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With the daily rush, more and more it has been necessary to use psychotropic drugs to help with anxiety and also with modern diseases such as panic syndrome or anxiety disorder for example. One such drug is Rivotril (Clonazepan) which is a controlled and extremely addictive drug . Does Rivotril in pregnancy cause problems? Is the use of this drug recommended during pregnancy? How do you know if the benefit will outweigh the risk?
What is Rivotril? Rivotril in pregnancy or not, is a benzodiazepine-based medicine. It has calming, anticonvulsant, tranquilizer, muscle relaxant and sedative properties. As a principle it inhibits the central nervous system. First, to use this type of medication, it is necessary for a doctor to prescribe and control its use, since it is a black-stripe medication. As the formulation of Rivotril is addictive, with only 15 days of continuous use, the person is already prone to become dependent . Some psychiatrists indicate use due to problems or extreme condition , but Rivotril in pregnancy is extremely controlled.
Many women who take this medication may have to discontinue it when they become pregnant. At least in the first trimester, doctors advise against the use of Rivotril in pregnancy as it poses a risk of malformation to the baby. Most psychiatrists trust the use of this medication for the second trimester of pregnancy, but gynecologists ask that the medication be used only in urgent situations and in an emergency in case of crisis, if the woman has problems and undergo treatment before pregnancy. It is found that Rivotril passes in small amounts through the placenta, however, as a cause of dependence, it is better if it is used sporadically. In extreme situations, the elderly may recommend the use of this medication, however, only after the first trimester of pregnancy, that is, 12 weeks .
However, there is a controversy regarding the use prior to pregnancy. This medication does not stop abruptly. Better that it be done gradually, a proportional reduction . If the patient takes 1mg a day, it is recommended to increase it to 0.5. From there to 0.25 until it completely ceases. This will provide fewer side effects and prevent withdrawal crises. Some women may continue with low doses during pregnancy, as some doctors allow them to think that there are no major problems.
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Risk x Benefits of Rivotril in Pregnancy
To determine the risk vs. benefit of Rivotril in pregnancy, the doctor will consider the situation the patient is in and associate if there is any risk greater than the benefits during pregnancy. If a woman suffers from depression and needs medication, the best way out is to evaluate it specifically on a case-by-case basis to release the use. Therefore, it is necessary for the pregnant woman to talk to her doctor as soon as she discovers the pregnancy. If the suspension is advised, the doctor may indicate that the patient resumes use after a safe period of pregnancy. Some doctors find the problems that the condition brings much worse, so they release the use even before the end of the first trimester. As I said, everything has its cost benefit, it depends on the situation.
The problem with psychotropics is late side effects. The use of Rivotril in pregnancy, for example, can cause attention deficit in children born to users of tranquilizers. Those women who use tranquilizers such as clonazepam or diazepam, for example, are more likely to have postpartum depression. In addition, the use of benzodiazepine-based drugs during breastfeeding is not recommended, as it can be secreted by breast milk.
But it is always good to remember that not all doctors recommend Rivotril in pregnancy and there, other methods can be adopted. In case of anxiety, some herbal medicines are indicated to alleviate the symptoms:
Passionflower: Acts as a relaxant and antidepressant
Valerian root: Controls insomnia or anxiety (after 12 weeks)
Linden: natural soothing, anxiety and hysteria
Melissa: Contributes to improved sleep and control of anxiety and panic disorder
In addition, other ways to alleviate the symptoms of Rivotril’s lack in pregnancy can be used, such as massages, physical activity, meditation, yoga and also aqua aerobics. These activities increase the levels of serotonin , which will bring a feeling of well-being and alleviate the indicative symptoms for the use of controlled medications. Still in doubt? Consult your doctor. Nobody better than him to explain what the use of Rivotril in pregnancy can bring. Remember that each case is different and yours may not be so severe that the use of this type of medication is considered beneficial.
See also: Medicines in Pregnancy – Use Safely!
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
