Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 374115

Shown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

effexor pregnancy « oeps7

Posted by Dr. Bob on August 4, 2004, at 17:37:25

In reply to effexor pregnancy, posted by oeps7 on August 4, 2004, at 10:13:06

Posted by oeps7 on August 4, 2004, at 10:13:06

> Has anyone remained on effexor while pregnant? I tried to come off my meds a while back but went back into my depression, ocd and anxiety, therefore I am back on effexor.
> My husband and I would like to try for a baby and my primary doc and psych doc have advised me to stay on the effexor - they said being off an antidepressant when you really need it could cause harm to the baby.
> Has anyone had any expreience with this?
> Mary

 

Re: effexor pregnancy » Dr. Bob

Posted by Colleen D. on August 4, 2004, at 18:42:53

In reply to effexor pregnancy « oeps7, posted by Dr. Bob on August 4, 2004, at 17:37:25

Hi! Despite what my OBGYN said, that I should remain on my AD if I really needed it, I chose to quit taking Zoloft before trying to conceive. (I also have a special needs son with a chromosome abnormality and that made me really paranoid of creating any more children with birth defects!) I'm now on Effexor and doing well after having our last child and if I had to make the choice again, I'd probably quit the Effexor too...just because I feel there are still too many unknowns about the meds we take. I was an emotional mess during my pregnancies, but I got through them without any negative outcomes that I KNOW of. I think Effexor is in the same drug class as Zoloft as far as pregnancy is concerned. Sorry I don't have any more to offer you, but I want to wish you well in your quest. Having children has definitely changed my life for the better!

Colleen
PPD, GAD and OCD

 

Re: effexor pregnancy

Posted by Bill LL on August 5, 2004, at 8:52:01

In reply to effexor pregnancy « oeps7, posted by Dr. Bob on August 4, 2004, at 17:37:25

I totally agree with your doctors. Being off the drugs when you need them can cause tremendous stress which I'm sure cannot do the fetus any good.

 

Re: effexor pregnancy

Posted by oeps7 on August 5, 2004, at 10:54:06

In reply to Re: effexor pregnancy, posted by Bill LL on August 5, 2004, at 8:52:01

thanks everyone for the feedback. I tried to go off the drugs and was right back to my ocd and depression, which I am sure can't be good for the baby. What I may do is wean down the effexor in mythird trimester.

 

What Every Woman Should Know » oeps7

Posted by watergirl on August 8, 2004, at 13:20:17

In reply to Re: effexor pregnancy, posted by oeps7 on August 5, 2004, at 10:54:06

Hi oeps7,

I had to struggle with the same decision as you. Definitely a most diffuclt, confusing time in my life. I 'm happy to share my experience, but for times sake, I wanted to foward an article about Effexor & Pregnancy I found at McMan's Depression and Bipolar Web.

In June 2004, the FDA advised physicians:
"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. Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery."
So far, only Wyeth has changed its product labeling http://www.wyeth.com/content/getfile.asp?id=100; (on Effexor) to reflect the FDA's concern, advising that physician's may want to taper the antidepressant in the third semester.
The APA advises that going off an antidepressant carries its own risks, including: low birth weight (associated with the mother not looking after herself), suicidality, marital discord, the inability to engage in appropriate obstetrical care, and difficulty caring for other children.

McMan's Depression and Bipolar Web (if you havnt checked it out before,there is a lot of good info at this site)

What Every Woman Should Know
Here is a link to that website:

www.mcmanweb.com/pregnancy_meds.htm

Best Wishes,
Cindy

 

Re: What Every Woman Should Know

Posted by oeps7 on August 9, 2004, at 12:27:11

In reply to What Every Woman Should Know » oeps7, posted by watergirl on August 8, 2004, at 13:20:17

Hi Cindy,
What did you do? Did you stay on the antidepressant? I tried weaning down last year because I knew that my husband and I would want to start trying around this time to have a baby. Things got progressively worse when I went off the meds. I don't know the answer, maybe weaning down in the third trimester is what I should do?
Thanks for listening,
Mary
I'm not pregnant yet but in the process of trying. :)


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