Pregnancy and Klonopin

[mayfair]

Hi, I'm currently taking a low dosage of Klonopin (2mg/day)to treat anxiety/panic attacks. I've been taking it for 2 months (it started out of the blue.) Is there anyone who was on it before they got pregnant? I'd really like to have a baby soon but am terrified of what will happen when I stop taking the medication. Wondering if there's a similar drug that's safe (know that's unlikely) or if anyone's been in the same circumstance? thanks!

[shubunkin2974]

I HAVE NOT TAKEN THAT BUT I HAVE TAKEN XANAX WHICH IS IN THE SAME CLASS OF DRUGS. THEY ARE VERY ADDICTING. I TOO WAS TAKING A VERY LOW DOSE AND I TOOK IT FOR 2 WEEKS AND TRIED TO GET OFF AND COULD NOT. IT TOOK ALMOST A YEAR. i CURSE THE DOCTOR THAT EVER GAVE IT TOO ME. I WOULD NOT TRY TO GET PREGNANT TILL I WAS OFF FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS TO MAKE SURE YOU CAN FUNCTION OK OFF IT. I KNOW THAT BABIES BORN TO MOTHERS THAT TAKE THESE DRUGS CAN BE BORN ADDICTED TO THEM ALSO AND EXPERIENCE WITHDRAWELS. BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!

[cugirl]

When you try coming off of the meds you dont want to quit cold turkey.  Try slowly comming off of them, such as one every other day for the first week or two.  Then maybe one every three days.  I dont know how many times a day you take the meds so that depends too...if you take it twice a day maybe you should cut back to one a day then every other day. Talk to your doctor about it though...and you definately dont want to go into withdrawl or cause the meds to affect a baby if you get pregnant.  Check out safefetus.com for info on meds and OTC meds that the FDA has tested.  Good Luck!

[LITTLELADYBUG]

I was on klonopin for a year taking 20mg a day which is the maximum amount. I am now pregnant and when i found out I was taken off immediately. Obviously I don't know if it has effected the fetus because I haven't had any tests or anything but my OB isn't concerned I guess we will just have to see. Good luck though.

[mayfair]

Did you have withdrawal symptoms stopping it all of a sudden? I was taking 1.5 mg a day for the last 2 months and have been cutting them this week by 3/4 so a total of 1.125 a day. Hopefuly in the next week or two I can cut them in half and will be down to .75/day. So far I feel good. I tried going cold turkey once which was BAD. Wish I'd read all these posts first about tapering them down. thanks for your comments

[cugirl]

Glad to hear you are feeling good.  Hope every thing works out!!

[LITTLELADYBUG]

Yes I did have withdrawals. I had extreme migranes, vomitting, dizziness. All I wanted was to lie in be. but it didn't seem to help either. It took about 1-2 weeks to feel fine.

[armywife527]

i am 26 and i am 9 weeks pregnant i take effexor 75mg and klonopin .5mg , my doctor has advised me to ween off but i know i am not able to function without it . i am going through this pregnany alone because my husband just left for iraq for a year . my biggest worry is that i could be carring mutiples .....what are the effects on a baby and would it be better if i stop the klonopin and just stay on the effexor

[chris112]

I am 26 and take 0.5 klonopin every night for sleep. I was taking 3 a day and managed to get down to 1. I have been trying to stop this medicine for over 9 months but have found it very hard I have gotten myself down to 1 every night but after a few weeks it's the same withdrawns can't sleep pounding heart shaking & nervousness-panic attacks. I have tried to stop cold turkey that is impossiable. I  found out that I was 5 weeks pregnant and recently had a miscarriage.  I would like to know if maybe this medicine is the cause for my miscarriage.

[Brooksie67]

Hi,

I recently learned I am pregnant and have been on Klonopin for 5 years! I take a relatively  low dose (.5 x 3 daily); however, my doc wants me off them ASAP. Make sure you talk to a Doctor to taper down; going cold turkey can cause seizures- this is much more serious a threat for you and your baby. I'll be Klonopin-free in 4 more days.

I'll tell you, the withdrawal effects are not pleasant. I'm having severe anxiety borderline panic attacks in public with severe trembling all over and headaches. I'm concerned for fetal development though, and would cut off even sooner if it weren't for seizure risk. Fortunately, I'm a teacher and off this summer, so I can be a bit of a hermit while I tear free of this drug. Wish I would have tried to go off when i first started trying to conceive. Good luck to you all!

[momtobe2009]

Hi I just found out I am pregnant for almost 5 weeks, I also take the max dose of 20mg Klonopin. I cut down to two for the last two weeks but its hard. How did your pregnancy turn out? I am so scared of birth defects I read. Everyone I ask gives me unclear feedback because they were not in this situation some never even used this drug. Is your baby ok?

I also wanted to know did anyone else went through a full pregnancy with klonopin in first two months?How did it turn out? Is the baby ok?

[sweetface75]

Hi Brooksie67,

I have been on Klonopin .5mg 3x a day for 5 years.  I also take Paxil.  This is for panic disorder.  I just found out today I am pregant.  Maybe 4 weeks along.  My psychiatrist wants me off Klonopin ASAP because of birth defects.  I am so scared of the withdrawls. I am not able to miss work and have not functioned without Klonopin in so long.  I used to have severe panic attacks and agoraphobia.  Can you tell me how long it has taken to you get almost Klonopin free?  In what increments did you taper down?

[valzy]

hey littleladybug

I also was on Klonopin 0.5 for general anxiety and panic disorder.  My OB advised me to stop the medication.  however my panic attacks kept coming and i unfortunatley had a very stressful pregnancy (personal not medical)  he then advised me that taking such a low dose when i felt a panic attack coming would be fine, but also it would be beneficial for me to calm down then it would to not take it.  Im due in january, i have had multiple ultrasound specificall to check to deformities on the face and limbs, and the baby is just fine.  If you need the medication for panic attacks take it when your completely stressed out, but you don't need something like that everyday.  that will also help ween you off the meds as well, and your baby will not be addicted to is.  
Hope this helps

[littlemissg]

Wow you think your terrified.. I think I am losing it. I just found out I was pregnant, only because I get Botox injections for migraines every 3 months and they make you take a mandatory pregnancy test before hand as liability reasons.  I have a lot of factors against me..  first i have no idea if there is still Botox in my system from the injections 3 months ago?  As it was only 2 months after the injections that I conceived.

2nd strike is For the migraines which I have so extremely bad its like a brain tumor as a result of an accident way back.. I have been on Imitrex, Tramadol oh 2 tablets 3 x a day per the neurologist and percocet off and on as needed.  

Okay then I was on klonopin 0.5 almost daily but a lot of time I forgot to take it, really I used it to prevent attacks because a year ago I found out I was pre-menopausal and started having hot-flashes and woke up in the middle of the night feeling like I was having a heartattack, my husband had to drag our 2 little girls out of bed and take me to the ER as i was sure it was doom and gloom only to find  out its anxiety.

Finally I am going to be 40 this year, so that is quite a strike against me.

I wasn't planning on anymore children as I am not to sure how this happened considering the kids sleep with us almost every night.  So I don't even remember, I'm sure it was a few drinks (which is how I have always got pregnant)! .. yes another strike as I have drank several times unknowingly as well.

I have so many mixed feelings and am terrified of birth defects etc... but also I am terrified for my physical abilities on how I will handle this.  All I can do is say my prayers and that God will do what is meant.  

I think it is the Klonopin that has scared me the most, the fact that I was taking it and didn't know.  I have stopped everything except I cut down the tramadol because I didn't want my body to go in total shock. I pray to have a healthy child and that I don't miscarry (this is my 6th pregnancy, i have had a few ectopic) and only 2 were successful.

And that I have had horrible cramps for the past 3 wks but its mostly in my back and at night. And my headaches are worse than ever.

I don't know if anyone has any positive re-enforcement maybe they could send me some input or even words of wisdom or success stories.. I think the more horror stories I hear the worse I feel, as I am sure most in this boat.

[babypike]

I'm so glad I am not the only one, I found out I was pregnant last week. I'm according to my last period 5 week and 4 days pregnant. I'm 25 and since Iwas 15 I've been dealing with panic attacks. I was on Lexapro and 1 mg of Klonopin only when it was necesary which lately was like every other day. Since last week I've been out of both of them and WHAT A NIGHTMARE! I start feeling the withdrawal symptoms since yesterday. My doctor recommend me to take Prozac instead of Lexapro but to try to stay off the Klonopin. I was feeling so bad today that I had to take it, I cut it in 4 parts though! i felt so guilty! I'm so scare. I started Prozac yesterday so my doctor told me to give prozac a chance to kick in but no klonopin. I wish the ladies whowrote before who were taking it had their babies and if they are ok and safe. Of course I won;t try to take klonopin again. I know I will probably have panic attacks otmorrow but I'm praying I won't. Im trying to be strong for the baby but in the moment is just hard not to take it. I won;t take it tomorrow I promise but i took today, would there be any birth defects? I;ve been taking this last month too and i stopped when i found out  and as is aid i took one this afternoon, Im terrified!

[BabyA0329]

I also just found out I am 5 weeks along, taking 0.5mg in the am and .75mg in the evening. I am terrified to go off of them becasue it has worked so well for me in the past year. I tried the whole "cold turkey" thing and that was HORRIBLE. Anyone out there actually have a baby while on klonopin?? I would like to see how they made out as well as the baby???

[mommyd65]

I took Klonopin for the first 7 mos of my first pregnancy. Btwn 0.5-2mg/day for anxiety and then switched OBGYNs - who switched me to Ambien instead for the last 2 mos. My daughter is perfect - now almost 3. I am 8 mos pregnant with second daughter and been taking Ambien throughout pregnancy and occassionally taking 0.5mg Klonopin. For those out there on Klonopin, it maybe best to cut down to 1 or .5mg if possible and keep it at low doses rather than stressing about eliminating it. But - so you know - you can have a healthy baby even if you've been taking low doses of Klonopin for the first two trimesters.  

[blondemom74]

Thank you, your post was very reassuring!

[geminimixer]

I was on Klonopin 2mg for the whole pregnancy and my baby is a healthy, smart 11 month old.
Unless you abuse it --do not worry!

[ironmom]

Thank you all so, so much for your posts.  I am 20 wks and still on my AD.  I stopped my klonopin before pg, but my attacks just went through the roof.  I was on very small amt .5 at night only.  I just got off the phone with my midwife and she said to take it if I have a major attack.  She said there is no need to suffer and she can't see where it would hurt now that I am in the 2nd trimester.  I am going to try hyponotherapy tomorrow AM 1st to see if that works instead.  But I feel better already just knowing I have a back up plan.  Obviously, no meds is best, but when you have an illness, you have an illness...and when I panic I feel the poor little one kicking me hard.  He can't like panic attacks any more than I do!  

[mommymrs]

I have been using 1mg Klonopin to help with my anxiety and sleep problems. I usually only take it when I need it, which has been maybe once or twice a week. Lately, I havent had to use it in over two weeks. I am 12 weeks pregnant and everyone I have spoken with said not to use it but I need it sometimes. I want to do what is best for the baby and feel so incredibly guilty when I have to take it. I hope my infrequent use is the one thing that is on my side. Im not sure. Does anyone else use it as infrequently as I do and not on a regular basis?

[kklr30]

I am 11 weeks and have taken .25 mg once per week.  I take it when I need it when I get stressed and fear having a panic attack at work.  I consider this infrequent, though I wish it was less frequent.  I feel guilty like many others, but my OB said taking it as needed, at a low dose, should be okay.  He also said it may help out my husband too, and chuckled.  So my doc was fairly reassuring, though he'd prefer I'd use something safer like Benadryl if possible, or Vistaril.  I have yet to try Vistaril, but may try it later on.  Yes, your infrequent use is a big plus.  I am always questioning what I've done, or taken, but years of Klonopin and quitting Effexor at 5 weeks pregnant (which caused anxiety on its own) have made this a gradual process for me.  It's hard not to judge myself, though.

[MAS1980]

i am trying to get pregnant and have to get off my meds-Paxil and Klonopin.  With my psychiatrist;s help, I have been weening slowly off the Paxil first and then will start the Klonopin...The side effects from the withdrawl off Paxil is unbelievable!  I was diagnosed at 10 with Panic Disorder and am 29 now.. I have been on Paxil for 15 years and Klonopin for 13 years.  I am having a really hard time getting off the low dose of Paxil and havent even started getting off the Klonopin yet. My OBGYN said that there are other drugs available to take and get pregnant...Right now I am on .5 mg of Klonopin daily and am on my 3rd day off Paxil, but that is not going well-extreme emotional swings, crying for no reason, and brain zaps...so my dr. is upping me to 2.5 mg of Paxil a day to ease the withdrawls.  It is extremely frustrating and hopefully will get better soon...good luck to those of you who have succeeded and let me know how you are doing these days!! Take care and always consult a doctor BEFORE getting off these medications!!!

[Amethystdawn]

I am a chronic pain patient who has also had severe panic disorder.  Going off of paxil caused the worst withdrawals I have ever had in my life, and I've taken some pretty heavy hitters.  I went from 100 mu of Fentanyl (that is like 100 "mg" of morphine, except Fentanyl is 10 times stronger than morphine, so you can see it's a huge deal, and I was on it for 3 1/2 years) to none at all in 6 months, and it wasn't that bad.  Just sweaty.  It took me two entire years to get off of 40 mg. of Paxil, and I did that literally at the end by taking a tiny sliver once every two weeks.  It was brutal.  I can go on and off of high doses of percocet and it's like, no biggie, but Paxil- never again.  


I had to take several meds in my first viable pregnancy, and I am about 3 weeks along this time and taking Klonopin occasionally for sleep/panic.  I won't be taking it probably more than today- I can handle the level of panic I get, I'm just waiting for my sleep med script to come through.  But it does make me feel very guilty and scared.  During my pregnancy with my little daughter here, I took Ativan during the second trimester (when it's "safest") and Doxepin at various times.  Actually, I seem to recall that before I realized I was pregnant I'd taken Ativan, so that was about as early as now.  The studies are conflicting, I pray everything is okay for all of us and our babies.  It's just so hard to find out info because it isn't ethical to actually do blind studies with pregnant women.  

Best of luck!

[anxious207]

I am 8 weeks pregnant. I take .5 of Klonapin maybe once a week for panic attacks, I am waiting to talk to doctor about a safer alternative. I have horrible anxiety which spirals out of control until I think horrible things and almost lose touch with reality. When this happens I take a .5 and it settles me down. I dont take it every day. Is there still a risk of birth defects. Has anyone had a healthy baby on Klonapin or spoken to a doc who says its o.k to take once in a while?