Why is treatment for depression during pregnancy important?
Untreated depression could prevent you from getting prenatal care or eating the nutritious foods you and your unborn child need. Pregnancy-related major depression is linked to a higher risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, slowed fetal growth, and other issues for the baby. Additionally raising the risk of postpartum depression and making it more difficult to form a bond with your child, unstable depression during pregnancy
Antidepressants: Safe during pregnancy?
Taking medications during pregnancy has risks and benefits. Get the facts about antidepressant use during pregnancy.
Most types of depression can be treated primarily with antidepressants. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to taking antidepressants while pregnant. Heres what you need to know.
A drug called venlafaxine has been used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, social phobia, and depression. Additionally, it has been used to treat tension headaches, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, binge eating disorder, bipolar disorder, diabetic neuropathy, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Venlafaxine is sold under the brand name Effexor®.
OTIS/MotherToBaby encourages inclusive and person-centered language. Although mothers are still mentioned in our name, we are updating our resources to use more inclusive language. When the terms “mother” or “maternal” are used, they refer to a pregnant person. When the terms “father” or “paternal” are used, it refers to a sperm donor.
When a person learns she is pregnant, they may consider altering how they take their medication or stopping it altogether. Before making any changes to the way you take this medication, you should consult your healthcare providers. Your healthcare professionals can discuss with you the advantages of treating your condition and the dangers of leaving an illness untreated while pregnant.
According to the studies examined, it is unknown whether venlafaxine can result in additional pregnancy-related issues, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth). When venlafaxine is used during pregnancy, some studies have suggested a higher risk of preterm delivery, while other studies have not. Depression during pregnancy may increase the risk of pregnancy complications if it is not treated or not treated properly. Please see our fact sheet on depression and pregnancy at https://mothertobaby.com for more details. org/fact-sheets/depression-pregnancy/pdf/.
Venlafaxine passes into breastmilk. Rarely have side effects in nursing children been documented. Contact the child’s healthcare provider if you think the infant may be experiencing any of the following symptoms: unusually high levels of sleepiness, difficulty gaining weight, dizziness, restlessness, or excessive perspiration. Infant blood levels can be taken if there is a concern.