Texas SNRI Birth Defect Lawyer

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors, also known as SNRIs, are medications that are used to treat depression and other mood disorders. One of the most popular SNRIs is Pristiq (desvenlafaxine). Unfortunately, several studies have linked the use of antidepressants during pregnancy to an increased risk of birth defects. According to the manufacturer of Pristiq, these side effects are consistent with a direct toxic effect of SNRIs on a developing baby.

Do I Have an SNRI Birth Defect Lawsuit? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one has been injured after taking an SNRI antidepressant during pregnancy, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.

SNRI Birth Defects

Depression is a serious illness that primarily affects women of childbearing age. The percentage of women who use an antidepressant during pregnancy is estimated to be as high as 8%. Unfortunately, several studies have linked antidepressants to an increased risk of birth defects.

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are a class of antidepressant medications that includes:

Pristiq Birth Defects

Taking the antidepressant Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) during pregnancy may increase your risk of having a baby with a birth defect. The FDA classifies Pristiq as a “Pregnancy Category C” drug, which means that it could cause birth defects, but doctors may still prescribe Pristiq if the benefits outweigh the risks.

In animal studies of Pristiq in rabbits and rodents, Prstiq has been linked to low birth weight and increased risk of death for unknown cause.

According to the manufacturer of Pristiq, no studies have been conducted of Pristiq in pregnant women. Therefore, Pristiq should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits for the mother outweigh any potential risks to a developing fetus.

After warning about the risk of using Pristiq during the third trimester of pregnancy, the manufacturer warns that “These features are consistent with either a direct toxic effect of SSRIs and SNRIs or, possibly, a drug discontinuation syndrome.”

SNRIs and Third Trimester Concerns

Studies have found that up to 30% of infants exposed to an SSRI until the third trimester show drug withdrawal symptoms at birth. These symptoms may include:

Respiratory distress (apnea)
Low oxygen
Vomiting
Seizures
Tremors, jitteriness
Irritability, constant crying
Trouble with feeding
And more

The warning on Pristiq states:

“Neonates exposed to 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.”

SNRIs and Birth Defects

Using an SNRI antidepressant may increase your risk of having a baby with the following types of birth defects:

Heart defects
Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
Abdominal defects
Gastroschisis, omphalocele
Cranial defects (craniosynostosis)
Clubfoot
Cleft lip, cleft palate
Spinal defects
Intellectual disabilities
Premature birth
Low birth weight
Miscarriage
And more

Do I have an SNRI Birth Defect Lawsuit?

Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.

Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”

The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $60 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact us for a free SNRI birth defect lawsuit review.