Effexor is a member of a class of antidepressant drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRI's. Other drugs in this group include Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin, and Zoloft. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals released Effexor in 1993, and was succeeded by once-a-day Effexor XR.

In June, 2004, Wyeth sent out a "Dear Doctor" letter to health care professionals stating that there is a high incidence of hostility and violent behavior, including suicide ideation and attempted suicide.  Furthermore, the FDA recommended that the drug not be prescribed to anyone under the age of 18, due to increased risk of suicide in children.

In October, 2004, the FDA recommended the following warnings to be put on the entire class of SSRI drugs:   "Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders."

If you or a loved one have experienced suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide while taking Effexor or another SSRI, please contact our Effexor attorneys to discuss your legal rights.

In The News:

Drug Company Rebuked, The Guardian, 4/8/05

FDA Public Health Advisory, 10/14/05

FDA Warning Template for SSRI's, 2/3/05