Efexor and me. What to do? Frustrated.

**mam** · 02-03-2010 13:30

I love these symbols!! Yet another thread on Efexor during pregnancy you say!! Yes, it is. I'm on Efexor-XR 150. Have been for about six months. I have suffered with mild depression most of my life, but had avoided taking antidepressants as I was under the impression that you couldn't take them whilst pregnant. Wasn't sure if I had finished family. With the help of a therapist, decided to start taking them as she advised that you could take them. GP also agreed and wrote prescription. Now I feel soooo much better, H and I are ready to have 4th baby. Don't think I would of been capable not on meds.

Now therapist is advising to speak to GP about changing meds. Ones that have more research about them. Eg: Luxoc or something like that. I would have to have a ween off period and a ween on to new meds. I have been mainly suffering from anxiety and panic attacks before efexor, concerned because Luxoc doesn't help anxiety.

My GP always seems to be on bloody holidays and hard to get an appointment. Most GP's in area have closed books. Can't change.

Not getting any younger, don't want delays.

All the info on Efexor is ???? Obviously want the best for baby, but don't want to have anxiety and depression either. Already had post baby depression bad enough, gets worse every baby! I'm high risk of relapse after birth.

Can you please tell me your story of Efexor pregnancies and how you were advised. Outcomes etc.

Confused and concerned.

**Mummy2Kobi&Hailee** · 02-03-2010 16:08

MAM

my lil girl is 11 weeks old today and like you i am on 150mg of Effexor XR daily.

I was takin this dosage before i fell pregnant and was advised by my GP, The OB at the hospital and my Psychiatrist to continue this dosage through out my pregnancy as it the risk to my mental health out weighed the risk to bubs. I asked what risk to bubs was and was given a very straight answer from all 3 of them. I was told that bubs may require a little oxygen straight after birth to help with breathin but quiet a lot of bubs need this with out the mother having take Effexor or bubs might be a little restless/unsettled in the first 24-48 hours.

I decided i would take their advice and continue on meds and went on to deliver a healthy 7lb 1oz lil girl who had no side affects of the medication at all.
I even managed to fully breastfeed her aswell until 7 weeks (had to give up coz of mastitis and anti biotics dried me up and supply wouldnt come back)

So i had a positive experience on Effexor in pregnancy and wanted to let you know that.

Broni

**mam** · 02-03-2010 17:04

Thanks Broni. You have brought some sunshine to my day!! I don't want to feel that I've compromised on the health of a baby, but I need to look after myself as well. I'm so happy to hear that you had a good experience with efexor and pregnancy. I want to try and fall pregnant next cycle. I've done the right things so far, the efexor question was my only concern. I have c-sections anyway, so baby usually has oxygen after birth. I also want to breastfeed again.

I think alot of the info is hazy as pharmaceautical companies don't want to be blaimed. I understand nobody would want to be involved in a trial while pregnant. Why doesn't a company collect data on the pregnancies that do involve these drugs?! I would be happy to be involved if it helped ease the minds of other mums in the same situation!

Thanks for sharing your story!

Mam

**Mummy2Kobi&Hailee** · 02-03-2010 21:20

yeah Hailee had oxygen after delivery but i didnt say that coz i had a c-section with her and knew that she would have it coz of the c-section not the Effexor. Kobi had oxygen aswell after delivery by c-section with out Effexor so i put it down to c-section not Effexor with Hailee.

GOOD LUCK WITH NEXT CYCLE

BRONI

**mam** · 03-03-2010 12:26

Fingers crossed for next cycle!! Thanks for your encouraging words.

**mam** · 11-03-2010 18:59

Howdy Guys,

Just letting you know that I was given the green light on taking Efexor during pregnancy I am planning. GP stated no problem, she has just had a patient deliver that is taking Efexor and no problems. She was surprised that the hospital discharged her without a problem as she was breastfeeding. GP was under the impression that best not to breast feed. She said must be considered ok now.

Thanks for your advice and support!! Will be trying to conceive this weekend. Wish us luck and fun! Conceived first month with three daughters, so would be a shock if it takes longer.

Will keep you updated.

Mam