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Is It Safe To Take Effexor During Pregnancy?
Question: what are the statistics of something happening to a feutus while taking 375mg of effexor xr and i have massive an xiety and panic disorder i take clonazapam almost daily as well thanks
Brief Answer:
risk of congenital anomalies associated with these drugs
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns. Effexor XR is an antidepressant containing venlafaxine. It is a FDA category C drug which means that the animal studies with this drug has shown some adverse effects on fetus, however no controlled studies have been performed in humans. This drug shouldbe given in pregnancy only when the benefit from the drug exceeds the risk associated.
Some studies have reported adverse effects on human fetus, especially when used in the third trimester of pregnancy. Various congenital anomalies are found to have increased risk like persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn,heart defects, anencephaly, omphalocele, cleft lip and palate, and respiratory distress.
Moreover, in a study published in May 2010 issue of Canadian Medical Association Journal has shown that patients taking venlafaxine have doubled their risk of miscarriage.
Clonazepam if FDA category D drug and is shown to increase the risk of congenital anomalies in fetus like cleft lip, fused sternum, and limb defects,especially if taken in first trimester and in repeated dosage. This drug is also given in pregnancy when the benefit from the drug exceeds the risk associated with it.
I would like to have the information about your gestation age of pregnancy and since when you are taking these drugs.
Hope you found the answer helpful. Please do get back to me with the information, if feasible.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr Deepti Verma
risk of congenital anomalies associated with these drugs
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns. Effexor XR is an antidepressant containing venlafaxine. It is a FDA category C drug which means that the animal studies with this drug has shown some adverse effects on fetus, however no controlled studies have been performed in humans. This drug shouldbe given in pregnancy only when the benefit from the drug exceeds the risk associated.
Some studies have reported adverse effects on human fetus, especially when used in the third trimester of pregnancy. Various congenital anomalies are found to have increased risk like persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn,heart defects, anencephaly, omphalocele, cleft lip and palate, and respiratory distress.
Moreover, in a study published in May 2010 issue of Canadian Medical Association Journal has shown that patients taking venlafaxine have doubled their risk of miscarriage.
Clonazepam if FDA category D drug and is shown to increase the risk of congenital anomalies in fetus like cleft lip, fused sternum, and limb defects,especially if taken in first trimester and in repeated dosage. This drug is also given in pregnancy when the benefit from the drug exceeds the risk associated with it.
I would like to have the information about your gestation age of pregnancy and since when you are taking these drugs.
Hope you found the answer helpful. Please do get back to me with the information, if feasible.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr Deepti Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
i am 4 1/2 weeks ive been on effexor for 13 yrs and clonazapam 2 yrs
Brief Answer:
switch over to safer alternative if possible
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, thanks for responding. Effexor is not harmful to fetus in first trimester, though some studies have shown increased risk of miscarriage. Clonazepam, however, can lead to congenital malformation in fetus if taken in first trimester. I would suggest you to consult your physician to switch to a safer alternative available, in pregnancy. Moreover, 4 1/2 weeks is too early to detect any anomaly in fetus.
I hope you are taking folic acid tablet daily in preconceptional period and during pregnancy, as it reduces the risk of congenital anomalies in the fetus.
Hope you found the answer helpful. Please do get back for further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr Deepti Verma
switch over to safer alternative if possible
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX, thanks for responding. Effexor is not harmful to fetus in first trimester, though some studies have shown increased risk of miscarriage. Clonazepam, however, can lead to congenital malformation in fetus if taken in first trimester. I would suggest you to consult your physician to switch to a safer alternative available, in pregnancy. Moreover, 4 1/2 weeks is too early to detect any anomaly in fetus.
I hope you are taking folic acid tablet daily in preconceptional period and during pregnancy, as it reduces the risk of congenital anomalies in the fetus.
Hope you found the answer helpful. Please do get back for further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards,
Dr Deepti Verma
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Dr. Deepti Verma
OBGYN, Maternal and Fetal Medicine
Practicing since :2009
Answered : 5064 Questions
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