Posted by MKB on December 1, 2004, at 0:13:22
In reply to effexor during pregnancy, posted by jazzy on November 23, 2004, at 10:42:19
Many Web sites say that nothing is known of Effexor during pregnancy, but they say discuss it with your doctor. How can your doctor know? Until a few months ago, Wyeth claimed that even they did not know. Why did Wyeth not test this drug for its effects on pregnant mothers and newborns?
NEW WARNINGS have been added as of June 28, 2004. When I checked a few days ago, Dr. Bob’s FAQ on Effexor seem not to have been updated since that time. The most recent information I could find follows.
http://www.researchprotection.org/infomail/04/06/29.html :
“FDA Alert: Effexor warnings added for neonatal adverse effects…
Tue, 29 Jun 2004
On June 28, the FDA and Wyeth issued a new MedWatch drug Alert to healthcare professionals:
"Neonates exposed to Effexor, other SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), or SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), late in the third trimester of pregnancy have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding."
See the new complete warning at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/SAFETY/2004/safety04.htm#effexor
Also:
http://www.perinatology.com/exposures/Drugs/Venlafaxine.htm :
“NEONATAL SIDE EFFECTS: Restlessness, hypertonia, jitteriness, irritability and poor feeding occurred in a neonate after maternal use of venlafaxine for depression during pregnancy. The diagnosis was confirmed by a temporary improvement after administration of a low dose (1 mg) of venlafaxine to the boy. The symptoms ceased after 8 days [6].”This sounds like suffering to me. After suffering through withdrawal from Effexor myself, I cringe at the thought of a helpless infant having to endure this.
poster:MKB
thread:419285
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041128/msgs/422636.html