In the past, psychiatric medications, including those used to treat anxiety disorders, were withheld during pregnancy, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. These medications were traditionally thought to have devastating effects on the unborn baby. Recent information contradicts these earlier beliefs and has allowed doctors to more comfortably prescribe some of these medications to pregnant patients suffering from anxiety disorders.
Prozac
Ruta M. Nonacs, M.D., reports that patients who must continue anti-anxiety medication during pregnancy have had positive results with the drug Prozac. Prozac is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. Dr. Nonacs also notes that medical research does not indicate any increased risk in malformations in infants exposed to Prozac during pregnancy.
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline are considered options during pregnancy, notes the Mayo Clinic. Earlier studies of these medications suggested the possibility of malformation of the limbs, although more recent research fails to confirm those findings.
Benzodiazepines
Clonazepam, lorazepam and diazepam are all classified as benzodiazepines. Dr. Nonacs explains that these medications have very low risk of fetal complications when used in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. High dosages of these medications may increase the risk of some complications, such as difficulty breathing and decreased muscle tone, although moderate doses of these medications do not have those effects.
Effexor
Effexor is a medication given for anxiety disorders and is classified by the FDA as a Category C medication. Category C medications have been shown to have adverse effects in animal studies, but they either haven't been studied in humans or the results of human studies are unavailable. Data reported by women who took the drug during pregnancy, however, indicate risks low enough to allow it to be prescribed during pregnancy. There is an increased risk of some fetal complications, such as breathing difficulties, seizures and irritability, when the medication is taken during the last three months of pregnancy. Drugs.com notes that the medication can be taken during pregnancy when the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks.
References
- American Family Physician: Benefits and Risks of Psychiatric Medications During Pregnancy
- Massachusetts General Hospital: How to Treat Anxiety Symptoms During Pregnancy
- Drugs.com: Fluoxetine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings
- MayoClinic.com: Antidepressants: Safe During Pregnancy?
- Drugs.com: Venlafaxine Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Warnings
