The following post was written in 2001. The information has not changed considerably, but here are some more recent articles on this topic:
New Data on Anxiety Medications and Pregnancy
SSRIs and Benzodiazepines: Reproductive Safety of Combined Treatment
The data regarding the use of the benzodiazepines (including Klonopin, Xanax, Ativan, and Valium) during pregnancy are somewhat controversial. Studies suggest there may be an increased risk of cleft lip and palate associated with first trimester exposure to these medications. This risk appears to be relatively small. Early reports suggest that the risk is about 0.7%; however, a recent study suggests that the risk may be even lower than that. Risk does not seem to be influenced by the dosage of medication taken by the other.
There are some concerns about the impact of benzodiazepines taken while pregnant on the newborn. As adults who take these medications may suffer from side effects, so too may the baby. Symptoms of toxicity have been reported in newborns, and these include sedation, decreased muscle tone (floppiness), and breathing problems. In general, these symptoms appear infrequently but probably occur more commonly in women taking higher dosages of medication. There are also some reports of benzodiazepine withdrawal occurring in newborns exposed to benzodiazepines in utero. Symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal include irritability, sleep disruption, and, less commonly, seizure.
For women who wish to stop anti-anxiety medications prior to pregnancy, it is best to do a slow taper (over 1 month) of the medication. This reduces the risk of withdrawal an/or recurrent symptoms. After stopping a medication, it may take several days or weeks to completely wash out the medication. Unfortunately, some women are unable to stop their anti-anxiety medication without significant symptoms and need to remain on a benzodiazepine during pregnancy. The decision to take anti-anxiety medications during pregnancy should be discussed with your psychiatrist or obstetrician, ideally before attempts to conceive.
Im currently 23 weeks pregnant and suffer with sever anxiety,agoraphobia,and depression.I did not find out i was pregnant untill 3months into my pregnancy,at which i was taking a reg. dose of klonopin 0.5 milligrams at 2pills in the am and 2 pills in the pm.Since i found out i was expecting i have only been taking it as neede,but worry even thats to much.I especially worry about the 3 months that i did not know i was pregnant. If anyone can shed light on my issue it will mean the world to me wheither the info is good or bad.I keep asking my doctors and they just say all will be fine,my ultra sounds and other test for birth defects are all good.But that is just not enough 4 me….ive tried to compleatly stop the meds altogether on my own,but i ended up in the hospital with sver anxiety attacks 6 times since…help anyone with any info-vera jones
Hi Vera. I’m a child/adolescent psych fellow. I am sorry to hear about your challenges. I think it’s a good thing that you are trying to minimize the use of benzodiazepines. I don’t know your history, but I would continue to work with your psychiatrist. Have you tried other meds? If benzodiazepines are the last resort to helping you (there’s therapy too, if you are motivated), then you need to be at peace. Yes there is a very small chance they could affect your baby, but you are just as important. None of us are perfect, and each of us needs to find the balance in difficult situations. You and your baby are being watched. The doctors will address things as they arise. So far it appears your baby is doing well. They can’t tell you with certainty that something will/won’t happen. I know it’s hard, but take a deep breath. Believe that you are doing your best, and things WILL work out. Hugs.
I appreciate you taking the time to share with us your experience with Xanax.
Like!! I blog quite often and I genuinely thank you for your information. The article has truly peaked my interest.
I am 4 weeks pregant and I have anxiety and agoraphobia I’m on rivitrol 0.5 once a day and seremel I’m worried it will affect my baby
I need advice Im currently 8 n a half weeks pregnant but my dr. Bot obgyn wants me to get off the klonopin in 6 days! I’m scared to death of withdrawal ing while pregnant but i think this is too fast for being pregnant? If someone has any suggestions i would greatly appreciate them! I want to get off but i feel it’s too fast and can hurt the baby!!!
Im sorry i meant my regular dr. Wants me off in 6 days and i dont know what to do?
The good news is that Klonopin has a relatively long half-life and that means that the risk of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms is lower than for other medications.
That said, such a quick taper may lead to rebound anxiety or insomnia. That’s not great for you or for the pregnancy; you might want to discuss some alternatives with your providers. In some cases, staying on Klonopin makes the most sense; it’s always a challenge when you are pregnant because you don’t get a chance to see what works and what doesn’t.
Hi, I’m 33 weeks pregnant.. when I found out I was pregnant I was 3 weeks in. I immediately started to wean off xanax. By 9 weeks I was off completely. Needless to say it’s been an extremely difficult 8 months. Around the second trimester I did take a milligram here and there when I couldn’t work out of a severe panic attack.. but never more than 1mg and never more than once in one week. I havent taken anything in 2 months now. I have such a severe anxiety that something may happen to my baby developmentally in her life. Shes measured perfect and had additional monitoring throughout the pregnancy.. and I havent taken any other meds (personal decision, I know I could have used the help). Will my little girl be ok?? I’m so worried my baby will develop autism or a disorder because of the exposure?
I’m taking klonopin 0.5 2x a day. I’m not pregnant but want to have a baby. My doctor said it’s best I get off the medication before I get pregnant. I’m scared because I take klonopin for seizures and it’s been the only medication added to my other medication that’s stopped my seizures. I’m worried going off of it will bring back my seizures.
If you are taking Klonopin for seizures, it is essential that you continue to take some type of anticonvulsant. Having seizures during pregnancy can place the pregnancy at risk. I would recommend that you discuss options for treatment with your primary care provider or neurologist.
Hi there!
I am 14 wks pregnant, been on Xanax for over 17 years due to physical and psychological abuse as a child, not to mention my best friend went missing on the way to my house in 2013 and has never been found and body recovery efforts are currently in place. Her killer taunted me and her family. At beginning of pregnancy my OB nurse took me off of my 2mg ER 1X day. It was hell. No one should be ripped off cold turkey, it can have hideous consequences. Was put back on by OB at 9 weeks. I worry about baby. My mental health was not okay though, especially finding out about body recovery efforts for my BF that was taking place for the first time during my first trimester. I was told by OB she would rather me take my usual one dose of 2mg ER Vs. a benzo multiple times a day. If that was the case I would have been switched to klonopin. Hope this helps?
Hi i suffered from panicks attacks (TAG) and BPD my panics attacks are always there since i wake up in the morning or in the nigth im trembling and scare for my life. I just discover I’m 7 weeks pregnant and i was taking paxil 40mg, abilify 25mg and klonopin 2mg rigth know i just stopped taking paxil and abilift and also trying to stay off the klonopin but it just made me worst so my obgyn told me i could stay with klonopin 1mg a day but .5 at morning and .5 at night my anxiety is stable with the medication but I’m soo scared I could harm my bby with the medication please i need another experts point of view about klonopin during pregnancy please help me I’m thinking about a abortion just because I’m super scare for my baby but i want my baby with my life. I’m so confused and depressed
Please don’t get an abortion because of benzo it’s a type of therapy!! I’m pregnant for my 3rd time 2nd time on methadone Klonopin and adderall. It’s actually considered to more harmful for a fetus to go through detox than staying on your PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION. My daughter I was told was going to have all kinds of problems by the neonatal doctor but my OBGYN said absolutely not and she’s fine! She plays 4 instruments and speaks 5 languages I can’t even do that! So please just wait and see you’ll be surprised at the outcome!!!
I’m 18 & 1/2 weeks pregnant and I’m on 2mgs klonopin, 30 mgs adderall & methadone. My OB suggests an adderall taper and to come down from 2mg klonopin to 1mg (daily). I’m almost 5 months & I, too, am concerned about the harm I could be doing to my baby (boy), when in the same breath, the mental & physical detriment I’ll go through if I come off of these medications completely. Obviously, I cannot stop methadone. But it was refreshing to see someone else is also on the same meds I’m currently taking.