Hi Ladies. Just recently I have developed some anxiety/panic attack issues due to this pregnancy. I fear having another m/c. Dr. prescribed a low low dose of Ativan (Lorazepam) for use in an emergency ONLY. He said the benefits of me knowing that I have something in my purse to help with not losing control may reduce anxiety all together--which may help with a more healthy pregnancy. Has anyone ever taken just ONE Ativan/Lorazapam pill and had their baby be okay at delivery? I think these meds are a "Class X" med--but if not taken regularly (only for an emergency situation) things might be okay? PLEASE advise! Thanks. ↓
My motto is that OB/GYNS are not in the business to take risks. If he prescribed it, it is probably ok to take as ordered. I was given Tylenol 3 throughout my preg. from my ob to take for Gall Bladder attacks, and my little one is now 3 weeks old, and healthy and normal! I would not worry if I were you!! ↑
I dont understand what the docs saying about taking this med only in an emergency!!? You cant stop and start most meds, Especially an anti-deppresant/anxiety med! You had better research a little more about Ativan. I do know for a fact its not recommended for pregnant women. And I do know for a fact it will be excreted through your breast milk. I do like the "just knowing its in your purse" theory. I wish he would have given you sugar pills and said the same thing! I dont mean to be harsh or upset you, but I just worry about meds and pregnancy. I was a freak about taking anything while preg. I wouldnt even take tylenol. just do your research. Web M.D. is AWESOME! (my 2nd Doc!!) good luck! ↑
Hi Mollie and Gram! I appreciate your support. I know that some people out there are thinking..."why in the world would a Dr. prescribe drugs that can harm a baby?" I think this is what the Dr.'s rationalization is about the meds: It is better to take ONE Ativan pill (in a long while) during an attack rather than suffer from it and having to go to the ER. The trauma and stress of that can hurt the baby more in the end. I have heard of people taking Benedryl instead because it makes people drowsy--but I don't know...I hope to find some heatlhy alternatives to the Ativan if at all possible! I have been looking everywhere to see if ONE Ativan pill will hurt a fetus. I just need to know that if I were in an emergency situation--would it be okay to just take one of these pills? I wish I had more answers. I sitll feel uneasy taking one Ativan on an emegency need basis. That is what is making me panic even more--the fact that there is nothing safe to take! It's such a vicious cycle. I LOVE being pregnant--but really dislike this anxiety! ↑
Hi Gram! I just realized I didn't answer your question. I am generally fine without any kinds of meds. So using the Ativan would only be for if I ever have a major anxiety attack. But hopefully the attack can be avoided altogether and I would never have to use it. That really is my hope! :) ↑
I take clonazepam, which is also for anxiety. I am supposed to take it as needed. I am not pregnant, but my ob doctor said that it is very harmful to the fetus if taken regurarly throughout pregnancy. My bottle said to take it three times a day, but if I did that, I would be a walking zombie! My pills lasted me 8 months because I took them sparingly. Anyways, I have not had my prescription filled because the husband and I are going to ttc this week. Let me tell you, I have been having the hardest time sleeping and am constantly on edge. It is not fun =(...and knowing I can't take anything is making me even more upset because I feel like I will never have any relief. I doubt taking a few pills throught out the pregnancy will do your baby harm. Like you said, being stressed out and on edge on a constant basis can't be good for you or your baby either, so you have to pick the lesser of the two evils. Of you just feel like you are really anxious and cant wind down, and it is effecting your moods and energy...then I would think about taking one. You should go to your doctor and have him explain the risks in detail and if taking a few ills throughout the pregnancy will really pose a risk. Hope everything works out for you! ↑
Hi newbie - when I was pregnant with my first I took Xanax and had to be weined off of it.....during the weining process they put me down to the ativan untill completly off(4 week process) My child is not only perfectly fine he amazes me by how smart he is!!! I know that because this medication surpress your central nervous system that it could mess with the babys devolping central nervous system. I think it defentily is not something to just take if not REALLY needed. I do think, however, that if it is taken on extreme emergency basis that it will be ok. I know every situation is diffrent, thankfully my baby was more than fine! ↑
i am currently on xanax (i am not pregnant) but there is NO WAY i would be able to completely stop taking it if i were to become pregnant. im supposed to take it three times a day but i take it once or twice. sometimes i am able to skip days and weeks at a time but generally not. i have asked my dr if ativan would be better as he knows im ttc and he said no. he also told me not to worry and take it if i need it. im assuming theyre the same, effects wise. but i do know that having it in your purse will help tremendously, i carry zofran b/c the general focus of my anxiety is a fear of vomiting, which is hard to get around if youre pregnant lol so he prescribed zofran 'just so i have it' i have one in every one of my bags and it does help tremendously to know its there. ↑
Hi Melissa, Breezie, and Kalokairi. You ladies are WONDERFUL. Thank you so much for your input. Anxiety can really play with your thoughts. Knowing that Ativan could potentially hurt my baby makes me panic becuase I feel I have nothing else to take. You are probably right--taking ONE in an emergency will probably be fine.. But the thought of doing that makes my mind and heart race. I hope scientists find something that helps us out in the near future! I am sure many pregnant women could benefit from it. Thanks again for all of your input. Best of luck to you all as well. Keep me posted if you hear of any alternative meds. :) ↑
