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use of valium for fear of flying?

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  • use of valium for fear of flying?

    Hi, I am wondering about the risk of taking a low dose valium or another anti-anxiety drug for a flight when 16 weeks pregnant? I have a fear of flying and the only thing that helps is taking a xanax but Im not sure I can do that so any advice on what could be taken would be a great help...I cant avoid this upcoming flight.
    Thank you for your time in advance.

  • #2
    Dear heleng,

    Alprazolam (Xanax) is in the benzodiazepine class of medication. Alprazolam is considered Class D in pregnancy. For Class D medications, there is positive evidence of human fetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk if needed for a life threatening condition or in situations for which safer drugs are unable to be used or are ineffective. Since you are now in your second trimester of pregnancy, the risk of birth defects is low from this medication although we can not say there is no risk. There may be alternatives to alprazolam that may be considered safer in pregnancy so you should talk with your physician about other options.

    Sincerely,
    Cindy Pride, MSN, CPNP
    TTUHSC InfantRisk Center

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    • #3
      [QUOTE=cpride;2667]Dear heleng,

      Alprazolam (Xanax) is in the benzodiazepine class of medication. Alprazolam is considered Class D in pregnancy. For Class D medications, there is positive evidence of human fetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk if needed for a life threatening condition or in situations for which safer drugs are unable to be used or are ineffective. Since you are now in your second trimester of pregnancy, the risk of birth defects is low from this medication although we can not say there is no risk. There may be alternatives to alprazolam that may be considered safer in pregnancy so you should talk with your physician about other options.

      Sincerely,
      Cindy Pride, MSN, CPNP
      TTUHSC InfantRisk Center[/QUOTE]

      talk with physician is good choice..

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      • #4
        If you really need to take anti-anxiety medications, go for the older brands, the ones that have gone through more studies and tests. Prozac and Zoloft have been commonly prescribed for anxiety during pregnancy. But do talk with your physician before you take anything and think twice and thrice before deciding to take one. Going for natural remedies is always best - psychotherapy, meditation and taking vitamins such as fish oil and nuts.

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        • #5
          [QUOTE=cpride;n3549]Dear heleng,

          Alprazolam (Xanax) is in the benzodiazepine class of medication. Alprazolam is considered Class D in pregnancy. For Class D medications, there is positive evidence of human fetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk if needed for a life threatening condition or in situations for which safer drugs are unable to be used or are ineffective. Since you are now in your second trimester of pregnancy, the risk of birth defects is low from this medication although we can not say there is no risk. There may be alternatives to alprazolam that may be considered safer in pregnancy so you should talk with your physician about other options.

          Sincerely,
          Cindy Pride, MSN, CPNP
          TTUHSC InfantRisk Center[/QUOTE]

          Thank you, this helps. But is there any other alternative?

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          • #6
            Certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).SSRIs are generally considered an option during pregnancy, including citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft). Potential complications include an increased risk of heavy bleeding after giving birth (postpartum hemorrhage), premature birth and low birth weight. Most studies show that SSRIs aren't associated with birth defects. However, paroxetine (Paxil) appears to be associated with a small increased risk of a fetal heart defect.

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            • #7
              Thanks to everyone for sharing freat information with us.

              The antidepressants most widely prescribed for anxiety are SSRIs such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, and Celexa.

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