Posted by grapebubblegum on June 28, 2001, at 20:19:04
In reply to Klonopin and Pregnancy, posted by Allibum on June 26, 2001, at 12:58:42
Yes! I did take it during pregnancy. I got so knotted up with anxiety over that nauseous morning-sickness feeling (which many of us know can be all-day sickness which then renders us unable to eat which turns into fatigue, which worsens the nauseous feeling and thus worsens the anxiety in a very unhealthful downhill snowball of physical and psychiatric health, etc. etc. etc.)
After much obsessive research on my part and talking to my doctor about my every last misgiving and fear that my baby might be harmed, she convinced me that the risks of klonopin use (and there are no risks proven or even implied, btw) paled in comparison to the benefits, considering the fact that poor nutrition and hydration, constant fatigue and constant anxiety generate steroids which can definitely be harmful to a pregnancy. (I think that is the way she put it.)
I reluctantly started taking .25 mg of klonopin 3 times per day. As a matter of fact, I changed OB/GYNs because my first one just shook his head and said, "I wish you would take no medication during pregnancy," and while I knew he meant well, he was not addressing my need to live from day to day. My new OB/GYN who happens to be from Australia, had no problem whatsoever with my need to take that medication. He was very supportive and understanding.
I took it for a few months and when the nausea FINALLY subsided, (halfway through the pregnancy) I was able to stop taking klonopin, except as needed for panic attacks. In another thread I described my ability to be able to eat a plate of food for the first time in months after taking that first half-tablet of klonopin. That was during the pregnancy I am describing. The feeling of EATING some protein and other good food and going to sleep peacefully was incomparable and I say that pregnancy is no time to swear off ALL medications; it is true I swore off caffeine and hardly ever took so much as a cold pill, but I found that the fear of medications hurting the unborn baby is for the most part overblown and hugely trumped up. The key being: check with a doctor or two, and then do what you have to do.
My baby was born at 9 lbs. 15 1/2 ounces (yes, I am bragging) and is the healthiest, happiest, brightest child this world has ever seen. (Ok, now I'm REALLY bragging. ;o) Seriously, he is happy, strong and bright and the picture of health. I hope I have allayed your fears.
poster:grapebubblegum
thread:67955
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010625/msgs/68291.html