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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Allibum on June 26, 2001, at 12:58:42
I was wondering if anyone has taken Klonopin during pregnancy and what are the risks. Was the baby fine or were there comlications. I have to take this med to function and I am scared of what affect it will have on my baby....Thanks for any responses!
Posted by grapebubblegum on June 28, 2001, at 20:19:04
In reply to Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by Allibum on June 26, 2001, at 12:58:42
Yes! I did take it during pregnancy. I got so knotted up with anxiety over that nauseous morning-sickness feeling (which many of us know can be all-day sickness which then renders us unable to eat which turns into fatigue, which worsens the nauseous feeling and thus worsens the anxiety in a very unhealthful downhill snowball of physical and psychiatric health, etc. etc. etc.)
After much obsessive research on my part and talking to my doctor about my every last misgiving and fear that my baby might be harmed, she convinced me that the risks of klonopin use (and there are no risks proven or even implied, btw) paled in comparison to the benefits, considering the fact that poor nutrition and hydration, constant fatigue and constant anxiety generate steroids which can definitely be harmful to a pregnancy. (I think that is the way she put it.)
I reluctantly started taking .25 mg of klonopin 3 times per day. As a matter of fact, I changed OB/GYNs because my first one just shook his head and said, "I wish you would take no medication during pregnancy," and while I knew he meant well, he was not addressing my need to live from day to day. My new OB/GYN who happens to be from Australia, had no problem whatsoever with my need to take that medication. He was very supportive and understanding.
I took it for a few months and when the nausea FINALLY subsided, (halfway through the pregnancy) I was able to stop taking klonopin, except as needed for panic attacks. In another thread I described my ability to be able to eat a plate of food for the first time in months after taking that first half-tablet of klonopin. That was during the pregnancy I am describing. The feeling of EATING some protein and other good food and going to sleep peacefully was incomparable and I say that pregnancy is no time to swear off ALL medications; it is true I swore off caffeine and hardly ever took so much as a cold pill, but I found that the fear of medications hurting the unborn baby is for the most part overblown and hugely trumped up. The key being: check with a doctor or two, and then do what you have to do.
My baby was born at 9 lbs. 15 1/2 ounces (yes, I am bragging) and is the healthiest, happiest, brightest child this world has ever seen. (Ok, now I'm REALLY bragging. ;o) Seriously, he is happy, strong and bright and the picture of health. I hope I have allayed your fears.
Posted by judy1 on June 28, 2001, at 21:54:11
In reply to Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by Allibum on June 26, 2001, at 12:58:42
I don't think I can add anything to GB's post except that I also take klonopin (2mg tid). My pdoc also said the effects of panic attacks on the fetus have been proven to be much more dangerous than any cleft problems that may or may not be associated with klonopin usage in pregnancy. I wish you all the best- judy
Posted by grapebubblegum on June 29, 2001, at 7:41:55
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy » Allibum, posted by judy1 on June 28, 2001, at 21:54:11
Yes, I remember spending long nights scouring the internet for data on possible cleft lip problems caused by benzodiazepine use during pregnancy, and it seems that one animal study somewhere found a weak connection but remember, these studies always include animals and many more times the dosage of medication a person would use, dose per lb. of body weight or however it is worded. I was quite concerned so I did a lot of reasearch (like I said, obsessive research.)
Also, just to clear things up for anyone who has already read my posts in the child forum about the condition my middle child is struggling with, the baby I referred to above is my third child, and the one I referred to in the child forum is my second child. Two different children, wonderful in their own way. I'm blessed to have three wonderful sons.
Pregnancy, obviously, can be physically difficult and there is a paranoia in the medical community about giving a pregnany woman ANYTHING that might help her. I was given various medications at various sporadic times when I was physically ill during pregnancy, but it seems the OB/GYN has to OK it. I realize that the medical staff at any given hospital are being cautious for a very good reason. But once I called a pharmacist at a local pharmacy asking if it was ok to take antacids during pregnancy and he did not feel safe in giving me the go-ahead. He told me, "if you look at the medicine shelf in an OB ward, that shelf is empty, not even Rolaids." That was a little bit of an exaggeration, but for the most part his sentiment was true.
Posted by Allibum on June 29, 2001, at 14:29:04
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by grapebubblegum on June 29, 2001, at 7:41:55
Thank you sooooooooo Very much for posting your experience. I have suffered from 3 m/c's and the last one was 2 weeks ago. I have had Panic disorder for 10 years now, since I was 20. I take Klonopin 1mg 2x/day. With this last m/c they wanted me off of it no questions period...So like a good sport I stopped taking it and found myself having one attack after another EVERY DAY! My husband and I are getting ready to go to a fertility specialist and I wanted to be able to tell them that without the medication, I beleive it is worse than being on it! I don't know if me getting off it caused the m/c but I do know that as sson as I get pregnant again, I will be taking the meds.
I just needed a "validation" if you will that I am not being a bad mother by taking the risk of using Klonopin during pgncy. I to have stopped caffine, fortified sugars, fast food, I don't even drink non-caffinated sodas, so if the only risk is me taking Klonopin, then I think I am doing ok ya know!
It's funny how you said that OB's don't have rolaids in there office! I was reading my baby book that my mom did before and after I was born and there are things in there that the "new" OB;s would spit nails about. In fact, my mom fed me the baby cereal at 5 days old and I was on solid foods (Gerber of course) by the time I was eight months old. She took cold medicine, drank a couple of glasses of wine, and even smoked an occassional cigarette while she was pregnant with me.
I am not saying that what she did was right but back when I was born....People didn't FREAK out about a pregnant woman living her life normally and of course there was no interne so ya know nothing for her to say "I am an awful mother" which she is in no way a bad mother! I am rambling....SORRY! I guess my point is, I already have panic disorder....Why in the world do I need to stress out about pregnancy,,,people do it all the time and have healthy babies RIGHT? Thank you for your response! I feel Validated!
Alli
Posted by judy1 on June 30, 2001, at 14:24:30
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by Allibum on June 29, 2001, at 14:29:04
Dear Alli,
I'm so glad these posts were able to help. I have had 6 m/c- on and off meds- and truly understand the pain and confusion you must be feeling. I have also been through IVF twice- and the fertility specialist was the most adamant voice against the use of meds (even though I was on tons of drugs through him). Anyway my shrink was 100% supportive about using klonopin for panic during pregnancy and he was wonderful about educating my other docs. I hope your new baby to come will bring you as much joy as my son brought to me (and my future one to bring) All my best- judy
Posted by grapebubblegum on July 2, 2001, at 20:57:38
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy » Allibum, posted by judy1 on June 30, 2001, at 14:24:30
Glad I could be of help. I also suffered one miscarriage before I had three healthy boys, and I blamed myself, thinking it MUST have been something I ate/didn't eat, drank/didn't drink, etc. etc. till I drove myself koo-koo with guilt, and really, miscarriages are just way more common than many people know, especially with first pregnancies. Some women (and it seems to run in families) are just more prone to miscarriages, but that does not mean they cannot have children. My own mother had three miscarriages and four healthy babies.
BTW, my mother said that in her generation, just like you said, mothers smoked and drank all they wanted and they were never berated; in fact, doctors thought the stress of quitting smoking was not worth it and that expectant mother should just puff to their heart's content. And now we freak about having one can of regular (with caffeine) coke once in a while. My mother admits that she was a "pill-popper," meaning that she loves to take pills for everything, and she managed to have four healthy kids.
Good luck to you! One thing my obstetrician taught me back when I was ruining myself with guilt and soul-searching over what I must have done to "cause" my miscarriage was this: She told me that they just HAPPEN and 99.99 percent of the time it was nothing anyone could have influenced either way. I was to the point of thinking, "Was it that ham sandwich I ate that was way too salty?" I can laugh about it now, but....
If you or your doctor have done some investigation and you don't feel that your medication is a factor then don't blame yourself, and I wish you success in your fertility efforts! Many women have gotten off to rocky starts and then had families full of kids. Good luck!
Posted by GRACEFORLIFE on December 19, 2003, at 13:17:54
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by grapebubblegum on July 2, 2001, at 20:57:38
I JUST FOUND OUT THAT I AM PREGNANT TOO, AND I AM ON KLONOPIN AND WELLBUITRIN TO QUIT SMOKING, WHICH I WAS NOT DOING WELL WITH. I WAS AN OCCASIONAL DRINKER TOO BEFORE I GOT PREGNANT, LIKE 2 DRINKS A NIGHT SOMETIMES, USUALLY NOT THAT MUCH. I ALSO HAD AN UNHEALTHY ADDICTION TO SOME PAINKILLERS, AND AM GOING CRAZY GIVING ALL THESE THINGS UP AT ONCE! I FEEL NAUSEAS AND SICK, SNEEZY, WEAK, FRUSTRATED, WEAK, WEAK,!! AND I TOOK 1/2 A PAIN PILL TODAY TO TAKE THE EDGE OFF THE FACT THAT I HAVE NOT SLEPT FOR 4 NIGHTS AND I WANT TO START TAKING MY KLONOPIN AT LEAST! I CAN GIVE UP SMOKING, AND PAIN PILLS, I THINK, IF I CAN JUST CALM MYSELF DOWN BY TAKING MY PANIC MEDS. BUT I TOO AM WORRIED ABOUT ALL THESE THINGS, AND I AM CALLING DOCTORS AND THEY ARE NOT CALLING ME BACK! I AM ONLY A MONTH OR 2 PREGNANT, NOT SURE YET CAUSE I HAVE NOT BEEN TO A DOCTOR, CANT GET AN APPT. ALSO WONDERING IF THE FIRST TRIMESTER IS THE WORST TO USE MEDS DURING? I NEED MY SLEEP!!!!
Posted by panic-chicky on January 13, 2004, at 15:56:04
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by GRACEFORLIFE on December 19, 2003, at 13:17:54
I am 27 years old and my husband and I are talking about having a baby in 2005. I have suffered -did I say "SUFFERED" cause I mean "suffered" from Panic/Anxiety Disorder now for about 6 years. First I thought I was going crazy and I actually wanted to go to a institution. I just wanted someone to understand me. I finally started going to a shrink, who diagonosed me and gave me Prozac and xanax. I went home and thought Prozac is for people who are depressed, I am the most undepressed person you will ever meet. This is not for me, not to mention, the sexual side effects. Anyway...I talked my doctor into switching me to a NEW drug, Klonopin, and it worked soooo good. I wasn't getting my anxiety attacks anymore. I have been taking Klonopin for about 4 years 1.5 mg a day (I know that's alot) and I also take a panic disorder pill at night before bed (that's when the attacks are the worst). That pill is called Remeron. Anyway...I don't know what your panic attacks are like, but I know that I can not live with out taking this medicine. I never thought I would say that. I have never touched a cigarette, alcohol or any other drugs (besides Nyquil or something) in my life (and neither has my husband). But I can honestly say that I can not stop taking these drugs. My anxiety/panic is very severe. It starts out with the "What-if's" and the next thing I know I am puking and have diaherria and am hyperventaling for about 5 hours (usually at night) and then I wake up and have to go to work on 2 hours of sleep.
Sorry to tell you my life story, my husband is a big planner and I just decided to check out what my medications could do to our baby (when I have one) and I was so relived to find this site. I have been considering trying to change medications or quit completley or even crazy thoughts like adopting instead of quitting my meds. I just know that I have panic/anxiety still even after 7 years, even with meds, about once every 2 months, and every Sunday I can feel one coming on, so I know to double up meds on sunday (not really double up but take 2.0 mg instead of 1.5).
I know some of you mentioned Cleft lip, is that caused by Klonopin? Is there anything else that any of you know of that Klonopin could cause? I asked my doctor about my night meds and she said they would be fine if I became pregnant but not the Klonopin. So I wanted a second opinion. I just wanted to start figuring something else out if I can't take it while I'm pregnant, like is there another med that works just as well that is safe for the baby/pregnancy?
Sorry I am babbling. I have a bad case of the what-if's that need to be subsided.
Thanks for all who listen and respond!!!
Posted by hollytheartist83 on July 6, 2005, at 12:37:44
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by GRACEFORLIFE on December 19, 2003, at 13:17:54
> I JUST FOUND OUT THAT I AM PREGNANT TOO, AND I AM ON KLONOPIN AND WELLBUITRIN TO QUIT SMOKING, WHICH I WAS NOT DOING WELL WITH. I WAS AN OCCASIONAL DRINKER TOO BEFORE I GOT PREGNANT, LIKE 2 DRINKS A NIGHT SOMETIMES, USUALLY NOT THAT MUCH. I ALSO HAD AN UNHEALTHY ADDICTION TO SOME PAINKILLERS, AND AM GOING CRAZY GIVING ALL THESE THINGS UP AT ONCE! I FEEL NAUSEAS AND SICK, SNEEZY, WEAK, FRUSTRATED, WEAK, WEAK,!! AND I TOOK 1/2 A PAIN PILL TODAY TO TAKE THE EDGE OFF THE FACT THAT I HAVE NOT SLEPT FOR 4 NIGHTS AND I WANT TO START TAKING MY KLONOPIN AT LEAST! I CAN GIVE UP SMOKING, AND PAIN PILLS, I THINK, IF I CAN JUST CALM MYSELF DOWN BY TAKING MY PANIC MEDS. BUT I TOO AM WORRIED ABOUT ALL THESE THINGS, AND I AM CALLING DOCTORS AND THEY ARE NOT CALLING ME BACK! I AM ONLY A MONTH OR 2 PREGNANT, NOT SURE YET CAUSE I HAVE NOT BEEN TO A DOCTOR, CANT GET AN APPT. ALSO WONDERING IF THE FIRST TRIMESTER IS THE WORST TO USE MEDS DURING? I NEED MY SLEEP!!!!
Hi! I'm sorry you are having such a hard time. I'm currently on Paxil CR and Klonopin for panic disorder. I was told by my OB/GYN with my first pregnancy that most of the time birth defects will happen within the first trimester because that is when all of their organs and well...their whole bodies are forming. I had a friend who had to take pain pills while she was preggo because she had scoliosis of the spine. Even though it didn't cause any birth defects, it did cause her baby to go threw withdraw after it was born. ANY hard drugs should be 100% avoided. You can consume a 12 oz can of beer or an equilvant and it shouldn't harm the baby. But avoid it alltogether if you can. I wouldn't worry too much about your anxiety medicine. There hasn't been any solid proof that they are linked to birth defects however you should be aware that overuse can! The anxiety outweighs more damage to the baby than the actual nerve medication. Whatever you are feeling, YOUR BABY CAN TOO! Believe it or not but your baby can actually tell when you are upset and nervous. I would keep calling every doc in the phone book if I had too. If you can't get one to respond, it would probably be best to contact your local health department. A lot of them offer free services for pregnant women and they can also give you advice. You may also want to check with your pharmacist too to answer any of your questions. I hope this is of some help to you and I wish you the best of luck!
Posted by Mama_Mia on August 27, 2007, at 15:04:38
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy » GRACEFORLIFE, posted by hollytheartist83 on July 6, 2005, at 12:37:44
Thank God for this site! I have had panic disorder for over 10 years. I have always taken paxil CR and Klonopin (.5 mg up to 3 times a day as needed). As soon as I found out I was pregnant I stopped taking Klonopin and my obgyn requested that I get off Paxil and swith to Zoloft "because it's safer." You can also breastfeed on Zoloft and you are not supposed to with Paxil. Since the switch to Zoloft I have been having panic attacks almost every day. So, I went to see my family doctor and they put me back on Klonopin, which worried me due to my obyn's paranoia. The risk to the baby is greater without Klonopin since panic attacks can be determetal to the fetus. I have done extensive research on the subject and have found that there is little to no evidence of problems, especially after the first trimeseter (which is the most important--and Klonopin should probably be avoided until the second trimester or 14 weeks). Obgyn's these days seem obsessed with following protocol to protect themselves from malpractice most likely. I plan on taking my Klonopin as needed and I think that it is more important to provide a stress free body for the baby to grow in and avoid the risk of miscarriage as much as possible.
Posted by Angel83 on February 28, 2008, at 16:50:32
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by Mama_Mia on August 27, 2007, at 15:04:38
I have general anxiety disorder.
I was on 1 and a half mgs of Klonopin and 10 mgs of Busbar (both meds taken once a day) with my last pregnancy.
My son is now 18 months old and was born beautiful and perfectly healthy! NO cleft palet or face issues, NO sleep apnea, NOTHING.
I saw a couple of doctors that did NOT want me Klonopin, stating it said in their book that the medicine is D class drug. A is safest...like vitamins, B is Tylenol, Busbar, etc., then you have C, D...and I guess F class.
BUT I saw a specialist that deals with high risks pregnancies and people on all sorts of medications, and she said Klonopin would be fine for the baby and wrote all of my prescriptions.
I even got to breast feed with my son on both of these medications, AFTER the hospital talked with TWO pediatricians and an OBGYN. They said I could breast feed as long as he did not show any signs of being lethargic from it and he never did.
I am currently 5 months pregnant with number two,
and on the same dosage and meds. I will try and remember to post how her health is after she is born.I was told it is safer to be calm with the baby and take these meds, than be a nervous wreak.
I hope this brings some reassurance for others...
really more studies should be done on pregnant women and medications.
Posted by carmelitemom4 on March 21, 2008, at 9:45:52
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by Angel83 on February 28, 2008, at 16:50:32
These posts have been very helpful. I am blessed to have found them.
I am trying to remain open to life, but feel guilt because I am taking 15 mg. of Remeron and .25 of Klonopin before I go to sleep. With my last pregnancy, I weaned off both for the first trimester and went through horrible withdrawal and insomnia and nausea. I can't do that again. I may be able to just take the Remeron daily and then the Klonopin only when needed. I am more concerned with the baby having withdrawal symptoms after birth. Has anyone had experience with this?
Blessings,
carmelitemom4
Posted by d4pink on October 19, 2010, at 19:28:18
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by panic-chicky on January 13, 2004, at 15:56:04
> I am 27 years old and my husband and I are talking about having a baby in 2005. I have suffered -did I say "SUFFERED" cause I mean "suffered" from Panic/Anxiety Disorder now for about 6 years. First I thought I was going crazy and I actually wanted to go to a institution. I just wanted someone to understand me. I finally started going to a shrink, who diagonosed me and gave me Prozac and xanax. I went home and thought Prozac is for people who are depressed, I am the most undepressed person you will ever meet. This is not for me, not to mention, the sexual side effects. Anyway...I talked my doctor into switching me to a NEW drug, Klonopin, and it worked soooo good. I wasn't getting my anxiety attacks anymore. I have been taking Klonopin for about 4 years 1.5 mg a day (I know that's alot) and I also take a panic disorder pill at night before bed (that's when the attacks are the worst). That pill is called Remeron. Anyway...I don't know what your panic attacks are like, but I know that I can not live with out taking this medicine. I never thought I would say that. I have never touched a cigarette, alcohol or any other drugs (besides Nyquil or something) in my life (and neither has my husband). But I can honestly say that I can not stop taking these drugs. My anxiety/panic is very severe. It starts out with the "What-if's" and the next thing I know I am puking and have diaherria and am hyperventaling for about 5 hours (usually at night) and then I wake up and have to go to work on 2 hours of sleep.
> Sorry to tell you my life story, my husband is a big planner and I just decided to check out what my medications could do to our baby (when I have one) and I was so relived to find this site. I have been considering trying to change medications or quit completley or even crazy thoughts like adopting instead of quitting my meds. I just know that I have panic/anxiety still even after 7 years, even with meds, about once every 2 months, and every Sunday I can feel one coming on, so I know to double up meds on sunday (not really double up but take 2.0 mg instead of 1.5).
> I know some of you mentioned Cleft lip, is that caused by Klonopin? Is there anything else that any of you know of that Klonopin could cause? I asked my doctor about my night meds and she said they would be fine if I became pregnant but not the Klonopin. So I wanted a second opinion. I just wanted to start figuring something else out if I can't take it while I'm pregnant, like is there another med that works just as well that is safe for the baby/pregnancy?
> Sorry I am babbling. I have a bad case of the what-if's that need to be subsided.
> Thanks for all who listen and respond!!!I was curious how your pregnancy went. I had two pregnancies on klonipin and both babies were fine. I feel your frustration with anxiety. No one can really understand unless they have gone through.
Posted by Megan+Ava'sMom on June 7, 2011, at 13:46:05
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by Angel83 on February 28, 2008, at 16:50:32
I am so thankful to have found these postings about klonopin during pregnancy. With tears in my eyes, I found some of the solace I have been craving. I am 35wks along with my 2nd child. I found out I was pregnant at 10wks along. At the time, I was taking 1mg klonopin/3 times a day. My psychiatrist and I tapered my dose down to nothing, but after the 2nd day of no medication, my panic attacks returned with a wicked vengeance and I could not tolerate that overwhelming feeling of death at my door. Since then, I have been on a modified dose of .5mg/3x day and while I am still struggling with anxiety, I am able to manage. My baby (Ava) has been perfect and healthy and happy in my womb this entire pregnancy and I can't wait until she is in my arms. My only concern at this point is neonatal withdrawal syndrome. I'm so afraid she's going to have trouble breathing, physical discomfort, mental delays, symptoms similar to fetal alcohol syndrome, and on and on. After reading about the healthy 18-month old whose mom took klonopin during pregnancy, and the fact that she was able to breastfeed, light is now shining in and evaporating alot of my fears. While I am still concerned, I feel like I won't obsess about it anymore. I'll update when she's born!
Posted by Msg on June 9, 2011, at 23:17:11
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by Megan+Ava'sMom on June 7, 2011, at 13:46:05
Yes please keep us informed. When is ur baby due?
I am on .5-1.0 mg of klonopin daily. Stopped cold turkey for two days and was so happy I had no anxiety attacks...
Until 130 am I awoke from my sleep in major panic leading to an ER visit. My husband and I are trying to get preggo and I want to sto the klonopin yet I don't think it's possible.
Posted by Msg on June 9, 2011, at 23:19:46
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by Megan+Ava'sMom on June 7, 2011, at 13:46:05
Yes please keep us informed. When is ur baby due?
I am on .5-1.0 mg of klonopin daily. Stopped cold turkey for two days and was so happy I had no anxiety attacks...
Until 130 am I awoke from my sleep in major panic leading to an ER visit. My husband and I are trying to get preggo and I want to sto the klonopin yet I don't think it's possible.
Posted by Megan+Ava'sMom on June 10, 2011, at 15:16:58
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by Msg on June 9, 2011, at 23:19:46
I went and met Ava Sophia's pediatrician, and she gave me even more relief. She told me that the dose I am on is definitely not a high one, that she didn't anticipate any withdrawal on Ava's part as one would if I were on an opiate, and that I can breastfeed! That made me so happy. I am due on July 11, and the pediatrician said we would be in the hospital for a couple days to monitor the baby to make sure there are no respiratory problems, like her being lethargic or sleepy. The ped. is also going to send me some information on babies born to moms on this med, since the things I find myself scare the heck out of me. So far, so good. The benefits of taking klonipin during this pregnancy have far outweighed the risks and I feel very blessed the pregnancy and baby have been healthy.
Posted by M'sMom on November 30, 2011, at 8:04:21
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by d4pink on October 19, 2010, at 19:28:18
I take Klonopin .25mg once a day... I found out I was pregnant a week ago. My doctor asked me to stop it. I feel shaky without it. I was thinking of just cutting it in half? .125mg once a day would be practically NOTHING compared to what it sounds like some of you have taken and been fine with..
Posted by herpills on November 30, 2011, at 9:54:26
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by M'sMom on November 30, 2011, at 8:04:21
> I take Klonopin .25mg once a day... I found out I was pregnant a week ago. My doctor asked me to stop it. I feel shaky without it. I was thinking of just cutting it in half? .125mg once a day would be practically NOTHING compared to what it sounds like some of you have taken and been fine with..
I would go off it if thats what the doctor wants. Certainly you could go down to .125mg before going completely off it to spare you any withdraw symptoms...
Posted by M'sMom on November 30, 2011, at 11:17:27
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy » M'sMom, posted by herpills on November 30, 2011, at 9:54:26
Yeah I'm going to go to .125mg for a few days and then try every other day and then completely by next week hopefully.
The doctor prescribed something new called buspar that I can take as needed. Anyone know anything about that?
Posted by herpills on November 30, 2011, at 11:30:09
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by M'sMom on November 30, 2011, at 11:17:27
> The doctor prescribed something new called buspar that I can take as needed. Anyone know anything about that?I think you have to take buspar every day for it to work. I wasn't on it long so don't know that much about it, others here would have experience with buspar
Posted by Kendra on March 22, 2012, at 17:00:29
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by Angel83 on February 28, 2008, at 16:50:32
Hi. I recently found out I'm pregnant. I have terrible anxiety and insomnia. I take.25 to .5 mg of klonopin at night. I also take prenatal and extra frolic acid. I'm worrried about the klonopin and I've tried to stop but I'm up all night and have terrible anxiety. I would love to hear from someone who was in the same situation and had a healthy pregnancy. Also anyone with children who are older and doing great?
Posted by phidippus on March 23, 2012, at 19:21:35
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by Kendra on March 22, 2012, at 17:00:29
I would not take Klonopin while you are pregnant. In animal studies involving Klonopin and pregnancy, it appeared that the medication could increase the risk of various birth defects, such as a cleft palate and limb defects.
Here are some anti-anxiety meds you can take while you're pregnant:
Prazosin
Buspar
TrileptalTakinng .4mcg of Folic Acid during pregnancy can stop one type of defeect.
Eric
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on March 26, 2012, at 11:09:54
In reply to Re: Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by Kendra on March 22, 2012, at 17:00:29
Congrats on the pregnancy. Is a GP or OB rx'ing your meds? If so, you should consult with a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are typically much more knowledgable and creative about rx'ing meds and may have ideas about something that could be just as effective and lower risk.
I feel your pain on this one, though. I am planning to start trying for a baby after I get married in less than a month and I am having a really hard time anxiety-wise w/o my meds. My pdoc is fairly conservative about meds during pregnancy and he said that he refuses to rx certain meds (like abilify) during pregnancy even though they are "only" class C. I convinced him to let me try Klonopin to get me through the wedding, but he was clear that he would no longer rx it once I started trying to get pregnant.
When I picked up my Klonopin, there was information in there about a pregnancy registry. Basically, since there are some women who need to take klonopin during their pregnancy (especially since it is also used for seizures) and so there is a national data base where these women register. Since it is impossible to do the same kind of randomized trials with pregnant women that are done with the general public, this type of info is very valuable. It would be worth looking into if you choose to stay on your Klonopin.
Best of luck,
EE
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