Anti Anxiety meds

[Dee0619]

Are there any anti anxiety meds that are safe to take while pregnant?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
The benzodiazepines ( like valium, xanax, etc) are usually not considered safe except in very small doses for short periods of time.  For example, if my patient was in a car accident and needed to help to relax for a few days afterwards, etc.
I would also consider something like xanax for some one who had rare occasional panic attacks.
For someone with more persistent anxiety who might need something every day,  I would consider something like Buspar ( which is category B, or considered to be pretty safe).  Another option would be something like Zoloft or Prozac depending upon the symptoms.
Given the wide array of medications available today, there is usually something that I can find for just about every need.  Also, consider something like yoga too!
Good luck!
Dr B

[northernsunshine]

Dear Dr. Brown,

I have been on Celexa 20mg/day for panic attacks for a few month now.  I had advised my doctor that we were trying to concieve but i was told that my attacks could be more damaging to the baby's health if i didn't take the medication.  So in other words the pros out weigh the cons.  We have now been trying for 7 months to get pregnant without any luck.  I've noticed that with this medication it is extremely hard for me to reach orgasm and am wondering if this could be the reason for us not being able to concieve? What do you think?

[SuzyW]

Dear Dr. Brown,

I have a neighbor who is 4 1/2 mos. pregnant and takes 20 mg Ambien daily, 2.5 mg Xanax daily, Visteral (mg unknown but is daily) and Fioricet (mg unknown-PRN headaches) and I am scared she is damaging her baby.  Especially w/the 2.5 mg Xanax all at once at night to sleep along w/the Ambien.  She does not have an RX for the Xanax, gets them from 'friends' and her Dr. doesn't know.  Is she in trouble??  I am concerned!

[beautiful0609]

I am prescribed vistaril while pregnant and have been since my first trimester and my doctor said it was the safest thing for anxiety attacks and not being able to sleep

[Dee0619]

Thank you so much Dr. Brown.. Your answer was very helpful!