Venlafaxine and Pregnancy?

[amiemarrie]

I’m a first time mum, currently 12 weeks, I’ve been on venlafaxine for 8 years for my mood disorder and severe anxiety. My doctor told me to wean off these (which I did) my mental health has now gone very down hill. I’m crying 24/7 and my anxiety is horrific. Now my doctor has told me to go back on them (?!?)

Has anyone taken Venlafaxine and had a healthy pregnancy and baby? I feel I really need my medication back to cope, however I’m worried about the drug being potentially harmful.

Hi, hoping I can provide some anecdotal reassurance.

I was on (still am!) 150mg venlafaxine once a day for panic attacks/anxiety and am in the third trimester of my second pregnancy on this.

In my first pregnancy (2021) I discussed it with consultant obstetrician and my husband and my mum - agreed that the benefits would outweigh the extremely grim withdrawal side effects. Becoming a mother is daunting and a major life change even when pregnancy is very much wanted - this wasn't something I wanted to go through without my very much needed mental health medication. Pregnancy was fine, baby was fine, he is now 3 and a half and a tornado but in the way that all little boys are!

As I said, im in my second pregnancy and didn't even consider coming off it.

The 'problem' is that most drugs aren't tested in pregnant women so there's hardly any evidence to say it's safe. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, most drug trials are actually tested on men as they have less hormonal fluctuations to taken into account than we do.

Just to add, in case you were planning on breastfeeding, I breastfed and this was all fine too.

Just to add , I really feel for you that you went through first trimester which can be miserable enough whilst also coming off venlafaxine which can make you feel really physically and mentally poorly.

Hopefully you'll feel better soon , no matter what decision you make xx

I'm so sorry you're struggling so much. 🙁I was put on venlafaxine at around 7 months in my first pregnancy because my mental health had gone completely down the pan. I think I was in abut 150 mg. I was also on propanolol which was more of a concern and I had some extra scans for that one. All was well with my littlun :) My psychiatrist was happy that the benefits outweighed the risks. I have so much sympathy for your concerns. Unfortunately I was pulled off citalopram but the GP when I got pregnant and that was a trigger in causing my mental health to decline. This time round I only entrust my medication to the specialist perinatal mental health team.
Have you been referred to a perinatal mental health team? If not I'd definitely recommend you to get yourself referred as it felt very reassuring to have a specialist to discuss medication with.
You have nothing to feel guilty about if you go back on your meds and I really hope you start to feel a bit better soon.xxx

@Elz1406@clinellwipe

Thank you both SO much for your kindness and replies. Even reading these comments have made me feel better; I am going to go back on my medication as I feel I am suffering for no good reason. Of course I want to put my baby first, but I feel like by taking care of my mental health that actually is putting him/her first. I was SO okay and stable before coming off the venlafaxine and I was so excited for this journey, I don’t want that taken away and taken over by crippling fear and panic.

I appreciate both of your reassurance so, so much 💛

Glad to be of some help, finding the right medication can take many many years so if venlafaxine suits you then that's great ❤️

You're putting both of you first 😊You absolutely deserve to experience joy and enjoyment in your pregnancy! Very glad to have helped and let's hope you feel back to your old self before too long.xxx

Fellow Venlafaxine taker and former worker in a psychiatric hospital. Venlafaxine is one of the antidepressants they will use for pregnant women, it is deemed one of the safest! GPs knowledge of antidepressants etc is not always the best, I was badly misinformed before working in mental health where I was able to speak to pharmacists and doctors specialised in psychiatric medicine.

please don’t worry about Venlafaxine and your baby, if you are concerned ask to be referred to perinatal mental health support. For what it’s worth, I’m TTC and will not be coming off my meds as I agree with many of the professionals I worked with - a safe and stable mum is the best for baby.

@ISTHISALINEthat is really helpful! Thank you so much. I was TTC whilst on 150mg venlafaxine so it is very much possible. I have an appointment today to request going back on my medication as it kept me well and that is a huge priority right now x

I’m also a Venlafaxine taker. I was on 225mg when I fell pregnant & reduced down to 75mg but I’ve just had to increase to 112.5mg as I was struggling. I’m 25 weeks pregnant & all has been ok so far with baby girl.

This medication caused my miscarriage . I wouldn't call it one of the safest at all

I totally understand how you’re feeling — that sounds incredibly tough. I’m currently taking Effexor (Venlafaxine) myself for anxiety and mood stabilization, and honestly, it’s been working amazingly well for me. I’ve been on it for a while now, and it really helps keep my emotions balanced and my anxiety under control. I actually get mine from this trusted online pharmacy 👉 healway.co.uk/effexor-venlafaxine, their quality and delivery have been consistently great.

As for pregnancy, I’m not a doctor, but I’ve seen quite a few women share positive experiences of continuing venlafaxine during pregnancy and having healthy babies. The key is working closely with your doctor to weigh the benefits and potential risks — for many, the risk of untreated severe anxiety and depression can be higher than the medication itself. If your mental health has declined after stopping, it makes sense that your doctor advised you to go back on it. You deserve to feel stable and supported during this time.