Pregnancy and severe anxiety

[Jules1060]

Hello, I'm not sure if this is the right forum so I will post in a few different places.  I am 26 years old and 5 weeks pregnant.  I get massive panic attacks.  Mostly when I drive.  I can usually control the panic just by having my xanax of clonopin with me.  I only take the pills if I am having a really bad day and I can feel the panic building.  Ususally this is only 4-5 times a month.  Since I found out I am pregnant the anxiety and panic attacks are getting much worse because I don't think I am suppossed to take any benzodiazepams.  The attacks are so bad I can't breath.  I have done alot of research (aka googling hehe) and there is alot of conflicting information out there.  Does anyone have any PERSONAL EXPERIENCE with taking antianxiety, specifically xanax or clonopin during pregnancy?  I don't want opinions or judgement please!  I have tremendous guilt over this.  I would love to hear some personal experiences good and/or bad.  Give it to me straight. PLEASE!

[Jules1060]

Thank you everyone for responding.  I did talk to my Dr. but he seemed less that enthusiastic about prescribing anything.  I am going to try again because I don't feel that the massive anxiety and panic can be good for the baby either!!

[michelle81781]

I was on effexor xr for depression and mood stablization before i became pregnant, I can not take it anymore because it isnt safe but my dr did suggest a list of other safe meds i could try. In my case i chose none because I had tried them in the past and they didnt help, but if you call your ob and explain your situation they will most likely bring you in for an apt sooner and disscus what you take and what is safe to replace it if you cant continue. Good luck :)

[New Mommy 2 Be 2007]

You should just talk it over with your doctor before you continue your meds. Their no judging , if you have a condition just talk it over with your doctor and he will tell you what you can or can not do. Best of luck hun!

[croberts32]

I'm 17 weeks and have suffered from panic and anxiety attacks for years since I had a stroke.  I was taking ativan and therpy before pregnancy, but since I have become pregnant I have taken no meds also due to what is safe and what is not.  I still do my therapy and find it extremely helpful.  I can sympathize with you my dear and the best thing I can suggest is definitely talk to ur doctor if they are so bad that u need meds, I can understand that feeling.  Good luck my dear

[kmacd1983]

I have mild anxiety so I was able to stop meds..but was unsure of other meds I was on..luckily half the girls I work with have had a baby in the last 4 years so I had many answers!..just call your doctor or go to walk in clinic for accurate answers..also I live in Ontario so don't know if its available to you but there is a med help telephone line that you could google and try calling..they may have answers for you..I know that some drugs aren't good to take near end of pregnancy...hope you get your answers. .good luck@