Quit Effexor Cold Turkey

[Alexas Mommy]

Hey everyone!

Just wondering if anyone has stopped taking their antidepressants after finding out they were pregnant?

When I was pregnant with my DS, I was on effexor and celexa and I did my research and decided to go off of celexa and stay on effexor as from most of the things that I read, it seemed that the majority of women who quit taking effexor during the first tri went on to miscarry.

Flash forward 4 years later, and I am pregnant again, and I was still on effexor (only because the withdrawal was too difficult so I stayed on it for convenience, NOT because I felt I needed it- anyone who has ever been on this drug I am sure can resonate!)


Anyway, I quit effexor cold turkey 5 days ago. Mentally, I feel great, back to my normal self before I started this evil drug, 5.5 years ago. Of course I am experiencing horrible withdrawal (brain zaps, crazy dreams, hot and cold flashes, jitters, increased anxiety due to too much stimulation or even due to being too excited) Luckily I don't have the lingering depression and self hating thoughts, but I know in my heart that this is because my OH is such a great support system.

ANYWAY, has anyone gone off of antidepressants cold turkey after finding out they were pregnant? What were the results?

I guess what I am wondering if the impact of withdrawal possibly going to cause me to miscarry

Sorry that this is all over the place, I am wide awake when I should be sleeping, but... withdrawal brain zaps and anxiety have me awake

PS please don't suggest going back on effexor, minus all of the withdrawal symptoms, this is a very positive thing!

 

[GI_Jane]

I have stopped my antidep (not Effexor) and no signs of miscarriage for this pregnancy yet but I have had multiple early losses previously, but I can't categorically say it was down to stopping my antidepressant. I didn't get any issues coming off and feel ok- it's been about 6 weeks since I went cold turkey.

The antidepressant I take is in a different and older class to Effexor. In a past pregnancy I was advised to stay on my anti dep even though was harmful in 3rd tri/birth, needless to say I came off myself but my mind wasn't great.

I have tried effexor in the past (not when ttc or pregnancy though) and coming off was truly horrible, everything you describe I also had. It will get better though.

Are you seeking advice from your healthcare professional?

 

[Alexas Mommy]

Thank you for your reply, GI JANE! it eases my mind to read about women who have made similar choices.

I have seeked advice about effexor and weaning off in the past several times and the only people who truly understand and warn about the withdrawal, are pharmacists!

This time I did it myself, and my OH is keeping an extra eye on me. He was a pharmacy assistant 15 years ago or so, when he was in law school, and he is compassionate and understands the withdrawal risks etc, he is supportive of the choice I made and he told me he is blown away with how well I have been handling the withdrawal, emotionally. He can tell I'm happier. That said, I am someone who is literal about how things make me feel, so there are times I could be depressed and is keep it in and no one would know, so I can't compare my progress based on his observations. But based on my own, I feel much better than I have in the past when I weaned down.