Originally Posted by
rachel01
Thanks, it's good to hear from someone who understands the difficulties of Effexor. It was a rough ride being on it. When my doctor first prescribed it he told me people come off it after about 12 months. So of course that made me feel like I had a time limit. Then my psychologist suggested after only 6 months that I come off it. Which of course was a disaster. The little amount of progress I had made just went straight out the window. It was only after reading other forums I found out it's ok to stay on it for years. At first I felt like I shouldn't need medication. I'd seen enough tv/movies where people want to be strong and saw it as a weakness. I didn't necessarily agree, but thought that this is what I should think. As time went on I accepted it and my husband would even joke about my 'crazy pills' which I actually found helpful. My doctor has never really said what the risks are with pregnancy, just that I should stop. So that's what I did. But since then I've done my own reading and found that the only known risk is that the baby may suffer withdrawals once born, but they are said to be short lasting. So now I'm considering whether it may be helpful to start medication again. Not Effexor, I wouldn't put myself through the torture of starting it again. But something that can help with these mood swings, and the depression I'm having since I stopped. On the upside I've learned lots of lessons at least. Doctors/psychologists/tv don't always know best. Always question what you've been told and seek other opinions.