taking xanax

[buitron90]

I have really bad anxiety and anger issues. Been on paxil for over a year. Ive been trying to get off of them but cant stand the way my body feels without them. Been trying to substitute with xanax. I am now 7 weeks and i feel great when i take a xanax... ive heard paxil can cause birth defects... but how safe is my baby while on xanax? I dont take more than 1mg a day...?? Havent been able to get on medicaid yet and contact a dr about my situation. I feel i need the xanax to feel motivated. And the keep my stress level down? Is this ok?

[Julia M Aharonov, DO]

You must discuss this with you OB. Most benzos like Xanax are not advisable during pregnancy, Paxil is more acceptable, but again this needs to be brought to the attention of your doctor.
It is important to get prenatal care early especially when you have issues that need to be addressed. Emotional problems in pregnancy can lead to postpartum depression, so this needs to be addressed and aggressively treated, but most likely not with Xanax.
Good luck to you.    

[TT1976_]

Xanax is class d..it is not safe..

[Nikkrobert92]

There shouldn't be any problems as long as you keep it under control and at a low dose. There won't be any birth defects or any other negative affects on the baby if you take safe doses.  Like 1-2mg. I'm not a doctor I just know a few things. I would ask your doctor anyways just tone certain. Good luck with your child and congratulations!