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.

[ottosgrl]

I too am on Effexor (150 mg/day).  However, my situation is slightly different.  I am bipolar, so I have a number of medications to worry about while trying to get pregnant.  I think that what you really need to decide, is which is more harmful to your unborn child, the stress of your depression (and/or manic in my case) or the effexor.  

For me, I know I have to get off of depakote because it is known to cause many severe birth defects and the chances are not worth it.  But as for the effexor, the risk are very little as far as I have researched.  I've also talked to both my psychiatrist and my obgyn and they agree that the effexor should pose no real threat to an unborn child.  I have had friends who were on prozac and zoloft during their entire pregnancies and had not only healthy beautiful children, but also enjoyed both their pregnancies and post-partum period.  I, on the other hand, did not do this with my first pregnancy and was a complete wreck, especially post-partum.  

I guess my advice (and my doctors) is weigh the options of which is harder on your unborn child (and your newborn).  In my case my sanity is a necessity and I would not even consider going off of my effexor.  However, if you do go off of it (and I have) go VERY slowly.  Effexor is a very good medication for those of us that have tried all others, but you must be very careful when going off of it.  I found waiting two weeks between lowering a dose was the best.  Good luck!

[bubs84]

I am 20 yrs. old, and I have been on Effexor XR for the past 2+ yrs. I have recently missed my period (over a week late), and I am elated to think that I might be pregnant! But with my joy comes apprehention and fear of the possible effects this drug may have on a developing fetus? My partner and I are excited with the possibility of pregnancy, but I don't think he knows what damage this AD can do to a baby!? Considering the fact that not even the makers of this drug know the effects! I believe that the best thing to do now is to lower my dosage (150 mg.) to 75 mg., to 37.5 mg. and so on. I hope for the sake of my (possible) child I am doing the right thing, and that the withdrawls aren't just as negative as the actual drug? I would love to know what you all think, any advice or knowledge would be so very much appreciated. I don't want to endanger my child just because I have a problem... I need some help!

[pgnhuntris]

Hi All,
  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

[Chella]

Hi
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

[aprelbeck]

I am weaning slowly from Effexor after 5 years.  Currently I am at 150mg to now 75 and hopefully soon NONE at all- have also been on daily dose of ADDERAll 30mg in AM, 30mg at NOON, 30mg at 4pm.  Cant believe i have finally broke this wretched addiction to what I once thought i couldnt function without.  I am 15 days and counting.  ROUGH, very Rough.
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
***@****

[zush]

Hi,
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!!!