Research performed by the National Birth Defects Prevention Study suggests that taking the antidepressant medication Effexor while pregnant can greatly increase the risk of having a baby born with a birth defect, like total anomalous pulmonary venous return. These findings have resulted in many families choosing to file an Effexor lawsuit, against the large pharmaceutical company behind this drug. The FDA is also currently exploring the association between antidepressants and birth defects. In addition to Effexor, the following selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are also under investigation: Celexa, Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and Lexapro. Filing a lawsuit is a method of being fiscally compensated for the financial as well as emotional suffering associated with these types of antidepressant birth injuries.
Effexor Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return
When a baby is born with the congenital heart defect total anomalous pulmonary venous return, not a single one of the four veins coming from the lungs is attached to the upper left heart chamber, or atrium. This means that in babies with Effexor TAPVR, instead of going to the left atrium and circulating throughout the body, the blood repeatedly cycles to and from the lungs, never reaching the remainder of the body. Often total anomalous pulmonary venous return occurs with an atrial septal defect or patenet foramen ovale.
Effexor TAPVR Symptoms and Complications
Effexor total anomalous pulmonary venous return is recognized very quickly following birth and if left untreated, death before the first birthday is highly likely. TAPVR is usually accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms:
- Chronic Respiratory Infections
- Cyanosis (Blue skin tint due to lack of oxygen in blood)
- Trouble feeding & lack of growth
- Quickened/Shallow Breathing
- Lethargy
Once identified, Effexor total anomalous pulmonary venous return should be treated with a surgical procedure in order to create a connection from the pulmonary veins to the left heart chambers as well as repair the ASD. Complications that can occur following TAPVR include: heart failure, lung infections, arrhythmias, and even pulmonary hypertension.
Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return Lawsuit
If your child was diagnosed with a birth injury (including total anomalous pulmonary venous return or other) following prenatal exposure to an antidepressant medication (Effexor or other), call the Willis Law Firm today and have your potential claim evaluated. All antidepressant birth defect clients are on a contingency fee basis, meaning they will not be billed any expenses unless a recovery is made. Currently, the Willis Law Firm is reviewing Effexor TAPVR cases nationwide. Call us today.