EFFEXOR XR and pregnancy

[Lerry]

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.

[finallysmilin]

Wow, I can't believe so many others are going through this.  I am 35 and just now starting to try and get pregnant.  My husband has been wonderful and really stuck with me with all the horrible panic attack days in the past and Effexor has been SUCH a blessing to me--I still have a hard time believing that it actually took my dibilitating panic attacks away.  This is now on the forefront of my mind as of late and anyone out there who has some advice on the subject would be great.

Main thing is that if it is only a slight risk involved...I don't think it would be worth it for me to try getting off my daily dose of 75mg.  I can't imagine living like that again...not sure I could make it through with that kind of quality of life.  Also, I DO want to breastfeed when we do have a baby...and I have read some disagreable issues about this.  

I look forward to your comments and send healthy and happy wishes to you all!

[liljulie]

I am 32 yrs. old and have been married almost 6 yrs. My husband and I want a child as well. I have been on Effexor XR 75mg. for about 2 months now and it has helped me also. I was diagnose with Anxiety depression. Also I have found Bible Study to help me too. I am glad to read everyone's advise and stories. It sure does help to know that I am not the only one. I would love to get off this medication and I do pray that it will happen. My question is, is it better to not have a child when you are on this medication? Please keep in mind this is very difficult for me to ask. I want a child so bad and to say something like that is very hurtful. Thank you for your help.

[smoores81]

Abortion would be a wrenching tradgedy.  After discussing it with my doctor, we decided that the effects of the anxiety and depression would make caring for my current child and pregnancy almost unbearable, opposed to the effects of the Effexor XR 75.  At present, early tests indicate about a 94% chance of delivering a healthy child, with less than 1% of having a child with defects.  Children exposed to Effexor in vitro can be weaned off the medicine after birth, if necessary.  Don't always think of being on medication as an evil addiction.  Some of us are broken, like me, and the medication helps supplement something we're missing.

[lnny]

Hi there. Don't make that kind of a decision. There are greater chances that you will have a full and healthy pregnancy on the Effexor. My GN on the other hand said its no big deal and that people take plenty of meds while pregnant. I on the other hand have my own personal prefrence not to do so. I am been married now two years and would love to start a family however I am so worried that if I wein down or get off of this drug my panic attacks are going to come back. I get them so bad and there is nothing I can do to stop them. I have tried it all. Its terrible. But before make a major decision like abortion. Please get a 2nd opinion.

[cooder50]

I think you should ask a physician or nurse thru an "ask a nurse" type service immediately!  You could be setting yourself up for a lifetime of caring for a deformed or brain-damaged child.  Please pay attention to what the docs say.  They wouldn't mislead you.  If you need to quit, they will tell you how to do it safely.  
Good luck! Let us know how it goes...
Cooder

[Allavil]

I am 28 years old,I am on Effexor XR 75 mg daily.But lately I have learned thaat I am pregnant about 4-5 weeks.I have tryed to stop effexor abruptly,but the withdraw syndrom was so hard,so I resumed taking that medecine.I am very concerned how this medecine can effect my baby.My GN told me to stop it,but I can't.Should I consider abortion,which I can't do according to my beliefs.Please help me with any information.please email here:***@****