When a woman is pregnant, the choices she makes about medication can impact the developing baby. Medications like Xanax are known to cross the placenta, which means that they have a direct effect on the fetus. If a pregnant woman takes this drug, the fetus is at risk for conditions like withdrawal and congenital disabilities. Xanax is the most commonly prescribed and misused benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. This drug is a central nervous system depressant and can lead to feelings of calm and relaxation.
Xanax is also highly addictive and can lead to physical dependence. This means that pregnant women who take Xanax could become addicted, and their babies could be born dependent on the drug. Xanax use can also lead to acute withdrawal syndrome, which can be dangerous to a newborn baby.
Can Xanax Use Affect Pregnancy?
Sadly, when women use Xanax while pregnant, it can lead to dependence, addiction, maternal and neonatal withdrawal, and congenital disabilities. Research has found that Xanax can lead to congenital disabilities and neonatal abstinence syndrome (withdrawal). Still, up to 33 percent of women receive medications like Xanax while pregnant. Often, this drug is prescribed to treat a condition that occurred before the pregnancy.
Even though Xanax use can put the baby at risk, many women continue to take the medication throughout their pregnancy because they feel that they need the drug. When people are dependent on Xanax, they may use the substance by taking higher or more frequent doses than prescribed.
Effects of Abusing Xanax During Pregnancy
Like many other prescription drugs, Xanax comes with a list of potential side effects. Even when taken as directed, Xanax can lead to side effects such as memory issues and poor concentration. If Xanax is being abused, these side effects will likely intensify. Additionally, abusing Xanax increases a person’s risk of physical dependence, tolerance, and addiction. These side effects can be hazardous for women who are pregnant and could have an effect on their developing baby. If a pregnant woman stops using the drug suddenly, she may experience dangerous withdrawal symptoms such as suicidal ideation and seizure.
Risks of Abusing Xanax During Pregnancy
There are significant risks of abusing benzodiazepines during pregnancy. Xanax is one of the most potent drugs in its class and can quickly lead to dependence and addiction.
In addition to the physical risks of abusing Xanax while pregnant, there can also be emotional consequences. Being a new mother can be challenging, and dealing with drug addiction or neonatal withdrawal syndrome can make the transition to motherhood even more difficult.
Congenital Disabilities
If a pregnant woman uses Xanax in the first trimester, the baby could be born with congenital disabilities like cleft palate or inguinal hernia.
Researchers have also discovered associations between prenatal Xanax use and microcephaly, which is a condition that leaves the baby with an abnormally small head circumference. Some babies are also born with congenital hip dislocation.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (Withdrawal)
One of the most well-documented risks of abusing Xanax while pregnant is neonatal abstinence syndrome or neonatal withdrawal. If a person takes Xanax throughout their pregnancy, the baby could be born suffering from withdrawal.
Xanax is associated with a difficult withdrawal period. Even among healthy adults, withdrawing from Xanax can lead to life-threatening symptoms such as a seizure. For a newborn baby, these symptoms can be extremely dangerous.
Symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome (withdrawal) include:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Irritability (excessive crying)
- Low heart rate
- Trouble sucking/eating
- Uneven breathing
- Floppy infant syndrome (low muscle tone in head, arms, and legs)
- Cyanosis (bluish tint to the skin)
- Seizures
If a baby is born addicted to Xanax, they will likely suffer from symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome. This could interfere with maternal-child bonding. Additionally, babies who suffer from neonatal abstinence syndrome may also face long-term risks to their health.
In order to avoid these long-term risks, it’s vital to stop using Xanax as soon as you learn you are pregnant. The safest way to stop taking Xanax is with the help of a medically assisted detox program.
Xanax Withdrawal and Detox
When a person takes Xanax for a length of time, they may develop a tolerance. This means they require larger amounts of the drug in order to get the same effects. Over time, this can lead to physical dependence.
If they stop their use suddenly, they could experience severe withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be especially risky for women who are pregnant.
Symptoms of Xanax withdrawal may include:
- Blurred vision
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Sensitivity to noise and light
- Aggression
- Muscle cramps
- Diarrhea
Withdrawing from a benzodiazepine like Xanax can be life-threatening and should always take place under medical supervision. Medical detox programs exist to help patients through the difficult withdrawal stage.
Many detox programs offer customized treatment plans for women who are pregnant. Patients are provided with emotional support and medications to soothe withdrawal symptoms. Fetal monitoring and counseling may also be provided.
Finding Treatment for Xanax Use and Addiction when Pregnant
Pregnant women struggling with Xanax use and addiction can find help in specialized Xanax treatment programs. Many inpatient rehab centers provide customized care to pregnant women who want to stop taking Xanax.
In an inpatient rehab center, pregnant women can detox in a safe and supportive environment. Medical care, addiction education, and parenting classes may be provided. Certain programs may take private or public health insurance, including Medicaid.
Seek Support at Vertava Health Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with Xanax use and addiction, it is never too late to find help. At Vertava Health, we offer a range of treatment options for women who are considering getting pregnant, but who are struggling with Xanax use and addiction. For instance, our treatment options include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
- Individual and group therapy
- Aftercare planning
We understand that every person’s situation is unique. That’s why we offer customized treatment plans that are designed to meet each patient’s individual needs. For more information on the effects and risks of abusing Xanax during pregnancy, or to find a maternal rehab center near you, contact one of our treatment specialists at 844.470.0410 today.
