Do Effexor And Clonazepam Cause Birth Defects In The Fetus Of Women?

Posted on Fri, 5 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 5 Jun 2015 Answered on

Fri, 26 Jun 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : i just foumd out i am 4 weeks preg. i take effexor 375 mg and clonazapam when needed. i just need advice im tinking of terminating the pregnancy is a wise idea

Answered by Dr. Mahesh Koregol (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please continue pregnancy with regular ultrasound scans

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concerns about these medicines.

Effexor and Clonazepam are known to cause birth defects in the fetus of many women.

But it is not absolute necessary to terminate the pregnancy. First 12 weeks are most important and try to avoid medicines in this time which help in development of healthy baby.

Hence I suggest you continue the pregnancy and don't think of termination . Even if you take these medicines once in a while, the defects does not occur in all babies and your baby might still be healthier one.

Regular ultrasound scans will identify birth defects if any. Hence continue pregnancy.

Let me know if you need any more clarification.

Regards,
Dr. Mahesh Koregol

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar