QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
I recently discovered I am 5 weeks pregnant. I have tried to stop taking my Xanax 0.5 mg before bed, but suffer from extreme anxiety and sleeplessness. What is your advice on taking this medication during pregnancy? I have been diagnosed with severe depression and take Prozac, which I have discontinued with no apparent problem. It is the anxiety that is giving me problems? If necessary, I will discontinue the Xanax but have a very difficult time. I have lowered my dosage to 0.5 mg once per day, but am afraid this will cause harm to the baby.
ANSWER:
This is absolutely a topic you must discuss with your physicians.
Xanax is not considered safe in pregnancy. It is a category "D" medication. When
the baby is born he/she may get withdrawal symptoms. Difficulty with breathing and weak
muscles can also occur.
Prozac is much safer during pregnancy. It is a category "B" medication.
