I stop taking xanax, I am pregnant, really scared..help???

hi, I've been taking xanax  for 8 years, last wednesday I took a pregnancy test, it was positive and my doctor confirmed it, since then I've been traying to avoid zanax, In the worst case I take 0.5mg or half. I feel a little depress and anxious, very scared, I don't know if I am going to be fine for nine months without xanax.I am afraid for my baby, i do not want to harm him/her, please advise me, I feel alone in this!!!!!!

[nursegirl6572]

Xanax is contraindicated in pregnancy.  You must discuss this with your OB right away....you need to be slowly tapered off the Xanax, it should NOT be stopped abruptly.

There ARE other safer medication options you can discuss with your OB, which is why it is important to get in to see him/her as soon as possible.

Good luck!

[hmf099]

nursegirl is right, you need to discuss weaning off xanax with your ob asap! As far as the rest of your post, I've been through this. I was on klonopin (same family of medication) when I found out I was pregnant with my daughter (now 4 yrs). It is going to be hard at first, but you will be fine. It slowly but surely gets easier. Then when you hold that beautiful baby in your arms you will know it was all worth it. There are a few things you can do to make it easier. I was on zoloft as well when I was pregnant and it is safe to take during pregnancy. Zoloft does help with depression. Talk to your ob, or if you don't have one yet your regular dr. Also, find a support network. This forum helps a ton with anxiety and there are other websites you can look at to talk to other expecting moms, you may even find some with anxiety. Your dr should be able to help you find support in your area. Also, I think medications like xanax that relieve symptoms stop people from getting therapy which gets to the root of the anxiety, and helps far more in the long run so make sure you get a referal to a therapist from your dr. I was taken off xanax after 6 years of use in october, so I'm still dealing with that. Many women have been where you are and we all survived. Keep us posted and feel free to write me anytime. You WILL be fine.

[Lindsay82]

Lily I don't know if you check this site anymore but if you do could you PLEASE help me. I want to start trying for a baby but I know I have to get off my xanax. I'm so scared!!!

[greenlydia]

Returning to what nursegirl said back in January of this year, if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, you absolutely MUST get off the Xanax and you absolutely must NOT quit this medication cold turkey. I can not emphasize that enough!
Both of you need to get in to see your OB/GYNs as soon as possible and begin a taper program.
Pick up your phones NOW and make that appointment.
Peace
Greenlydia