im no doctor but i dont think thats a good call on his part. especially since your baby is in the first stages of development its crucial that nothing is screwy with your system cause you dont want to go through the hell that is birth defects. i know alot about birth defects cause i worked with the developmentally disabled and alot of the kids i worked with got their autism, scoliosis, cerebal palsey, downs syndrome and a host of other things from mothers on perscription drugs during pregnancy. doctors tell you its all good but if you truly want to be 100% safe i would get off the drugs.. at least till you have the baby and then do whatever you want. but i want to emphasise that you DONT want a baby with birth defects.
here is some info i got off the web:
Xanax and Pregnancy
Xanax is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant. Xanax could cause breathing problems or muscle weakness in an infant. Also, a newborn whose mother had been taking Xanax might experience withdrawal symptoms.
Other benzodiazepines, similar to Xanax, have been seen to cause an increase in birth defects. While Xanax has not been demonstrated to be a high risk factor for birth defects, the possibility exists that it could increase their likelihood.
Question: I am currently taking .50 mg. of Xanax at night for fibromyalgia and am interested in becoming pregnant. Could I continue this medication during the pregnancy? If not, what medication could I replace it with? If no medication is acceptable, how long should I be off of Xanax before becoming pregnant? Can you refer me to any material on these subjects?
Answer: Xanax is generally best avoided during pregnancy since, according to the PDR, it may cause birth defects. Stronger evidence exists that it can result in withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.
Pregnant Women. An increased risk of birth defects has been associated with benzodiazepines and other mild tranquilizers. Therefore, women who are pregnant or plan to be pregnant should not take Xanax. Benzodiazepines are secreted in human milk, so women who breastfeed should not take Xanax. In animal reproduction studies, rats given benzodiazepines experienced a decrease in the number of pregnancies and surviving offspring, and some offspring showed skeletal defects.
In June 2004, the FDA advised physicians:
"Neonates exposed to Effexor, other SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), or SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), late in the third trimester of pregnancy have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery."
So far, only Wyeth has changed its product labeling (on Effexor) to reflect the FDA's concern, advising that physician's may want to taper the antidepressant in the third semester.
here is some info i got off the web:
Xanax and Pregnancy
Xanax is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant. Xanax could cause breathing problems or muscle weakness in an infant. Also, a newborn whose mother had been taking Xanax might experience withdrawal symptoms.
Other benzodiazepines, similar to Xanax, have been seen to cause an increase in birth defects. While Xanax has not been demonstrated to be a high risk factor for birth defects, the possibility exists that it could increase their likelihood.
Question: I am currently taking .50 mg. of Xanax at night for fibromyalgia and am interested in becoming pregnant. Could I continue this medication during the pregnancy? If not, what medication could I replace it with? If no medication is acceptable, how long should I be off of Xanax before becoming pregnant? Can you refer me to any material on these subjects?
Answer: Xanax is generally best avoided during pregnancy since, according to the PDR, it may cause birth defects. Stronger evidence exists that it can result in withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.
Pregnant Women. An increased risk of birth defects has been associated with benzodiazepines and other mild tranquilizers. Therefore, women who are pregnant or plan to be pregnant should not take Xanax. Benzodiazepines are secreted in human milk, so women who breastfeed should not take Xanax. In animal reproduction studies, rats given benzodiazepines experienced a decrease in the number of pregnancies and surviving offspring, and some offspring showed skeletal defects.
In June 2004, the FDA advised physicians:
"Neonates exposed to Effexor, other SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), or SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), late in the third trimester of pregnancy have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery."
So far, only Wyeth has changed its product labeling (on Effexor) to reflect the FDA's concern, advising that physician's may want to taper the antidepressant in the third semester.
