Attention, ladies. If you’re trying to get pregnant and are also taking Xanax for anxiety, there might be some interference with your ovulation cycle and conception.
Xanax is the brand name of alprazolam, a benzodiazepine (ben-zoe-dye-AZE-eh-peen) that is used to treat anxiety disorders or panic attacks.
It’s important for women who are trying to conceive to understand how any medication they are taking may affect their ability to get pregnant. While many benzodiazepines like
Xanax have not been proven harmful in early stages of pregnancy, there is still enough concern that many doctors recommend not taking them during conception, if at all possible. If you take Xanax and want to get pregnant, talk with your doctor about possible risks and alternate treatments for anxiety that do not involve drugs.
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What is Xanax?
Xanax (alprazolam) is a short-acting benzodiazepine that is used to treat anxiety disorders such as panic attacks, generalized anxiety disorder, or social anxiety disorder.
Xanax is not an anti-depressant and should not be confused with antidepressants like SSRIs. Benzodiazepines like Xanax work by increasing the amount of GABA in the brain. GABA helps calm the brain and nerves, and can help decrease feelings of anxiety.
How Does Xanax Work?
Xanax works by binding to GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces anxiety, blood pressure, and other feelings of stress.
Xanax binds to GABA receptors in your brain and increases the amount of GABA in your system, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and panic.
How Can Xanax Affect Fertility?
Xanax and other benzodiazepines have not been proven harmful in early stages of pregnancy. There is no concrete evidence that confirms the effects of benzodiazepines on fertility, conception, or pregnancy.
However, there are a couple of things you should know.
First, benzodiazepines like Xanax can affect a woman’s hormone levels. Xanax can cause a woman’s testosterone levels to rise, which may alter her hormone balance and delay her ovulation cycle. Women who are taking benzodiazepines and trying to conceive may have a more difficult time getting pregnant.
Second, the effects of benzodiazepines on a developing fetus are not yet proven. There is no concrete evidence that concludes the safety of benzodiazepines during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Xanax and other benzodiazepines have not been proven harmful in early stages of pregnancy. However, there is enough concern that many doctors recommend not taking benzodiazepines during conception, if at all possible.
Should You Stop Taking Xanax to Get Pregnant?
If you are taking Xanax and want to get pregnant, you may want to talk to your doctor about switching to a different form of anxiety relief.
Xanax has a half-life of 12 hours, which means it takes your body 12 hours to break down half of the Xanax in your system. That’s why it’s recommended to take the medication twice per day instead of just once.
If you take Xanax twice per day, you’ll have half of the drug cleared from your body by the time you go to sleep.
If you take Xanax once per day, you’ll have half of the drug cleared from your body during the morning hours.
Taking Xanax and Still Trying to Conceive
If you are taking Xanax and want to get pregnant, you should talk with your doctor about possible alternative treatments for anxiety.
You should also keep in mind that Xanax stays in your system much longer than other benzodiazepines. If you want to stop taking Xanax, you’ll likely experience withdrawal symptoms.
Xanax withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, irritability, tremors, seizures, sweating, and hearing voices.
If you have been taking Xanax for a while and want to discontinue use, you may need to slowly taper off your dosage over the course of several weeks.
Xanax withdrawal can be dangerous, especially if you’re pregnant. If you’re taking Xanax to treat anxiety or panic attacks and want to get pregnant, you should talk with your doctor about tapering off of your medication as soon as possible.
Final Words: Ask Your Doc Before You Start Any Rx
Benzodiazepines like Xanax may be helpful for some people with anxiety, but they are not always the best treatment option.
Xanax is addictive, and you may need to take the medication for a long period of time.
In some cases, taking Xanax may lead to withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop taking the medication.
If you are taking Xanax to treat anxiety, you should also try to develop healthy coping skills and relaxation techniques to help you manage your anxiety.
If you take Xanax and want to get pregnant, you should talk with your doctor about possible alternative treatments for anxiety. You should also keep in mind that Xanax has not been proven harmful in early stages of pregnancy.
