Is Xanax Safe During Pregnancy

 Xanax® (alprazolam) is a prescription medicine commonly used for treating generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in adults. Many people may wonder, "Is it safe during pregnancy?"
 
In both human and animal studies, the medication was shown to cause problems during pregnancy. Using benzodiazepine medicines (such as Xanax) during early pregnancy may increase the risk of birth defects, while using it during later pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in a newborn.
 
Since taking Xanax is rarely absolutely necessary, many healthcare providers suggest that it should always be avoided during pregnancy. However, you should not stop taking Xanax without your healthcare provider's approval -- even if you are pregnant -- due to the risk of dangerous withdrawal symptoms.
 
(Click Xanax and Pregnancy for more information on whether it is safe to take Xanax during pregnancy and to find out what you should do if you are taking this drug and pregnancy occurs.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD
 
Referring Pages Articles