I'm taking Effexor XR but I'm hoping to try to get pregnant soon. Is it safe to use Effexor during pregnancy, or will it increase the risk of pregnancy loss?
Right now, there is not enough information to say whether the antidepressant Effexor XR (generic name venlafaxine) is safe during pregnancy and what the risks might be. The existing studies show that Effexor does not seem to cause increased risk of major birth defects, but that it might cause increased risk of certain health problems for the baby after birth.
In any case, Effexor is considered category C for pregnancy use. Doctors usually decide whether to prescribe it to pregnant women based on whether they think the benefits outweigh the risks. There are also risks involved with untreated depression during pregnancy, so decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. The best move is to contact your doctor to discuss your pregnancy plans and determine whether your treatment plan needs any changes.
Sources:
Einarson A, Fatoye B, Sarkar M, Lavigne SV, Brochu J, Chambers C, Mastroiacovo P, Addis A, Matsui D, Schuler L, Einarson TR, Koren G. "Pregnancy Outcome Following Gestational Exposure to Venlafaxine: A Multicenter Prospective Controlled Study." Am J Psychiatry 158:1728-1730, October 2001.
Ferreira, Ema, Ana Maria Carceller, Claire Agogué, Brigitte Zoé Martin,Martin St-André, Diane Francoeur, and Anick Bérard. "Effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Venlafaxine During Pregnancy in Term and Preterm Neonates." PEDIATRICS Vol. 119 No. 1 January 2007, pp. 52-59.
Rosack, Jim. "FDA Committee Urges New Warning On Antidepressants for Pregnancy." Psychiatric News July 16, 2004.
