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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by bodyclock on November 23, 2001, at 18:20:07
Hi
I'm 37 and taking 300mg Efexor XR & 600mg Lithium.
I want to have a baby - my psych has suggested stopping lithium and changing to Prozac rather than continuing Efexor XR.Has anyone changed from Efexor to Prozac - what happened?
If anyone else can share advice on any of the above (Efexor/Prozac & Pregnancy) I'd be glad to hear.
Thanks
Bodyclock (ticking away)
Posted by janejj on November 25, 2001, at 0:13:32
In reply to Effexor to Prozac for pregnancy, posted by bodyclock on November 23, 2001, at 18:20:07
Hi,
I recently switched from effexor xr 75mg to Prozac 20mg. I stopped the effexor for four days, which was withdrawal hell. However as soon as i started the prozac i felt better, just a bit nauseated. The prozac seems to have taken longer to kick in, but all in all it was a pretty smooth transition.
Good luck with the pregnancy !!
Hi
>
> I'm 37 and taking 300mg Efexor XR & 600mg Lithium.
> I want to have a baby - my psych has suggested stopping lithium and changing to Prozac rather than continuing Efexor XR.
>
> Has anyone changed from Efexor to Prozac - what happened?
>
> If anyone else can share advice on any of the above (Efexor/Prozac & Pregnancy) I'd be glad to hear.
>
> Thanks
> Bodyclock (ticking away)
Posted by judy1 on November 25, 2001, at 1:57:28
In reply to Effexor to Prozac for pregnancy, posted by bodyclock on November 23, 2001, at 18:20:07
May I ask what you take lithium for? Anyway, your doc is right prozac appears to be safe during pregnancy. I am on several meds and pregnant (and have had a normal amnio), so I would be happy to answer any questions. Best of luck with your pregnancy- judy
Posted by bodyclock on November 25, 2001, at 6:56:42
In reply to Re: Effexor to Prozac for pregnancy » bodyclock, posted by judy1 on November 25, 2001, at 1:57:28
> May I ask what you take lithium for? Anyway, your doc is right prozac appears to be safe during pregnancy. I am on several meds and pregnant (and have had a normal amnio), so I would be happy to answer any questions. Best of luck with your pregnancy- judy
Hi Judy
Lithium is used with an antidepressant for added effect in stabilising moods (I think), it's supposed to be for bipolar disorder (which I have never understood nor do I know that I suffer from it). I think it's mostly used for people who have manic depression (which I don't have as I never have manic phases). It's also used for severe depression (which I did have when it was prescribed) and to prevent a relapse which I hope I will never have to experience.
This is only my understanding - perhaps I ought to ask my psych!!
Thanks
Bodyclock
Posted by judy1 on November 25, 2001, at 11:16:05
In reply to Re: Effexor to Prozac for pregnancy, posted by bodyclock on November 25, 2001, at 6:56:42
Hi,
I just wanted to make sure it wasn't for bipolar (that's what I have); it's just meds get a lot more complicated during pregnancy when you suffer from bipolar versus unipolar depression. I hope you find relief with prozac. Take care- judy
Posted by bodyclock on November 25, 2001, at 12:48:10
In reply to Re: Effexor to Prozac for pregnancy » bodyclock, posted by judy1 on November 25, 2001, at 11:16:05
Hi Judy
Can you explain bipolar and unipolar to me?
and how it's differentiated from major depressive illness - if you know you're bipolar can you describe the symptoms and effects it has on you (and unipolar too for that matter)thanks
bodyclock>
> Hi,
> I just wanted to make sure it wasn't for bipolar (that's what I have); it's just meds get a lot more complicated during pregnancy when you suffer from bipolar versus unipolar depression. I hope you find relief with prozac. Take care- judy
Posted by judy1 on November 25, 2001, at 19:46:49
In reply to Re: Effexor to Prozac for pregnancy, posted by bodyclock on November 25, 2001, at 12:48:10
Hi,
Unipolar depression is just another term for major depressive disorder, bipolar includes depressive and manic episodes and is the newer term for manic depression. Manic episodes usually have symptoms like little to no sleep, euphoria or irritability, racing thoughts, indulging in too much sex, spending, etc. and sometimes psychosis. I don't think the depressive episodes differ that much, although people with unipolar depression tend to have more anxious states and those with bipolar disorder have more psychotic depression. Hope this helps- judy
Posted by Krazy Kat on November 26, 2001, at 17:36:18
In reply to Effexor to Prozac for pregnancy, posted by bodyclock on November 23, 2001, at 18:20:07
I love your name.
I am also considering getting pregnant within the next year. I currently take Depakote and Prozac.
I know Depakote can be bad to take during pregnancy - I'm not certain about Prozac. I would think if you need to choose b/t Effexor and Prozac, Prozac would be better simply b/c I believe it has a lower side effect profile.
I really don't know for sure, though.
Just FYI, if you have manic tendencies while on an AD without a stabilizer, you may be bipolar (Prozac has helped send me into a few episodes). So if you stop the lithium and notice manic symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
It's a tough decision, isn't it? You don't want to be mentally unhealthy while pregnant, especially not suicidal, but I imagine most of us would rather not take anything just to be safe.
Good luck.
- K.
This is the end of the thread.
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