I'm pregnant (not sure how far along,
still very early) and I have PTSD. I have
been taking effexor for about 7mths now
and it has done wonders to my mood. I am
no longer depressed and am actually myself
again. I am now sure if EFFEXOR harms the
baby...my doctor said that there is not
enough information and advised me to keep
taking it. Is anyone else in this
situation...what did your doctor say? Are
you going to stop taking it?
Does anyone know where I can find more
information on this?
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Dannzibelle
Supporter
Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Posts: 3771 Location: South East, England
Thanks: 27
Thanked:11
Posted: 10-28-07 08:14am
Your doctor wouldn't keep you on a
medication if there was a chance that it
could harm the baby
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mel61
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 13
Yes Posted: 10-28-07 10:20am
Yes...this is true...I should stop
worrying and trust my doc...TY
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Dannzibelle
Supporter
Joined: 23 Oct 2006 Posts: 3771 Location: South East, England
Thanks: 27
Thanked:11
Posted: 10-28-07 12:52pm
Every new mum worries. I ost count of the
amount of times i called my midwife asking
her some of the most random questions
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jeni_m
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 30 Oct 2007 Posts: 3 Location: , Saskatchewan Canada
Posted: 10-30-07 00:49am
I was taking Effexor for nearly 3 years,
and I loved it...it literally kept me
sane. When I found out I was pregnant, my
doctor, who is incredibly knowledgable
about anti-depressants, told me I needed
to drop the medication immediately. He
told me (and additional research has
verified this) that in the first trimester
anti-depressants can cause fetal
development problems. And in later
pregnancy the baby can become addicted,
and go through withdrawal after birth.
Please, do additional research, and maybe
get a second opinion. Not all doctors are
very knowledgable in regards to
anti-depressants.
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uberadtx
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 02 Nov 2007 Posts: 1
Beyond Worried Posted: 11-02-07 04:57am
To jeni_m: I am a little over 6 weeks
pregnant on 225mg. of Effexor.
Unbelieveable! The pregnancy wasn't
planned since I wanted to be off it before
getting pregnant. The information my
fiancee and I have found is astounding on
the birth defects. Of course there are no
long range neuro studies on the children
born to mothers who have taken Effexor.
Anyhow, my OB said right off, this is out
of my realm of practice and has referred
me to a high risk consult that has no
experience with this. I found a Dr. in
NYC that is willing to evaluate me. The
FDA and CDC will not advise either way
regarding possible birth defects. I am
facing a serious choice and serious risks
moving forward here. Its soo tough to find
support regarding this issue.
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jeni_m
New User, Becoming EHEALTHy
Joined: 30 Oct 2007 Posts: 3 Location: , Saskatchewan Canada
Posted: 11-02-07 14:59pm
To uberadtx: I know there are other
anti-depressants that have been proven to
be safe during early pregnancy (I think
Zoloft might be one). It's just that there
hasn't been enough studies done on Effexor
for them to deem it safe or unsafe.
Perhaps a hospitalized medication switch
is something for you to look into? (That
way they can play with higher doses and
keep you monitored.) The withdrawal is
awful, no way around that, but with my
morning sickness it barely made a dent!
I've heard Effexor is safer in 2nd and 3rd
trimester...it's just that first bit that
is so dangerous. My doctor is one of those
"I don't believe anything is safe enough
to take during pregnancy" doctors, which
is good, I guess. Except that I'm going to
have to go back on something soon, but
that's a whole other story. Best of luck,
whatever you decide. If it's any
consolation, you only have approximately 7
weeks until 2nd trimester!
