Would you recommend comming off effexor (venlafaxine) before becoming pregnant? if so, how long before?

Yes: I would like to see you off of the Effexor (venlafaxine) for 3 months prior to pregnancy.

Yes: This is a tricky issue. Yes, i advise my patients to stop at least a month before attempting pregnancy. I encourage them to remain off during the entire pregnancy if possible. If not and moderate to severe symptoms recur, then at least to get thru the first trimester with no medication. This is not alwayus possible and data is available listing the negative effects of depressed pregnant mothers.