Pristiq Birth Defects

Infants who were exposed to Pristiq prior to birth may be at an increased risk of developing Pristiq side effects, which may include Pristiq birth defects. Side effects of Pristiq in newborns may include heart and lung defects, or developmental delays. Pristiq drug is in a class of medications known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and is used to treat depression. SNRI medications may have similar side effects to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Pristiq, known generically as desvenlafaxine, is used to treat depression in adults. It is available only by prescription. Although studies have been conducted on the side effects of SSRI medications in infants, fewer have been done on SNRI medications. Because the medications are similar it is possible that they are linked to similar side effects.

A study published in the March 2010 issue of Pediatrics suggested that use of antidepressants during the second or third trimester of pregnancy was linked to an increase in developmental delays. Among the delays listed were sitting up without support later, walking without support later, and more difficulty occupying themselves than children not exposed to the antidepressants.

Some research indicates that maternal use of an SSRI medication during the first trimester of pregnancy may expose an infant to an increased risk of heart malformations. Although the US Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning about the potential link between using SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy and an increased risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), in December 2011, the FDA announced that any link between the two was premature.

Other birth defects reportedly linked to SNRIs and SSRIs:

• Craniosynostosis
• Club Foot
• Neural-tube defects
• Infant omphaleocele
• Oral cleft (cleft lip and cleft palate)

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are similar to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIS) in that both affect levels of serotonin in the patient's brain. Where they differ is that SNRIs also affect the levels of norepinephrine, while SSRIs only affect serotonin levels. Both serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters. Pristiq, manufactured by Pfizer, is used to treat major depressive disorder.

Effexor is another SNRI medication. It is manufactured by Wyeth and used to treat major depression and other mood disorders.

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Last updated on Apr-4-12