Ativan and Pregnancy: Safe Anxiety Management During Pregnancy

Question
I just found out that I'm pregnant only a couple weeks.  I have high anxiety and usually take Ativan for it.  Now that I'm pregnant I can't take it so I am curious on what I can do for panic attacks

Answer
Dear Shannon,

It will be important for you to have a thorough discussion about your anxiety issues with your OB doctor and possibly allow your OB doctor and the doctor who treats your anxiety to consult with each other as to how to most effectively treat you while pregnant. Because many anti-anxiety medications have had very limited research as to their reproductive safety, doctors must be cautious and weigh risks with benefits in each case.

We seem to have the most information on the reproductive safety of Prozac (fluoxetine) and the tricyclic antidepressants. These medications are effective for the treatment of anxiety disorders, and research indicates that there is no increase in risk of major congenital malformation in infants exposed to these medications in utero; nor is there any consistent evidence that these medications are associated with any serious complications during pregnancy. There is also one report on the safety of Celexa (citalopram), indicating no increased risk of major malformation in exposed children. We have much less information available on the safety of other serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In addition, cognitive-behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques may be very useful for treating anxiety symptoms during pregnancy and may reduce the need for medication.

Again, your doctor(s) will need to look at your individual case and weigh the risks and benefits to determine which method of treatment is best for you.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda