Effexor XR okay in pregnancy?

My Dr. Said that it is fine to take my Effexor throughout pregnancy, although it may cause respritory distress at birth. I have tryed to wean myself off, but have been getting dizzy spells. She says to stay on it. What do you think?

[Alison L, RPh]

According to the manufacturer of Effexor, there are no available reports on the use of Effexor during human pregnancy. Effexor should be used in pregnancy only where the benefit to the mother clearly outweighs any potential risk to the fetus. Alternative agents should/may be considered. If the doctor and patient decide to continue venlafaxine during pregnancy, discontinuation symptoms should be considered in the newborn at birth. Neonates exposed to this type of antidepressant late in the third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery. Features are consistent with either a direct toxic effect of the medication or, possibly, a neonatal abstinence syndrome. When treating a pregnant woman with this type of medication during the third trimester, the physician should carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of treatment. If clinically possible, gradual tapering of the medication (in the mother) prior to delivery may be considered.
This is really a decision that needs to be made with your physician's guidance. Hopefully, this gives you more information that will help with that decision.

[jesslea]

hi there, i started on vanlafexine in jan this year, for nearly 6 months for anxiety and panic attacks i'm 30 weeks pregnant with my 3rd child and just over the past couple of days i'v been on edge and so wish i was taking my meds, it was my choice to stop taking them in june this year when my pregnancy was confirmed, my doc said if i needed to stay on them that its was fine to take them and no harm would be on the baby, but only in the last 12 weeks of the pregnancy. to this day i have not yet started back on them but would love to from what this last week has done to me but i'm trying on my own to be panic free but it's hard, hope i haven't talked a load of rubbish and what i'v said might help you jessica x