Effexor Birth Defect Attorney | Effexor Side Effects Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been linked to heart birth defects and persistent primary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) when taken by pregnant women. Effexor is an SNRI – selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which is similar to an SSRI. However, SNRIs carry the same warnings about use during pregnancy and risk for heart defects as SSRIs. Effexorbirthdefectattorney.com~Site InfoWhoisTrace RouteRBL Check