Monday, June 15, 2009

Anxiety question...

I'll be 11 weeks pregnant on Wednesday & I am worried about still taking Xanax for anxiety. My doctor told me I could still take it "as needed". I would say I probably take it 2-3 times a week & I take .5 mg a day. So, I only take it when I feel I need it. I've read conflicting reviews on taking this while pregnant. My doctor already took me off my anti-depressant & I sure can tell. I feel like an emotional basket case. I've always suffered from anxiety & a little bit of depression. But, more anxiety than anything. It got worse when we moved from Arkansas to Vegas & I left all MY family & friends behind. I haven't met any good friends since moving here & it has been hard. Plus, my papa passed away last fall & it was really hard on all of us. I had a lot of guilt for not being there more for him towards the end. I also think I have a little bit of a social anxiety disorder until I meet someone & get to know them well. And, I have a huge fear of public speaking. I'm a pretty friendly & outgoing person though too. Does this all sound crazy?!! I don't want to do anything to harm the baby, but if my doctor says it is okay??? Did anyone else take Xanax while pregnant?

Here are a few reviews I read:

"I just want to put some peoples fears to rest.... I have been on xanax for 7 years now.... I became pregnant and my OB sad the risks from me stopping xanax are greater than me taking them. I stayed on xanax my whole pregnancy and had all the same fears as everyone else. My baby girl was born 6lb 8ounces and healthy. She never went through withdrawl or had any breathing problems or muscle weakness.. Nothing! She is almost 2 now and is FINE! Im not saying everyone should stay on it or will be as lucky as me but I stayed on .25 a day because i simply had to.I think low doses arent harmfull in my opinion, speaking from someone who went through it and came out on top! Good luck all."
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"I have suffered from anxiety attacks for years. I'm 26 and 7wks pregnant with my third child. My doc put me on xanax 1mg three times a day. He said the risks of stress related effects on the baby are greater than the risk of me only taking the xanax when I need them. I don't take them every day but do take one every couple days when needed. I hold out as long as I can until I can determine if I will get over the attack or not. Taking a bath and deep breathing, sometimes screaming in my pillow for a few minutes will make the attack go away. I only allow myself about 10 minutes until I know I need the xanax.
I think it is based on your doctors experiance with the drug during pregnancy and also how bad your attack get and what physical changes you have during these attacks."

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9 comments:

  1. I've wondered the same thing. I take it too - but only about once or twice a month. I have no idea what to tell you, the only thing I know info on is about the sleep medications I take...so that's no help. I'd say talk to your doctor some more about it and even ask for a 2nd opinion.

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  2. I don't have an answer to your questions....I just stumbled on to your blog and wanted to tell you it is really nice! Your doggies are just too cute.
    I lived in Vegas 1974-1986. My Dad, Sister and Oldest son live there still.

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  3. I'm with Shannon, get a 2nd opinion. From what I've heard about anti depressants + pregnancy is that they are just fine in low doses. I think when it gets into the strong stuff that people take for being bi-polar, etc. that maybe I'd question taking it.

    I wish I was in Vegas because I think we'd be great friends, with a lot in common. I deal with the same stuff you do. Mostly depression and a little bit of social anxiety too. But you can still be totally normal and sweet which you are so don't ever think you're crazy! :] Keep us posted!

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  4. aw..I hate the whole worry thing for you.

    You know me..I'm the nutt that doesn't even take tylenol with excrusiatiing headaches...I'm afraid I'm not much help.

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  5. I don't know what to tell you about taking it or not taking it...but if you are concerned you should call your Dr's office. I can tell you though Bonnie, that I can totally relate to you about not having friends of family nearby. The whole three years we were in Hawaii I made one friend. (When I tell people that they think I must be weird, but I am just shy). The rest of time time I just hung out with hubs, which is great, but is hard when you miss your friends and family that live somewhere else. Same thing goes for Michigan, we've been here a year and I haven't made any friends yet. It is hard! I am praying for you!

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  6. I'd probably keep taking it since your dr says it's ok. you could call your pharmacy for a second opinion..

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  7. I'm glad I helped ease your worries a little, I hope you get it all figured out soon! A co-worker of mine just announced her (first) pregnancy today so I'm excited for all the new mommies to come! :)

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  8. Girl, I have horrible anxiety and am prescribed Xanax but haven't taken one in over a year. My anxiety got better about a year ago and so I try not to take them unless I am having a very bad day! I haven't taken one since pregnant, but I would think the stress would be worse on your baby then taking a pill when you need it!

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  9. I stumbled on your blog. I suffer from anxiety, and I took Zoloft throughout my pregnancy with my daughter, who was born totally healthy, 8.5 pounds. I am currently pregnant again, and I am not on meds, but I feel anxious. I talked to my doctor, and she said after 12 weeks, she would be comfy to put me on Zolof, if needed (I took it the entire 40 weeks with my daughter (different doctor, different circumstances)). Hope this helps.

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