It’s been a while

[Blu_A25]

Hello community, I was doing good but then a voice in my head keeps telling me I don’t need my medicine. So I got off of it and I’ve been off my Effexor 75mg for 2months. I told my doctor I was feeling better so I think I should get off of it and she reduced my dose to 25mg for 7 days. After those days I was doing good besides the brains zaps, foggy brain, and I felt like I couldn’t complete my thoughts. As time went on I got better but then one day I just couldn’t get out of bed. My depression hit me so bad I called my doctor over the weekend and told her I needed to get back on it. I got back on it for a couple weeks and then didn’t take them anymore.. I know why would I keep doing this to myself.. I found out I was pregnant and I wanted to give my baby the best chance at a healthy life. That was my thought process. I’ve been reading articles but there hasn’t been enough studies to know if Effexor is good for babies. So I asked my OBGYN and she says what I’ve read. “ not that many studies but it’s safe”. I just did t want to take any chances so I stopped taking it today is May3. I still have panic attacks, and anxiety but the depression has declined a lot . I’ve always had anxiety and panic attacks I feel like I can manage it for the next 5months. Depression is really hard I commend the people going through it and are able to keep pushing. With any mental health I should say it’s an uphill battle. One day I feel like I am doing great finally feel good and now what is this voice telling me not to do it. Before I was pregnant I always had a voice telling me certain things but can someone give me information on this. My doctor told me “ Don’t listen to that voice in your head”. That’s all she said.. I have an appointment tomorrow to talk to another doctor but I’m uneasy about all of this.

[Blueruth]

It doesn’t say it is extremely bad for babies. It says they need to study it because the defects could be due to the depression and not the meds. It also says stopping the med could be worse then taking it. And that you should work with your provider. I would be very cautious about stopping during pregnancy

[Amt17]

I would see a psychiatrist or a licensed clinical therapist for an accurate diagnosis. Most general physicians don’t know a lot about mental health-not as good as someone who specializes in that specific area. As for the hearing voices-Be honest and upfront to the new doctor you’re going to see about when you hear them, what they say to you and how old you were when they started. It could just be the anxiety or it could be another type of mental health issue which can be managed as well ❤️ Hope you find some answers!

[Blueruth]

They don’t think it is enough to state that. Psychotropic drugs mess with your hormones or at least look like it. I reduced a med and I craved ice cream like a meth head. How would you know that was withdrawal vs natural cravings in a pregnant person? SSRIs withdrawal can increase suicidal ideation. Does that seem like a good idea with a pregnancy and then post partum?

[Fruitsofspirit]

To offen we feel better and stop our meds but we are doing better because of the meds.

[Agora1 in reply to Fruitsofspirit]

You are so right my friend xx

[Adhe2004]

I was on Effexor 75mg for 2 of my pregnancies. Both my babies had no issues. When discussed with my provider you have to weigh the benefits versus the risk. When I got off it for my first pregnancy I was having so much panic I couldn't eat/drink. The benefit of me being able to maintain a healthy lifestyle while pregnant outweighed the risk of taking the medication. 75mg is also not a very high dose.

[Blu_A25]

Thank you to everyone that responded. The therapist I saw today he’s not a physiatrist. I dropped the ball on this one and he doesn’t take insurance only debt. I will have to keep looking because I won’t be able to afford to see him frequently. I wish there was a website I could go to and find a list of good doctors with good reviews. I live in Williamsburg, VA and I feel very limited options. I had to drive to VA beach and that’s an hour drive both ways during the day to see my last therapist.. then COVID 19 happened and telehealth became an opportunity for me. I will keep searching hopefully I will find someone soon.