Posted by Leonardo on March 6, 2001, at 18:32:10
In reply to Please help!! major concern, posted by Preggo Leah on March 5, 2001, at 23:12:32
Hi Leah
If you're still thinking about this, I found some more info.
Dr Bob posted some relevant links to other parts of this site a while back:
http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Antidep-preg-lactation.html
http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Medications-during-pregnan.html
http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Antidepressants-during-pre.html
http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Medications-during-breast-.html
http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Antidepressants-during-bre.htmlOne of these gives the info:
From: BJSCHWARTZ@delphi.com
Date: Mon, 07 Apr 1997 19:55:27 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Medication during pregnancyThere ia a "teratology hotline" in Utah that evaluates all meds in terms of conception and on through nursing. The number is (801) 328-2229. Call them once and they will give you a local number.
At http://www.priory.co.uk/focus1.htm Dr Ivan Goldberg has an article 'Focus on venalafaxine'. In response to the question: "Is venlafaxine safe for a woman who is pregnant, about to become pregnant, or nursing an infant?" he replies:
"There is no data to establish the safety of venlafaxine for the fetus or nursing infant."
This is probably better news than it sounds. There have been studies of pregnant women taking SSRI antidepressants which *may* show *some* increased risks for the baby, but they are not very conclusive. There don't appear to be any studies for venlafaxine (Effexor), which probably means that there have been few reports of suspected problems to prompt any monitoring. Some of the reports in the Dr Bob tips above mention moving women to Effexor from other drugs as it seems to have lower risk, especially for breastfeeding. So on balance it seems unlikely that the Effexor will have done your baby any harm.
There are actually websites dedicated to the problems of getting off Effexor, prompted by some people's bad experiences. So if you decide to stop taking it, I'd suggest you do some research to be prepared, and allow at least 1-2 weeks to wean off it. See http://www.socialaudit.org.uk/9425vfx.htm#RE and linked sites http://members.tripod.com/bwarner/effexor.html and http://www.effexorfx.freeuk.com/
Some people get raised blood pressure as a side effect from Effexor, which could give problems in later pregnancy I guess. This effect is supposed to be much reduced if you take 200mg or less per day. You could compromise by trying to get by on a lower dose. Or maybe your pregnancy hormones would give you a boost without the Effexor.
Let us know how you get on!
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/55760.html