SNRIs and Effexor
Some of the most important studies are recent ones, if only for the immediacy of their information. One such study, completed in 2010 and published in the March issue of Pediatrics, suggests a link between babies exposed to antidepressants in the womb and certain developmental delays.
Specifically, the study examined delays in sitting up without support and walking for children exposed to the antidepressants in the second or third trimester, as opposed to children who were not exposed. Children exposed to SSRIs and Effexor, an SNRI, delayed sitting up as much as 16 days after unexposed children. In some cases they didn't walk until a full month later than the average for children whose mothers hadn't taken the antidepressants.
Similarly, the affected children had far greater difficulty keeping themselves occupied for more than 15 minutes, as opposed to unexposed children. According to researchers, this study suggests a "permanent or reversible effect of antidepressant exposure on fetal brain development." They further commented that the timing of exposure based on trimester might also have an effect.
This is, of course, in addition to other birth defects that have been linked to SNRI and SSRI antidepressants such as Effexor. These include brain and spinal cord defects, abnormally-shaped skulls, defects in the abdominal wall, clubbed foot, deformity of the anus and cleft lips or palate, or both. Some or all defects might be observed in children exposed to the medicines.
Effexor and other SNRIs act slightly differently than Paxil and SSRI antidepressants. SSRIs only act on one neurotransmitter, serotonin. SNRIs like Effexor and Pristiq act on serotonin and norepinephrine. Both classes are used to treat major depressive disorders. Mothers diagnosed with depression while pregnant are advised to do careful research before going on an SNRI or SSRI antidepressant during late pregnancy, because of the potential risks.
