Niravam and Pregnancy

It is generally recommended that women avoid Niravam (orally disintegrating alprazolam) during pregnancy. This is because the drug has shown clear evidence of risk to the fetus in previous studies and because taking this medication is rarely absolutely necessary. Despite this risk, however, a healthcare provider may still prescribe this drug to a pregnant woman if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Niravam Medication Information

Can Pregnant Women Take Niravam?

Niravam^® (orally disintegrating alprazolam) is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and panic disorder. This medication is a pregnancy Category D drug, meaning it may cause harm to an unborn child.

What Is Pregnancy Category D?

The U.

S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category D is given to medicines that have been shown to present a risk to the fetus in studies of pregnant women but may still offer benefits that outweigh the risks the drug presents.

A pregnancy Category D medicine may still be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.

When benzodiazepines, including Niravam, are taken in the first trimester, they may increase the risk for birth defects. When taken later in pregnancy, they may cause withdrawal symptoms, low muscle tone, and breathing problems in the newborn.

Because Niravam is rarely absolutely necessary during pregnancy, it is recommended that the medication generally be avoided early in pregnancy. If you have already been taking Niravam and discover you are pregnant, do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your healthcare provider. Suddenly stopping Niravam can cause serious withdrawal symptoms, including seizures.

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