Clonazepam & Pregnancy | Safety & Risks

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies clonazepam as a schedule IV controlled substance which means it has a lower potential for abuse compared to other drugs. However, it can still lead to dependence and addiction.

Along with the potential for addiction, clonazepam also comes with some risks if you take it while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Clonazepam (also known under the brand name Klonopin) is a benzodiazepine and anticonvulsant/antiepileptic drug used to treat seizures and epilepsy. It can also treat mental health conditions like panic disorder, anxiety disorder, and agoraphobia.

Klonopin works by increasing the amount of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This has a calming effect that can reduce panic attacks and control seizures.

Potential Risks Of Clonazepam Use While Pregnant

There are a few risks that can come with taking clonazepam, and the risks that come with quitting the medication may outweigh the risks of taking it while pregnant.

Your healthcare provider can help you weigh those risks and decide the best option for you.

The risks associated with clonazepam and pregnancy can include:

Hypotonia

Taking clonazepam while pregnant can increase the risk of hypotonia or floppy baby syndrome. With hypotonia, the baby may experience decreased muscle tone, poor circulation, and breathing problems.

Other symptoms may include:

• unable to lift head or control neck muscles
• feeling limp when held
• can’t place weight on legs
• arms and legs hang straight at their sides
• difficulty swallowing

Withdrawal

If you take clonazepam during pregnancy, especially in high doses, there is also an increased risk of your baby experiencing withdrawal after they are born and no longer exposed to the drug.

Medication, extra time in the hospital, and general love and care are likely used to address withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies.

Birth Defects

Pregnant women taking clonazepam on its own have not shown an increased risk of birth defects or malformations.

Those who have taken clonazepam along with other anticonvulsant medications have shown an increased risk of birth defects. Combining two or more similar medications seems to harm the fetus.

Most of these potential risks occur when clonazepam is taken in high doses during the first trimester of pregnancy. If you become pregnant on clonazepam, consulting a medical professional is your best option.

Clonazepam & Breastfeeding

Clonazepam may not only be a risk to the fetus while you’re pregnant; it can also be an issue once the baby is born and breastfeeding.

Clonazepam can transfer into breast milk in small amounts. While small amounts likely won’t hurt the baby, if you’re taking high doses or abusing the drug, more will transfer into the milk.

Consuming clonazepam through breastmilk can cause:

• sedation or sleepiness
• weight loss
• difficulty nursing
• development issues

The drug can also build up in their body and create more issues. Because of this, other medications may be a better option while they are nursing.

Side Effects Of Clonazepam

Clonazepam can also lead to side effects that can affect both the mother and the fetus’s health if the effects are serious enough.

These side effects can include:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• impaired coordination
• memory loss
• muscle pain
• frequent urination
• blurred vision

In rare cases, suicidal thoughts have also been linked to intense withdrawal symptoms after someone dependent on Klonopin abruptly stops use.

Drug Interactions With Clonazepam

Beyond the harm the drug can do on its own, mixing clonazepam with other medications can also lead to serious adverse effects.

Some of the medications that should not be taken with clonazepam include:

• over-the-counter vitamins and supplements
• certain antibiotics
• antidepressants
• certain antifungal medications
• certain calcium channel blockers
• HIV protease inhibitors
• drugs for sleep or anxiety like alprazolam (Xanax) diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan)
• other medications for seizures like carbamazepine
• muscle relaxants
• sedatives
• certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

If you or a loved one live with benzodiazepine addiction and need help, please contact us today.