Taking Klonopin during pregnancy is not recommended because it can create risks for the unborn baby. Fortunately, several alternatives to Klonopin are available.
Klonopinis a prescription medication given to patients to treatpanic disorders, anxiety and seizure disorders. It is classified as a benzodiazepine drug.
If you take Klonopin and are wondering if you can use Klonopin while you are pregnant, set up a meeting with your doctor to discuss your options. In general, using Klonopin while you are pregnantshould be avoided. However, this may be difficult for some women who need the medication to function in their daily lives.
If you use Klonopin and become pregnant, do not adjust your treatment schedule before speaking with your doctor. Abruptly ending your Klonopin use will put you at greater risk for experiencing Klonopinwithdrawal.
Common physical Klonopinwithdrawal symptoms include:
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- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Increased body temperature
- Hallucinations
- Irritability
- Coordination problems
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Increased pulse
People going through Klonopin withdrawal may also experience reboundeffectslike intense sleeplessness, anxiety, seizures and panic attacks.
These withdrawal symptoms can affect the health of a pregnant woman as well as their growing fetus. If you are pregnant and no longer wish to continue your Klonopin treatment, talk to your doctor abouttaperingoff the medication. This strategy involves gradually lowering your Klonopin dosage over time, and it can help you avoid experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.
Effects of Klonopin on a Fetus
Klonopin use during pregnancy can lead the fetus to develop what is known as “floppy baby syndrome.” This is characterized by decreased muscle tone, poor circulation and breathing problems.
Some babies whose mothers used Klonopin during pregnancy also showed signs of withdrawal, including irritability, inability to sleep and seizures in rare cases. For these reasons, you should avoid using Klonopin while you are pregnant.
Most of the negative effects associated with Klonopin use during pregnancy stem from taking the medication at high doses during the first trimester of pregnancy. If you become pregnant after treating your anxiety with Klonopin, speak with your doctor about how you can stop your treatment and monitor your baby’s growth and development in the following trimesters.
What Are Some Alternatives for Treating Anxiety During Pregnancy?
Women who are using Klonopin and thinking about becoming pregnant should consider other prescription medications to use during pregnancy. Some alternative medications for anxiety treatment include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
You may also want to seek holistic approaches that can help ease your anxiety during pregnancy. These can include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Support groups
- Exercise
- Massage
If you or someone you love is struggling with Klonopin use and a co-occurring anxiety disorder, The Recovery Village can help.Contact ustoday to learn more about evidence-based treatment programs that can work well for your situation.
