EFFEXOR: COURT CASES

 

Antidepressant Effexor Poses Fatal Overdose Risk

Effexor, the world’s most lucrative antidepressant has been found to pose a risk of overdose and even death in patients taking the drug. Effexor is for the treatment of major depressive disorder, and is most frequently prescribed for patients with symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder.

In October 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned doctors to prescribe Effexor in the smallest possible quantities, to reduce the risk of overdose. In a letter to health-care providers, Wyeth, the maker of Effexor (venlafaxine HCI), stated that death had been reported from overdose of the drug. The letter was posted on the FDA Web site, and requested that doctors prescribe low doses “consistent with good patient management.”

Wyeth's warning letter did not disclose how many Effexor overdose cases had been reported. The most commonly reported Effexor overdose effects include fast heart rate, changes in consciousness (ranging from sleepiness to coma), seizures, vomiting, and eye pupil dilation.

The letter also notes that death, electrocardiogram (EKG) changes, slow heart rhythms, low blood pressure, vertigo, toxic buildup of chemicals from dying muscle cells, and liver cell death have also been reported with Effexor overdoses.

The label revision was also made to the extended-release version of Effexor, known as Effexor XR. The new label notes published studies showing that Effexor's risk of fatal overdoses may be higher than the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The label also notes that the fatal-overdose risk is lower than that of older depression drugs called tricyclic antidepressants. SSRIs include Prozac, Paxil, Celexa, and Zoloft. Tricyclic antidepressants include Elavil and Norpramin.

 

Register your Effexor Case:

If you or a loved one has been the victim of violent, destructive,or irrational behavior induced by the use of Effexor, you may qualify for damages or remedies that may be awarded in a possible Effexor class action lawsuit.