New Research from the CWMH: Risk of Major Malformations in Infants with Prenatal Exposure to Benzodiazepines
Data from an ongoing pregnancy registry offers reassurance that benzodiazepines do not appear to have major teratogenic effects.
Risk of ADHD in Kids with Prenatal Exposure to Benzodiazepines or Z-Hypnotics
Prenatal exposure to benzodiazepines and Z-hypnotics was not associated with increased risk of ADHD in exposed children.
Essential Reads: Prenatal Exposure to Benzodiazepines and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
The largest study to date observes no increase in risk of autism or ADHD in children with prenatal exposure to benzodiazepines.
Essential Reads: Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children with Prenatal Exposure to Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs
Our data regarding prenatal exposure to BZDs and/or z-drugs and risk of neurodevelopmental outcomes is still sparse.
Interpreting New Data on the Use of Benzodiazepines During Pregnancy
Data regarding the reproductive safety of benzodiazepines has always been somewhat difficult to understand. While earlier studies suggested an association between prenatal exposure to benzodiazepines and increased risk of cleft lip and palate, more recent [...]
Prenatal Exposure to Benzodiazepines and Sedative-Hypnotics
Over the last decade, we have seen multiple studies looking at the long term effects of prenatal exposure to antidepressants, particularly the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs, on children's behavior. Although benzodiazepines, such as [...]
Managing Sleep Problems in Menopausal Women: What Are the Options?
Peri- and post-menopausal women frequently complain of insomnia or poor sleep quality. Sleep disturbance is often attributed to nocturnal hot flashes; however, a recent study from researchers at Wayne State University School of Medicine suggests [...]
Anxiety During Pregnancy: Options for Treatment
Anxiety symptoms are relatively common during pregnancy but typically undiagnosed and undertreated. A recent study of 2793 women observed that 9.5% of women meet criteria for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) at some point during their pregnancy. The highest rates of GAD were observed in the first trimester (7%). Only 2% of women met criteria for GAD in the second trimester, and 3% in the third trimester.
SSRIs and Benzodiazepines: Reproductive Safety of Combined Treatment
Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently combined with benzodiazepines for the management of anxiety disorders or major depression with comorbid anxiety. While we have data regarding the reproductive safety of both the SSRIs and benzodiazepines, we have much less information on outcomes in women taking SSRIs and benzodiazepines together. A previous study (Oberlander 2008) found that neither the use of an SSRI alone nor the use of a benzodiazepine alone increased the risk for congenital malformation; however, in this study, the combined use of the two drugs increased the risk of cardiovascular defect. A recent study reassesses the risk of major malformation in women taking SSRIs combined with benzodiazepines.
How to Treat Anxiety Symptoms During Pregnancy
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