Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Severe Anxiety During Pregnancy
Question: I am at the end of my pregnancy. Because of anxiety I have had a few panic attacks and my agoraphobia get worse. I have been treated before with antidepressive but stopped utterly once I found out I am pregnant. So far everything was ok but as the date of labour is near I am getting really anxious and panicky. I asked my psychiatrist if i can take xanax during worst days but she said no. So did gynecologist. They both suggested diazepam. But i don ยด t see any difference in the harm both pills can cause. Due to the good experience with xanax i prefer to take it. Is dose 0,25 mg once per day in case of need really that harmful for a baby? Thx.
Brief Answer:
It is not that harmful but should be avoided
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
Firstly I agree with both of your doctor as diazepam is better choice than xanax at the end of pregnancy. The first reason is chance of dependence for you. As Xanax is short acting it should be taken repeatedly. Secondly it causes ugly withdrawal symptoms in newborn/to be born baby which is much worse than Diazepam. Thirdly you are feeling anxious and panicky which can be treated by Diazepam in safe way.
I must acknowledge that if it is necessary Xanax can be used but as there are safer options they should be given priority over Xanax. After all both the medicines are categorized under category C in pregnancy by USFDA.
I understand you have experience with Xanax but due to possible risks it is better to be avoided as far as possible. With change of situations (pregnant vs non pregnant) we need to change our habits despite challenging demands.
Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
It is not that harmful but should be avoided
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
Firstly I agree with both of your doctor as diazepam is better choice than xanax at the end of pregnancy. The first reason is chance of dependence for you. As Xanax is short acting it should be taken repeatedly. Secondly it causes ugly withdrawal symptoms in newborn/to be born baby which is much worse than Diazepam. Thirdly you are feeling anxious and panicky which can be treated by Diazepam in safe way.
I must acknowledge that if it is necessary Xanax can be used but as there are safer options they should be given priority over Xanax. After all both the medicines are categorized under category C in pregnancy by USFDA.
I understand you have experience with Xanax but due to possible risks it is better to be avoided as far as possible. With change of situations (pregnant vs non pregnant) we need to change our habits despite challenging demands.
Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
