clonazepam
Clonazepam is used to control certain types of seizures. It is also used to treat panic attacks (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks). Clonazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions should always be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking clonazepam affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
Studies have not been done to see if taking clonazepam can make it harder to get pregnant. Anyone with questions about clonazepam and fertility should discuss them with their healthcare provider.
Does taking clonazepam increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many reasons, and it is not known whether clonazepam increases this chance. One study found that women taking more than 4 mg/day of clonazepam had a slightly higher chance of miscarriage, but it is difficult to separate effects of the medication, the underlying condition, and other factors. A healthcare provider can help interpret what this means in an individual situation.
Does taking clonazepam increase the risk of birth defects?
Every pregnancy starts with a 3–5% background chance of a birth defect. Data on clonazepam used alone in pregnancy are limited, and the small number of studies available have not found an increased chance of birth defects, though risks may differ when clonazepam is taken with other medications. Decisions about use during pregnancy should be made together with a healthcare provider.
Can taking clonazepam during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
Two prescription-record studies suggested that babies exposed to clonazepam in pregnancy might be more likely to be born preterm (before 37 weeks) or with low birth weight, and another study reported a higher chance of being small for gestational age. Because prescription-record studies cannot confirm whether the medication was actually taken, it is hard to know if these outcomes are related to clonazepam or other factors. Use at the end of pregnancy can also lead to temporary newborn symptoms such as breathing trouble, low muscle tone, or poor circulation, sometimes requiring NICU care—your healthcare provider should be informed so the baby can be monitored.
Can taking clonazepam during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
It is not known whether clonazepam increases the chance of behavior or learning issues. One study of 314 exposed children found an increased chance of intellectual disability and delayed milestones, while another study of 269 children did not find an increased chance of autism; a prescription-record study found no increased chance of autism or intellectual disability when clonazepam was used in the first trimester for seizures, but did note an increased chance of intellectual disability when used for other indications. These findings have limitations, and a healthcare provider can help put them in context for an individual pregnancy.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking clonazepam?
Clonazepam passes into breastmilk in small amounts and can cause sedation, with levels potentially building up in the infant; medications with a shorter half-life may sometimes be preferred for a newborn or exclusively breastfed infant. The product label recommends against use while breastfeeding, but the benefits of treatment and of breastfeeding may outweigh possible risks in some situations. A healthcare provider can help weigh these factors, and any signs in the baby such as sleepiness, poor weight gain, or delayed milestones should be reported to the child's provider.
Source: National Library of Medicine
clonazepam