Posted by Leonardo on March 6, 2001, at 4:49:52
In reply to Please help!! major concern, posted by Preggo Leah on March 5, 2001, at 23:12:32
Hi Leah
Congratulations! I guess this should be a time of celebration, so I'm sorry to hear you've got this added worry.
I don't know if Effexor has any specific dangers in pregnancy, but I haven't heard of any bad reports. I think there is a general 'don't use antidepressants in pregnancy' warning just because it is an avoidable possible risk. Ideally you wouldn't smoke or drink before pregnancy and take lots of exercise and folic acid etc, but most people who don't ake these precautions still have healthy babies.
What I would say is, if you are coming off Effexor, don't do it very suddenly even though you are concerned for the baby. That too can have bad side effects which won't help you or your baby.
I'm pretty sure I read in a book about depresion and meds, that coming off ADs in pregnancy can have a worse effect overall if your depression returns.
Obviously, consult with your doctor, but I reckon you should allow yourself a few weeks to gradually get off the Effexor, and be prepared for possibly going back on it if you get badly depressed.
Maybe someone else here will know if there are specific known dangers, or be able to advise how to get off Effexor as quickly as possible - cold turkey often gives people serious problems from reports on here.
Best wishes
Leonardo> I've been on effexor for a little over 2 years now, and honestly, it's probably saved my life. I've tried other drugs, but they either seemed to have no effect or just left me feeling "glazed over."
> Anyway, I just found out that I'm pregnant---btw 4-6 weeks---and I'm very concerned because I've been on a pretty high dosage (300 mg/day). I'm definitely going to get off effexor for the time being--until I've delievered and finished breastfeeding--but am concerned that perhaps I've already done some type of damage to the baby through my meds. I haven't been able to find any information on effexor and pregnancy (except "don't take this if you are pregnant..."), and am really pretty nervous. Please help!!
poster:Leonardo
thread:55661
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010302/msgs/55687.html