Worried...

Around week 7 I started getting awful anxiety that was interfering with my daily work.  When I went to my OB she prescribed me ativan to take as needed and said I could take up to two a day (.5 mg).  When she was prescribing it to me it seemed she didnt have a whole lot of info on the affects of the drug during pregnancy but said that most of those meds arent tested so they really dont know.  Now, I am 10 weeks and have been taking around 1 pill a day and I feel so guilty about it.  I am so worried that taking the pill is going to affect my baby and cause deformities or other issues.  I am trying to wean myself off the pills but its hard since the anxiety is still pretty bad.  Should I just trust my doctor that everything will be fine taking the pill once a day?  Everything I read says Ativan is a no no during pregnancy..Im so confused!!  Any info would be a huge help!

[spade22]

Ativan is a Class D medication which means evidence exists that shows it can cause damage to the fetus.  It should be avoided during pregnancy and taken only if the benefits really outweigh the risks.  Also, just because something is a Class D medication that does not mean that it will harm baby, what it means is there is a chance that it could so, its best avoided where possible.

Here is a link to a similar post that was answered by one of MH's doctors a few years ago which might help:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Integrative-Fertility/Ativan-during-early-pregnancyworried/show/336736

I suggest you call your doctor about this next week.  The odds are on your side that no harm has come to your baby but there are lots of safer drugs that can be used to help prevent anxiety during pregnancy and vistaril can be used for panic attacks.  Talk to your doctor about switching.

In the mean time, do NOT abruptly stop taking ativan.  You will need a tapering regime that your doctor or pharmacist can set up for you if it is decided that alternative drug options should be explored.