What is Pristiq?
Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine) is an anti-depressant. It is a seratonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
How is Pristiq used and what are the side effects?
Pristiq is primarily used to treat depression. It may also be prescribed to treat panic disorder or anxiety. It works by restoring the levels of seratonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
Common side effects of Pristiq are nausea, dizziness and sweating. Like all anti-depressants, it may cause increased depression or suicidal thoughts.
Are there lawsuits concerning Pristiq withdrawal?
Over the years, numerous lawsuits have been filed against Pfizer alleging severe side effects caused by Pristiq, including birth defects, suicidal tendencies, and extreme withdrawal complications.
Suicide Risks
Lawsuits have noted the increased risk of suicidal tendencies in children and young adults (up to the age of 24) taking antidepressants, including Pristiq. This is in line with the black box warning required by the FDA for all antidepressant manufacturers since 2004, and expanded in scope in 2007.
Birth Defects
Some lawsuits against Pfizer allege that Pristiq can cause serious and even fatal birth defects. Studies have suggested a doubled risk of miscarriage in women who took the drug during pregnancy. Reported birth defects include craniosynostosis, physical defects such as cleft lip and palate, respiratory distress, omphalocele, heart defects and malformations, anencephaly, and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.
Discontinuation Syndrome
Another serious concern raised in these lawsuits is the severe withdrawal symptoms experienced by patients after discontinuing Pristiq. These symptoms, termed “Pristiq discontinuation syndrome” by the FDA, include mood swings, neurological problems, visual disturbances, and electric shock sensations, some of which have been described as excruciating headaches accompanied by nausea and dizziness.
Compensation for Injured Patients
Patients injured by Pristiq may be entitled to compensation for damages, including medical expenses, pain, suffering, mental anguish, and loss of income or ability to work. If a patient dies from complications after taking Pristiq, their family members may be entitled to compensation for the wrongful death of their loved one, which may include conscious pain and suffering prior to death, mental anguish from the loss of a loved one, and funeral expenses. We encourage patients who have suffered severe side effects after taking Pristiq, as well as the families of those who have died as a result of complications with the drug, to seek the advice of a product liability attorney to learn more about their rights and remedies.
Securities Class Action Lawsuit
Notably, Wyeth (now a part of Pfizer) is facing a class action securities fraud lawsuit filed by shareholders. They allege that Wyeth failed to fully disclose data on the serious heart and liver side effects of Pristiq. The shareholders argue that the company’s failure to disclose this information sooner led to its stock price being inflated between June 26, 2006, and July 24, 2007. This lawsuit covers investors who purchased Wyeth shares during that period, with two employee pension funds named as plaintiffs.
Need more information about Pristiq?
Visit these websites for more information about Pristiq.
- Pristiq.com – official website
- Drugs.com – Pristiq
- Physicians Desk Reference – Pristiq