need xanax while pregnant

[tritch]

I am 37 years old, wife, and mother of 2. I am 6 1/2 weeks pregnant. This was an unplanned pregnancy and I am
very scared. I have had severe cases of depression and anxiety with our other 2 children and was doing great before I found out I was pregnant with this one. I am now spiraling downward. I cry everyday and cannot stop. I feel overwhelmed and unable to concentrate on anything BUT being pregnant and scared! I am on Zoloft 50mg(been on for 9 years) and it is not helping! The only thing that calms me down is taking xanax 0.25mg. I have only taken it 3 times while pregnant, when I am really crying and cannot stop. Has anyone taken xanax while pregnant and baby been fine?

[rachy5555]

recently found out i was pregnant before i found out i was taking xanax .05mg once everyday as needed i didnt take that much the month before my missed period towards the end of the month i took some bc i was feeling overwhelmed and i was breaking out and i had back cramps so i thought i was going to begin my menstrual but then nothing so i took a pregnancy test and it was positive my doctor but my due date as march 27th 2011 i am worried sick about the possible defects in need of some words of wisdom please help so upset and concerned

[mandolin999]

Oh boy, can I relate. I too am pregnant and was shocked and overwhelmed by the news. I also struggle with anxiety and the hormones are a major trigger. When I found out I was pregnant the anxiety and panic returned big time, I went back on Zoloft after having gone off but it didn't work great and I wish-wish-wish I could take a Xanax or Ativan or something to get me through this. It is very difficult. Keep in touch and let me know how things are going for you.

[rubyinparadise]

I'm sorry to hear about your difficulties with anxiety & depression. I know how hard it is to go without medication that you feel you really need at this time. I was using 5-HTP for anxiety and depression, which is "natural", but I was told that not even that was completely safe. So I have gone through this pregnancy without any meds, and it has been tough at times-- had a couple of anxiety attacks in 2nd trimester.

I'm relying heavily on some meditation tapes I have, plus Bach remedies (Rescue Remedy and White Chestnut work for me, but there are many others). There may be something similar you can try instead of the Xanax when you feel the need. At least you are able to stay on the Zoloft, and like others have said, maybe an increased dosage of that will do the trick.  All the best

[momafter14yrs]

I know that it is easier said than done, i too suffer from depression and aniexty and its the most difficult thing to do is stay stable minded, but if you have made up your mind to have this child then it would be in the best interest of the child to come off the Xanax. I wish you the best and I hope that you soon find the comfort that we all so long for!

[Ecologic]

I used to take Xanax before getting pregnant but I stopped as soon as I learned I was pregnant with my missed periods. At times I'd love to take it, but I am staying strong because as you probably know Xanax is class D and can cause brain damage to a fetus.

The 3 small amounts you took probably will not harm your baby but you really need to speak to your doctor about your anxiety! He/she may want to increase your Zoloft or add an other antidepressant. There are approved antidepressants for pregnancy but unfortunately to the best of my knowledge there is no approved anti-anxiety medications.

I do not have big anxiety crises and do not cry so I can live without the Xanax, but you seem to be very depressed/anxious so please speak to your doctor to see what medications he can prescribe!

[spade22]

You should not take Xanax while pregnant  - Xanax is a Class D medication which means it has been shown that it can harm the fetus.

Have you spoken to your doctor about how you have been feeling?  There ARE a number of medications that can be taken to control anxiety and depression during pregnancy.  For example, Zoloft and Lexapro are Class C drugs that many doctors prescribe for anxiety/depression during pregnancy (they are Class C drugs which means it is not know what effect they will have on baby but in general they do not cause harm in animals).  Vistaril is a "pregnancy-safe" version of Xanax.

Long story short:  talk to your doctor about this ASAP.  There are many drugs that can help with your symptoms and its important you take medications that are safest for you and baby.

I hope that you feel better soon.

[tricia448]

i am so sorry you are going thru all this right now...sounds like you have alot on your plate. have you discussed this with your OB or psychiatrist? they could probably help decide what other medications could be added that could help (especially ones that are safe to take in pregnancy).  with out getting into too much detail i was extremely overwhelmed when i found out i was pregnant this time around. at the time my son was three and other son wasnt even a year, husband was diagnosed with cancer, and i had a fluroscopy (straight radiation) and didnt know i was pregnant at the time. i became very emotional and cried all the time....i was put on zoloft (50mg) it helped for awhile but then felt alot of panic/anxiety again. i was then put on buspar to help it kick in more. (didnt notice a huge difference so i stopped it and luckily have been ok). maybe they can raise your dosage of zoloft or try a new antidepressant? just know you are not alone out there and i am sure your doctors can help. please keep us posted...and i will keep you in my prayers as i do understand what you are going through.