Clonazepam in pregnancy

I came here for reassurance. I was on Klonopin for 4 years before my planned pregnancy. I went off of it 2 months before TTC. I suffered severe anxiety and even minor panic attacks at night that would wake me up. I am now 22 weeks, and saw my psychiatrist for a follow up. After hearing about my symptoms, she said that she recommends that I take Klonopin as needed, the smallest dose, wgile in the second trimester, and wean off by the third trimester. She gave me a prescription, but I have not filled it because I am terrified that Klonopin will cause a birth defect or damage my baby's brain. (20 week ultrasound showed no defects). At the same time, my anxiety and panic attacks are overwhelming. Every day is a struggle to get through. Can anyone give me any advice? I wouldn't be able to live with a birth defect or problem I caused to my own baby by taking this medication.

When I was pregnant 18 years ago, I was on no meds, but I had extreme panic. I slept a lot and breathed deeply while holding a pillow. I worked some of those months, too, during my last trimester. It was hard, but I used coping skills without meds. I was an emotional wreck, but I journaled, had stuffies to hold into, organized and cleaned (nested), went to social groups for support in person, took lamaz classes by myself, sang songs inbthe shower so baby could hear, read books on parenting, listened to music, and ate a healthy as I could. I think I did some arts and crafts, too.

You can get through this without meds. Drinking water and taking prenatals help because the more your nutrition is well, the less you will feel so anxious. Crackers help with nausea sometimes. Sleep was my friend. I hope that helps.

Hi Liillians789. welcome to Psych Central. I am sorry to hear you are suffering from anxiety. That must be a challenge for you.

The question you might want to ask your pharmacist is how the med prescribed to you affects the developing embryo. It is possible the effect of the prescribed med may have less effect than a constant state of anxiety.

I am not an expert, just a peer, but I have read that when we have anxiety it triggers our fight or flight hormones that are naturally to protect us, but when triggered too often can lead to constant feeling of being in crisis situation. So if you ask the pharmacist they may be able to give you a professional opinion on which might be better.

There are lifestyle changes, but I am not sure this might help for you. A friend does 6-7 hours of exercise a week or more to help them feel grounded. They also do a high protein moderate carb diet so they can keep from having mood swings. They have meals or healthy snacks every 2-4 hours and they tell me they stay more grounded. I think they checked with their doctor to see what would work for them.

Youtube is a great source of comfort to me. I hear music like this YouTube

and learn about mindfulness . This might be of interest to you YouTube

YouTube

@CANDC hope you get the support you need.

Thank you all.