2014/02/07

So the meds they want me to take are called: Venlafaxin Actavis..

I am actually considering not taking them and see where the therapy with the shrink leads first.. I am too worried about what happens if I'm on it and get pregnant.. Specially since we are planning to try for another baby starting end of next month...

I mean it's not sure that it will even work... Is it worth the risk? *sigh*

What do you guys think?

I should also mention there are NO studies at all on pregnant woman... Only animal tests... They assume it is ok to take during pregnancy..

5 comments:

  1. Problemet med terapi är att det kan ta tid innan det börja verka, så att säga. Tabletterna verkar direkt. Jag låter som en knarkare nu, men jag har stort förtroende för antidepressiva mediciner. Bara man kommer över den första veckan, när det känns värre, så brukar man snart hamna på den där platån som gör att man inte faller ner i det mörka hålet igen. Mediciner och terapi tillsammans kan göra underverk. För mig innebar det att jag mådde så pass bra att jag flyttade till USA!

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  2. When there are unknowns, it is always about the possible risks and possible benefits of each option.. Which do you need more urgently, to get your head straightened out, or to have a baby? What are the risks of turning down treatment that might help? What are the risks of getting pregnant on a med with no research?

    Unfortunately, there will be almost no official studies on pregnant women taking meds because it requires knowingly testing even though there could be harm to the fetus... it just isn't done. But it also doesn't necessarily mean there is no information based on studies in animals with similar physiology to humans, or case-by-case information on women who needed that med badly enough to take it while pregnant.

    I don't feel qualified to offer advice because decisions about psych meds are deeply personal in the first place. When you add in motherhood, it gets more complicated. I don't think there is really a right answer for you, but I don't necessarily think there is a wrong one either. Maybe talking to your doctor/therapist more about what information IS available on the med could help?

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  3. I think it's important to follow your doctor's orders. They wouldn't do anything to cause you deliberate harm. They know your situation, and it's really a case-by-case matter. Have you mentioned your fear about effects while pregnant to your doctor? Again, your doctor knows you and your situation better than anyone else, and they'll be able to give you the best advice.

    If you're considering not taking them because you want to see what therapy does first, personally I think you should still take them. They might help with your mental state just a little to give you a push-start for therapy. I like to look at it as like building a little army, and the more weapons you have in your arsenal the better your chances.

    xx

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  4. I use to take that medication and it did help me a lot. When I stopped taking it I didn't have any withdrawal issues which was good. Being that you are actually trying to get pregnant I would ask the doctors and other health providers you see if fluoxetine would be a good option for you. At my hospital I have seen pregnant women on that medication because it is believed to be the safest option. It also is approved here in the US for bulimia, and I have found it very helpful in controlling my binges. The most important thing is to make sure you stay healthy because if you are suffering in any way your baby is effected. That is why it is worth it for some people to medicate during pregnancy. Remember it's up to you what happens and don't let other people's opinions make you feel you should do something that doesn't feel right.

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  5. I know Venlafaxin, but I take Sertraline. I think your doctor knows what's best for you, so don't worry about it.

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