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Pregnant. Severe Insomnia. Addicted To Ativan, Effexor. Help
I just found out I am pregnant, however I take 4 mg of ativan a night and 75 mg of effexor to help with severe insomnia. I have been on this medication for 10 years. My OBGYN will only see me at 10 weeks out. His nurse told me to stop all medication immediately. I knew this would be the case already, however I am HIGHLY addicted to the ativan and having withdrawal symptom. What can I do until week 10 to safely get some sleep and not hurt my baby and also not have these terrible withdrawal symptoms?
Sat, 20 Apr 2013
Hello
Welcome to Health Care Magic
Usually any drug in first trimester of pregnancy carry potential risk with it. You are taking venlafexine and lorazepam. You are addicted to lorazepam and can't stop it. But as it is a benzodiazepine drug and you are taking high dose of it so I would like to tell you that your developing baby is at risk of malformations. Try to stop it completely, either by tapering it gradually or by stopping it abruptly. It may cause insomnia, restlessness in you but you have to avoid this drug before it cause harmful effects to fetus. Consult a Psychiatrist for proper opinion.
Thanks
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, MD
Welcome to Health Care Magic
Usually any drug in first trimester of pregnancy carry potential risk with it. You are taking venlafexine and lorazepam. You are addicted to lorazepam and can't stop it. But as it is a benzodiazepine drug and you are taking high dose of it so I would like to tell you that your developing baby is at risk of malformations. Try to stop it completely, either by tapering it gradually or by stopping it abruptly. It may cause insomnia, restlessness in you but you have to avoid this drug before it cause harmful effects to fetus. Consult a Psychiatrist for proper opinion.
Thanks
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi, MD
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Hi there, ativan and some other medications from its class can increase the chance of cleft palate and cleft lip in pregnancy. Clonazepam is safer in this aspect. It may bring some sleepiness for you during the day. It is encouraged these medications be taken cautiously in the first 8 weeks of the pregnancy. However, if you have experienced that ativan is the only medication works for you, you should consult with your doctor about. Some people can sleep with tryptan. You can ask about it from your doctor. It does not have any side effects for the baby (fetus). I wish you a good health.
I find this answer helpful
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