Dr. Marjorie Greenfield
Specializing in pregnancy and birth.
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 Ask Dr. Greenfield
Effect of Antidepressants on Home Pregnancy Tests | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Greenfield,
I am a mom of four and have been having the familiar symptoms of pregnancy (right now my period is three weeks late). I am taking Paxil (30-60 milligrams) and Effexor (150 milligrams) and want to know if these medications have any effect on menstruation and or testing for hCG using a home test?— SerenitysWave in vermont | | | ANSWER |
October 19, 2001 | | | Dear SerenitysWave,
I think you are really asking two questions: why is your period late and will a home pregnancy test be accurate. I'll address each in turn.
While there are many medications that can interfere with the menstrual cycle, including some of the major psychiatric drugs like risperidone (Risperdal), the medications paroxetine (Paxil) and venlafaxine (Effexor) don't generally have this effect. Severe stress and changes in body weight, though, can disturb the menstrual cycle. I don't know if these are factors for you.
Currently available over-the-counter home pregnancy tests are quite accurate. The only medications that I know can interfere with the accuracy of the hCG test are fertility drugs that actually contain the hormone hCG.
So, while I can't say why your period is delayed, if there is any question of pregnancy a pregnancy test should give you accurate information. I hope that this answers your questions. Take care.— by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. |
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