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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
EFFEXOR XR and pregnancy
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
EFFEXOR XR and pregnancy
by Lerry, Oct 31, 2004 12:00AM
I've been taking Effexor XR for at least five years, and before that I was on another brand of anti-depressant.
I have tried to wean myself off this medication before, as I hope to become pregnant, and it's effects on the unborn child were/are still unknown.
I decreased from 150 mg to 75 mg, then spent about two weeks on 37 mg then stopped, but terrible withdrawl symptoms forced me to take it again 150 mg. I also kept taking the contraceptive pill.
Recently, I tried to wean off it again, more gradually this time and spent over a month on 37 mg.
The first and second days off it I suffered short 'eye-shakes' in one eye only. It was like everything was vibrating.
The third day off I was extremely tired all day, kept going back to bed, felt depressed, fought with my parents, cried and had what other people describe as 'brain-zaps', (like sudden static electricity shocks).
The fourth day off I went shopping and came home because I was feeling dizzy, as well as the other symptoms previously described.
Should I go back on the 37 mg dose and have one every 2nd day, and then every 3rd or 4th day, and wean off it more gradually? I no longer see that psychiatrist, who increased her fee dramatically and did nothing to improve my moods except prescribe me this shocking medicine, with no warning!
Is anything known about the effects of this drug on unborn babies? I am 39.
I have tried to wean myself off this medication before, as I hope to become pregnant, and it's effects on the unborn child were/are still unknown.
I decreased from 150 mg to 75 mg, then spent about two weeks on 37 mg then stopped, but terrible withdrawl symptoms forced me to take it again 150 mg. I also kept taking the contraceptive pill.
Recently, I tried to wean off it again, more gradually this time and spent over a month on 37 mg.
The first and second days off it I suffered short 'eye-shakes' in one eye only. It was like everything was vibrating.
The third day off I was extremely tired all day, kept going back to bed, felt depressed, fought with my parents, cried and had what other people describe as 'brain-zaps', (like sudden static electricity shocks).
The fourth day off I went shopping and came home because I was feeling dizzy, as well as the other symptoms previously described.
Should I go back on the 37 mg dose and have one every 2nd day, and then every 3rd or 4th day, and wean off it more gradually? I no longer see that psychiatrist, who increased her fee dramatically and did nothing to improve my moods except prescribe me this shocking medicine, with no warning!
Is anything known about the effects of this drug on unborn babies? I am 39.
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Nov 01, 2004 12:00AM
, Nov 01, 2004 12:00AM
Yes you should wean yourself slowly on the scheudle you described. You are also right about the risks being unknown, which means you should not be taking a chance.
Time will tell if I suffer depression like I did before, but right now I feel great that I've beaten this poison!
I would like to suggest to other people who seem to be going through hell this way, that they wean off Effexor very, very slowly, (spend 2 months on each lower dose if that's what it takes), and if you suffer withdrawl symptoms once you're finally free give your body time to get used to the shock before you go back on the drug.
P. LERRY
Everyone's different. You didn't say what strength Effexor you are on, but at least try to wean down in strength. Follow your doctors advice.
Best wishes to you and bubs!
LERRY
I was actually wondering how you are going with stopping effexor? Keep us posted, we would all love to hear that your transition to a med free future was a smooth one.
Have you looked at the other posts about effexor in this very forum? I think you would be blown away by the thread about effexor started by 'seektolearn'. We are all guinae pigs! It reassures me to know some people do not get birth defects while taking effexor - could you show me where to find out more about this drug and pregnancy? Thanks again Lerry, and hope to hear from you again soon.
cd26 how far along are you? The doctor told me that physical birth defects would occur (if they were going to) during the first 8-10 weeks of pregnancy. If I were to start withdrawing now I wonder if the damage would have already been done??
Good luck to you (and me) with effexor and pregnancy - it's a very hard decision to make and I am also reluctant to stop taking something that is helping me so much. Let me know what you decide to do or email me at ts.***@****
Love from hangin'in there!
I was pregnant with Effexor and thank god my baby is healthy. Try not to worry about it. I reduced my dose a bit but I still take it. Don't breastfeed your baby if you are still taking the medication.
Good luck!!!
My Q: Am switching to 37.5mg of Effexor in a week. After that, is there any way to then SPLIT the 37.5 dosage as I continue a very slow weaning? I am highly susuptible to Effexor's nasty withdrawal symptoms (hence the 5yr long addiction). I have before been known to split the capsules and divy up the tiny little balls of medicine; however, each day is not a consistent dosage.
Any one found any tricks/tips/hints on making the jump from 37.5mg to NADA without the bite?
thanks
***@****
I have been on Effexor for 2 years and recently reduced from 150mg to 75mg. I am turning 40 in March and also hope to try and fall pregnant before it is too late. I am really struggling with fatigue, shock-like sensations, headache and anxiety. I am so relieved to find that I am not the only one in this situation - I started searching the net yesterday, when I thought I was going mad trying to cope with the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. I have also gained 40 unwelcome pounds, which I hope to lose before I fall pregnant.
Another problem that I would appreciate some feedback on is this: My thoughts are very foggy and unfocussed. I struggle to plan and get going with tasks that I have done 1000 times before. I am easily confused and cannot cope with too much going on around me, especially if it is noisy. At work I am sluggish and slow - it takes me ages to get my paper work done and to ensure that it has been done properly. Do any of you have info about the effect of Effexor on thought processes and concentration?
I would appreciate hearing from anyone out there!
Thanks
Chella
I am 5 weeks pregnant and on 150mg Effexor XR. I suffer from depression/anxiety/bulimia. Where can I find more information on this drug during pregnancy and why am I reading that I shouldnt breastfeed? What substitute might be comparable and still let me breastfeed? Thanks, Barb