venlafaxine
Venlafaxine is used to treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; excessive worrying that is difficult to control), social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in front of others that interferes with normal life), and panic disorder (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks). Venlafaxine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine, natural substances in the brain that help maintain mental balance.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking venlafaxine affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
It is not known whether venlafaxine makes it harder to get pregnant. There are a few reports of people taking venlafaxine having higher levels of a hormone called prolactin, and high prolactin levels can stop ovulation, which might make conception more difficult. Anyone with questions about fertility while taking this medication should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Does taking venlafaxine increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons. One study suggested people taking venlafaxine might have an increased chance of miscarriage, while other studies have not found this. Depression itself may also increase the chance of miscarriage, making it difficult to know whether the medication, the underlying condition, or other factors are involved; this is best discussed with a healthcare provider.
Does taking venlafaxine increase the risk of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts with a background risk of 3–5% for birth defects. Some studies have suggested a possible increased chance of birth defects with venlafaxine use in pregnancy, while several large studies have not. If there is any increased chance above the background risk, it is likely to be small, but individual circumstances should be reviewed with a healthcare provider.
Can taking venlafaxine during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Some studies have suggested a higher chance of preterm delivery (birth before week 37) with venlafaxine use in pregnancy, while others have not. One study also found an increased chance of gestational diabetes, while another did not. In addition, use of venlafaxine late in pregnancy can sometimes cause temporary newborn symptoms such as jitteriness, irritability, changes in sleep, tremors, feeding issues, or breathing problems; these are usually mild and resolve on their own, but providers should be informed so the baby can be monitored.
Can taking venlafaxine during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
It is not known whether venlafaxine increases the chance of behavior or learning issues in the child. One study found no difference in IQ or behavioral problems at age 4 compared with children of mothers with untreated depression, while another study reported a small increase in the chance of autism spectrum disorder, though it was unclear whether this was related to the medication, the underlying condition, or other factors. A healthcare provider can help weigh this information for an individual situation.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking venlafaxine?
Venlafaxine passes into breastmilk, and side effects such as increased sleepiness, irritability, poor feeding, or trouble gaining weight have sometimes been reported in nursing infants; the child's healthcare provider should be contacted if these occur. The product label recommends against breastfeeding while using venlafaxine, but the benefits of treatment and of breastfeeding may outweigh the risks of an untreated mental health condition. This is a decision to make together with a healthcare provider based on individual circumstances.
Source: MotherToBaby Fact Sheet
venlafaxine