Took Xanax Before I Found Out I Was Pregnant: Reason To Worry?
When you are pregnant there is a whole array of things that you can and can’t do. One of the things that mothers are often warned about is taking medications, so if you’ve taken Xanax before you realized you were pregnant, you might be worried you’ve made a mistake.
Xanax can have negative impacts on pregnancy, because of this it is not safe to take during pregnancy. Still, the potential effects will vary depending on when it was taken in the pregnancy, how much was taken, and admittedly, chance.
If you’re in this situation, you’re probably wondering if this is worth being concerned over. Read further on for some information and advice on how to proceed.
What Is Xanax?
Alprazolam, also known as Xanax, is a drug used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It is part of the family of drugs called benzodiazepines. These types of drugs act on the central nervous system to produce a calming, sedating effect, thus explaining their applications for anxiety and panic attacks.
Xanax comes in tablet form, and can only be acquired through a doctor’s prescription. Dosage and frequency of use will depend on your medical condition, but also on your age, how you respond to treatment, and more.
Xanax is a helpful drug for many people, but it comes with its own risks and concerns. One of the biggest concerns with Xanax is that it may cause addiction. The risk here is especially high for those with a history of substance abuse, so you should always be cautious with how often you take it, and to be aware of your own habits.
When taking Xanax it is important to follow the directions included with the prescription to lower the associated risks. It is also important to never drive while using Xanax and to avoid intaking any alcohol with or after taking Xanax.
Is It Ok To Take Xanax While Pregnant?
Xanax is a Class D drug. This category is defined as including drugs that have been shown to cause adverse effects on fetuses while still in the womb. This is determined primarily through data collected through investigative and marketing studies in humans. This of course means that it should not be taken while pregnant.
The actual effect that Xanax could have on a baby varies from being totally harmless, to possibly causing some serious health-related issues. This is influenced by a variety of factors, which may alter the severity of the effects.
It’s important to note that taking Xanax during pregnancy is not recommended, and should be avoided whenever possible. Still, some Class D drugs may still be given to pregnant women if the benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the fetus If taken under some circumstances, or as directed by a doctor, a drug like Xanax might not have negative effects 100% of the time.
Impact Of Xanax On Babies
The influence that this medication can have on your baby can vary greatly, but the risks associated can in some cases be quite severe. One determining factor in the severity of Xanax’s impact on your baby’s development comes from when in the pregnancy the drug was taken. Let’s cover each by trimester.
First Trimester
Taking Xanax during the first trimester can result in serious health concerns for your baby. This includes during their time in the womb, and as they develop after birth. One potential risk that is reported to occur is the increased presence of cleft lip, and other congenital disabilities.
That means taking Xanax in the first trimester can have implications affecting the baby’s development, appearance, and their health. This is not the assured result of taking Xanax, but the risk of problems occurring will greatly increase depending on how often, and how much of the drug is taken.
Second Trimester
Taking Xanax during the second trimester can lead to some serious complications, like withdrawal syndrome. This occurs when an individual is exposed to a drug and becomes biologically reliant on it for keeping the body’s chemical systems in balance. This leads to addiction and dependence, and related health issues.
The use of Xanax can trigger many health-related developmental issues, like difficulty breathing, dehydration, seizures, and more. Again, the particular reaction will depend on how much Xanax the individual takes, and factors specific to the baby/mother.
Third Trimester
Taking Xanax during the third trimester comes with its own risks. The primary is an increased likelihood that they will have difficulties developing muscle mass along with the presence of other developmental issues.
Does Xanax Increase The Likelihood Of A Miscarriage?
There is a background risk associated with any pregnancy, and while it is highly discouraged to take Xanax during pregnancy, there is not currently any evidence to support claims that it would contribute to the likelihood of a miscarriage.
What If I Need To Take Xanax During Pregnancy?
If your doctor has given you the OK to continue taking your Xanax prescription during pregnancy, you still might be concerned about complications. If you do, there is a chance of the baby developing withdrawal symptoms. This can lead to issues keeping a regular body temperature, low energy, vomiting, and other complications.
Xanax Pregnancy Side-Effects
Being a strong psychoactive drug, there are side effects associated with Xanax usage. Even when used according to prescription, many people who take Xanax report experiencing some side effects, so the phenomenon is not uncommon.
If used excessively, negative side effects are even more likely and can get severe, or even life-threatening. These risks are even more serious for women going through a pregnancy, as the risks also can have consequences for the infant.
Some side effects related to Xanax are:
- Drowsiness
- Light-headedness
- Tiredness
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in weight
- Difficulty Urinating
- Seizures
- Skin rash
- Yellowing of the eyes
- Speech problems
- Coordination problems
If you or a loved one is experiencing Xanax addiction, it is far more likely that you or they will experience one, or many of the side effects listed above. No one needs to go through this alone, and we would encourage anyone going through this to seek help immediately. If you need help, try visiting this link. And always remember, there is no shame in trying to get better.
Conclusion
Xanax is a drug that can be helpful for some people, but if taken improperly, or during pregnancy, there can be serious consequences. While you may not have to worry if you have taken Xanax once during your pregnancy, it is always worth checking with a doctor to make sure that everything is okay.
