Pregnant Women with Depression: Greater Use of Cannabis and Benzodiazepines, But Not Antidepressants
Cannabis use, as well as use of benzodiazepines and sedative-hypnotic medications, was more common in women with depression.
Essential Reads: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia During Pregnancy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy specifically designed for insomnia (CBT-I) is a useful adjunct or alternative to medication for women during pregnancy.
Benzodiazepines and Risk of Ectopic Pregnancy
This is another situation where the headlines don't really tell us the full story: Benzodiazepine Use Linked to Risk for Ectopic Pregnancy. (But at least it prompted me to read the original article in its [...]
New Data on Anxiety Medications and Pregnancy
Benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepine hypnotics are commonly used during pregnancy. However, there data regarding the reproductive safety of these agents has been somewhat mixed. Although initial reports suggested that there may be an increased risk of cleft lip and palate, more recent reports have shown no association between exposure to benzodiazepines and risk for cleft lip or palate. A new study shows no increase in the overall risk of malformations among children exposed to benzodiazepines.
Breastfeeding and Benzodiazepines: Good News
Clinically significant anxiety symptoms are common during the postpartum period and frequently complicate the treatment of postpartum depression. While SSRIs are indicted for the treatment anxiety symptoms, especially when they co-occur with depression, many women may need to use a benzodiazepine for managing more severe symptoms of anxiety or insomnia.
How to Treat Anxiety Symptoms During Pregnancy
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