Venlafaxine Exposure in Pregnancy and its Association with Pre-eclampsia Development

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Authors

Jhanvi Patel, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine Medical Student

Description

Venlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), is widely used to manage depression and anxiety, including in pregnant women. However, its known hypertensive side effects raise concerns about a potential link to pre-eclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria. Pregnant women with psychiatric disorders already have an increased risk of hypertensive disorders, and while untreated depression can lead to adverse outcomes such as preterm birth and fetal cortisol elevation, the safety of venlafaxine remains uncertain. Current research lacks wellcontrolled studies assessing its association with hypertensive complications in pregnancy. This systematic review aims to evaluate whether venlafaxine use in the peripartum period is associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia, helping guide safer prescribing practices for pregnant women requiring psychiatric treatment.

Publication Date

5-2025

Keywords

Venlafaxine, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor

Disciplines

Psychiatry

Recommended Citation

Patel J. Venlafaxine exposure in pregnancy and its association with pre-eclampsia development. Poster presented at: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine Embark Capstone Colloquium; 2025 May; Rochester Hills, MI.

Comments

The Embark Capstone Colloquium at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester Hills, MI, May, 2025.