general SSRI drugs have been related to increase in suicidal tendency and violent behavior. In addition to these serious side effects include chest pain, abnormal vision, inflammation of the prostate gland, swelling due to fluid retention, neck pain and migraine may be experienced by users of Effexor in some rare cases.

Legal Perspective

Effexor, one of the SSRI drugs has been accused of triggering suicidal tendency and violent behavior. Several lawsuits have been filed in this regard. The drug has also been linked to litigations regarding birth defects and disease of children whose mothers used it during pregnancy.

If you feel that you or any member of your family has suffered serious damages from side effects of this drug then you may file lawsuit to claim compensation for the said damages. It is essential to contact a lawyer specializing in product liability or dangerous drugs for such legal procedures. Proper documentation of symptoms and duration of the drug’s use helps in strengthening such claims.