Anxiety treatment during pregnancy?

Clementine13

I have struggled with horrible, diagnosed panic-anxiety disorder since I was 16 years old. I have been on Klonopin ever since because it is the only medication that enables me to live a normal life. My doctor with my first baby told me it was perfectly safe during pregnancy, so I took it and had zero complications. However, I have a different doctor this time around, and he told me that it wasn't safe to take and he wanted me to wean off of it immediately. I am so completely torn. I trust him and want to do the best thing for my baby, I just don't know how on earth I am going to get through all the panic attacks without my medication. Has anyone else experienced panic disorders and is there anything you did during pregnancy that helped? I want to see a therapist, but I'm just not sure how much they can really help me with. My anxiety is pretty severe.

PolishWonder

I get panic attacks, have anxiety, depression, etc. I took Lexapro during my last pregnancy and will take it during this pregnancy. I wean down to the lowest manageable dosage, with my doctor's approval. Could you look for a second opinion? As of right now, you're only getting 2 opinions and perhaps a third could help lean you one way or another.

Also, I try to meditate and do yoga to calm myself when I'm feeling panicky. Especially the meditation helps. Look into prenatal yoga classes or a behavioral therapist who can help with relaxation techniques. HTH!

sparkplug06

I have really bad anxiety and panic attacks. right now I am dealing with it fine but my doctor does not want me taking anything for it while pregnant. I may end up going to the womens health center to talk with someone to see if they can help me deal. I think the less take during pregnancy the better. 

3litttlebirds

I have anxiety and panic attacks also, but I have not taken medication in several years. I have found success with meditation and yoga. Maybe you can try some alternatives to medicine such as meditation, yoga, journaling, or seeing a therapist. Good luck! I know it's hard! 

gusabbey

i also had been on klonopin for years and years...for ocd. when we started ttc, i weaned off of it, which was actually harder than i thought. im so glad though to finally be free from it. it took about three months to fully get rid of it.  im on an ssri and when i get acute panic i take a swig of childrens benadryl. it makes me sleepy, but really helps with the anxiety. good luck. darn anxiety

dixneuf

I take lexapro and have an rx for hydroxizine which I haven't needed much but it's helpful 

DenaRenee78

They tried me on Zoloft which is safe during pregnancy .. but I was allergic. So I am back on my Effexor XR and my OB also added Buspar too. I had Klonopin as a PRN but was told its known to cause birth defects so not to use it. I am pregnant with twins and my anxiety got so severe they had to double my Effexor XR dose. They told me for panic attacks to take one Benedryl. For anxiety at night when I can't sleep take two Benedryl. It's safe during pregnancy. 

I did have a few horrible panic attacks in which I ended up in the ER. They gave me Ativan in my IV and some doses to take home. Said its safe to take in pregnancy if its not on a regular basis.

I still have anxiety but nothing like I did before they upped my med's. I am just trying to take it one day at a time. I too have had anxiety/panic attacks for many years.  

Good luck .. I wish you the best!  

pinitbaby

I too suffer from depression and anxiety, I had finally found a medication that was good for me last year but I was advised to wean myself off of it when I found out I was preggers...every day is a struggle as both these diseases are creeping back up ever so slowly and making me almost unbearable to deal with

I'm glad you brought this up because Ive been wondering what I can do as well. For now I am registering for the women centre where I can get some counselling to help deal for now.

Good Luck everyone

JLB24

I have anxiety and dwelling thoughts.  I've been on anxiety med since college.  My last pregnancy, I weaned off Lexapro 3 months prior to conceiving and I can honestly say I felt great my entire pregnancy.  That is just my experience, though. 

 I was on Zoloft while nursing my son and it is a category 2 drug.  I believe that is an ok one to take while pregnant.  Talk to your doctor. 

It also always made me very much at ease knowing that my obgyn was only a phone call away.  They were the best at answering any questions I had, and that really helped me a lot.  Good luck!

BeagleLvR08

I've had panic attacks since I was a young kid.. I'm talking 8 years old was my first panic attack.  I have NEVER taken medication.  As someone who has struggled with it, and still does to this day.  My best advice, SUCK IT UP!!!  Deal with it, try relaxation techniques.  I'm also a Registered Nurse, no, not a doctor or a pharmacist.. however,I do know Klonopin is a pretty hefty drug.  I would not take that now that I'm pregnant, nor would I have taken it before.. I always thought there was something wrong with me, that I was not normal bc I had these panic attacks.  I went to the doctor, therapist, etc.  I did ask for drugs several times for my anxiety.  And no one would offer me anything.  I am now glad for that.  I wouldn't want to be dependent on a drug to "live a normal life".  Anxiety is in your head.  You just need to learn the best way for yourself to deal with it.  Sorry for the tough love, but it honestly is the best thing for both of you. 

Emerson2007

I have pretty bad anxiety and some panic attacks. I am on a low dose of Lexapro and was told I could take it up to 20 weeks. I know other's that I think took it their entire pregnancy. My OB said Zoloft is known to be safe, Lexapro is ok, but not as tested and Paxil was a definite not safe while pregnant. I also have Xanax an they told me not to take that either. I did bad on Zoloft, so they are letting me stay on Lexapro. 

Some other helpful ideas.......if you are religious...praying about it helps me when I start to get really anxious, staying away from caffeine or sugar, if possible and trying to get good sleep at night or a nap if possible. Also, if you can distract yourself with a book or activity to help keep your mind from racing. Hope that helps:)