Ativan and Pregnancy
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Ativan, the brand name for the generic lorazepam, is used to treat short-term relief of anxiety and anxiety caused by depression. Ativan belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. It works by enhancing the effects of chemicals that brain cells use to transmit messages to one another, called neurotransmitters.[1] Anxiety and other psychological disorders are believed to be caused by excessive nerve activity in the brain.
Ativan is a Pregnancy Category D medication and is not recommended for use during pregnancy.[2]
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| Brand name for | Lorazepam |
|---|---|
| Used for | Treats anxiety |
| Pregnancy Risk Factor | D |
| Label instructions | One to six mg per day, given in divided doses. |
| Warnings | The use of Ativan may cause harm to a developing fetus. However, as with all antidepressants, the benefit to the mother may outweigh the potential risk to the fetus. |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Ativan and Pregnancy Category D
Ativan is classified as FDA pregnancy category D. Animal reproduction studies have shown that Ativan may increase the risk of miscarriages and various birth defects. [3] Reproductive studies in animals (two strains of rabbits, mice, and rats) resulted in anomalies such as malrotated limbs, hernias, malformed skull, and microphthalmia (a condition of the eye that causes blindness). At very high doses (40 mg/kg), the study resulted in rabbits with increased fetal loss. While the clinical significance of these findings is not known, the risk of congenital malformations associated with the use of tranquilizers during the first trimester of pregnancy has been documented in several studies.[2]
Blood levels obtained from umbilical cord blood in humans indicate placental transfer of Ativan. Mothers who ingested benzodiazepines for several weeks or more preceding delivery were reported to have infants who suffered from withdrawal symptoms during the postnatal period. These symptoms include apnea, feeding problems, hypoactivity, hypothermia, low muscle tone, and respiratory depression have been reported in infants born of mothers who have received benzodiazepines during the late phase of pregnancy or at delivery.[2]
Researchers suggest that the use of Ativan while pregnant should be avoided, particularly because the use of this drug is rarely a matter of urgency. Patients should be advised that if they become pregnant, they should communicate with their physician about the desirability of discontinuing the drug. [2]
Ativan and Breastfeeding
Ativan has been shown to pass through breast milk in studies of nursing mothers and can cause serious side effects to infants. [3] These side effects include sedation, irritability, and the inability to suckle. [2]
About Drug Side Effects
Also See: Drug Side Effects, Ativan Side Effects, Lorazepam Side Effects, Xanax Side Effects, Valium Coupons, Versed Side Effects, Lexapro and Pregnancy, Wellbutrin and Pregnancy
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