Is Paxidep Advisable During Pregnancy?

Posted on Wed, 22 Feb 2017

Question: Hi - i was diagnosed with major depression and prescribed paxidep cr 12.5 which i have been taking for one year now. I think i might be pregnant though its too early to say. Ive stopped taking paxidep for the last four days since ive read it can harm the baby. J havw two questions - 1 - what will leaving paxidep abruptly do to me? Doctors say it ahould be left gradually but i dont want to harm
My baby if at all im pregnant- 2 will paxidep harm the baby? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It can cause withdrawal syndrome

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I have gone through your query and convinced with your understanding that Paxidep is not a great option when comes to pregnancy.

First regarding effect on rapid discontinuation you can have withdrawal syndrome. The withdrawal syndrome do not occur in all but many of the individuals who take paxidep for long duration. The chances depend on the dose as well as duration of intake.

The symptoms of withdrawal syndrome include restlessness, bad dreams, headache, feeling at edge, chest pain, nausea, flu like symptoms, irritability, crying spells among others.

The data regarding effect on unborn baby is very much limited but there is enough evidence in favour of preterm labour for women taking paxidep during pregnancy. For the newborn the persistent pulmonary hypertension is suspected complication.

I hope this answers you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks again.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (34 minutes later)

So what should indo doc?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If there are no withdrawal in last four days not to worry

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up.

In my opinion if there are no withdrawal symptoms in last four days not to worry as withdrawal due to paxidep start within three days of discontinuation in majority of individuals.

I hope this helps you.
Thanks again.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (20 minutes later)

Thanks doc. Have a constant headache, nausea, sleeplessness, depression and crying spells - but dont want to harm the child if at all im having a baby. Thanka for your prompt reaponse and good advice as always

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Take half tablet for five days and than stop it

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for reverting back to me.

I understand your dilemma which is making it difficult to control these withdrawal symptoms when there is chance of pregnancy.

In my opinion you should take half tablet of paxidep for seven days and than stop it. The dose is not enough to cause any harm to your baby and likely to help you in withdrawal symptoms.

I hope this assists you further.

For continuity of care I will request you to use my friendly url before you post next query at Healthcaremagic.

This will ensure that I will be able to answer it as quick as possible.

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Thanks and regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (15 minutes later)

Thanks will do. Can i break paxedep cr? Isnt it controlled release?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you can

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up.

Controlled release have different purpose and we do not need that purpose when we are dealing with withdrawal symptoms.

It is not advisable to break when we are using for depression but at this time when we are reducing dose and dealing with withdrawal symptoms, it can be done.

I hope this clarifies further.
Thanks and regards.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar