HomeAnswersObstetrics and GynecologylorazepamCan Lorazepam affect the baby during pregnancy?

Is it advisable to take Lorazepam during pregnancy?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Sameer Kumar

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Divya Banu M

Published At December 20, 2019
Reviewed AtJanuary 31, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Just two days ago I found out I was about 1-2 weeks pregnant. And it has been about 4 1/2 weeks since my last menstrual period. Unfortunately with labor day being this weekend I have been unable to see my regular OBGYN. But I did go to the ER to confirm the pregnancy 2 days ago. So my blood results came back with an HCG OF 248 and the doctor said I am right around 1-2 weeks. So, here is my question. I have been stressing out badly due to the fact I have been on Lorazepam 1 mg every night for anxiety and PD for the last 2 years as well as Percocet 10 mg as needed for back pain. I have been taking both of the medications during my pregnancy when I had no idea I was pregnant. Since finding out I have tried tapering on both medications. The Percocet is making me sweat and very agitated and when I tried to cut down on the Lorazepam I was shaking and almost hallucinating and delusion. I also tried not taking the Lorazepam at all and woke up crying, shaking and sweating. I want to be off both these medicines but I am worried more about the Lorazepam as it is a class D pregnancy drug. I have read about the terrible problems this causes for infants. I am so scared that I am considering abortion. I do not want to be a terrible mother before I even give birth. I have been having bad panic attacks over this and cannot seem to relax as the complications of these medicines are always on my mind. Any advice at all would be very much appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Well in your case, as you said rightly Lorazepam is category D drug and not advisable. Ideally we advise avoidance of this medicine during and even before till 12 weeks pregnancy to avoid congenital malformations. You have tried leaving/ reducing it, but your withdrawal have been strong and you are finding it difficult to cope. My advise would be you can contemplate abortion with medical management to be safe or if you are keen on continuing pregnancy then the only way of finding any manifested malformation would be at 16-18 weeks. Then abortion can be contemplated if malformation found on anomaly scan, else you can plan to continue pregnancy. These are two options you may consider.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sameer Kumar
Dr. Sameer Kumar

Obstetrics and Gynecology

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