Venlafaxine and pregnancy
There’s no good evidence that taking venlafaxine in early pregnancy will affect your baby’s development.
When venlafaxine is taken in the weeks before delivery it can sometimes cause short-term withdrawal symptoms and, very rarely, breathing problems in the baby. Your baby will be checked after birth and given additional care if needed.
Taking venlafaxine in the last month of pregnancy may slightly increase your risk of bleeding after delivery. However, because this side-effect is rare, it's not a reason to stop taking venlafaxine for most pregnant women.
It’s important that your mental health is treated since this can impact on yours and your baby’s wellbeing. Depression and anxiety can sometimes get worse during pregnancy and after your baby has been born.
Speak to your doctor if you become pregnant. They will talk through the risks and benefits so you can decide on the best treatment for you and your baby.
Venlafaxine and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take venlafaxine while breastfeeding.
Venlafaxine passes into breast milk in small amounts and has been linked with side effects in very few breastfed babies. It has been used by many breastfeeding mothers without any problems.
It's important you keep taking venlafaxine to keep you well. Breastfeeding will also benefit both you and your baby.
If you notice that your baby seems unusually sleepy, is not feeding as well as usual, seems irritable, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, then talk to your health visitor, midwife, doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.
Venlafaxine and fertility
There's no clear evidence to suggest that taking venlafaxine reduces fertility in men, but it may affect the menstrual cycle in women.
Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor if you're trying to get pregnant. They may want to review your treatment.
Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:
- trying to get pregnant
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
For more information about how venlafaxine can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, visit the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) website.