Commonly prescribed benzodiazepines include: Valium, Serepax, Mogadon, Xanax, Ativan, Rohypnol, Normison and Tranxene.

Effects During Pregnancy

• Benzodiazepines are the most common minor tranquillisers and sleeping pills used. Benzodiazepines are addictive to both the mother and the baby. The baby is less able to cope with tranquillisers than the mother.
  


• It is recommended that the use of benzodiazepines be avoided during pregnancy and close to the time of birth as they can be harmful if taken continuously or in high doses (Australian Drug Evaluation Committee).


• Benzodiazepines can produce withdrawal symptoms in new-born babies. Withdrawal symptoms can include breathing problems, poor body temperature control, poor muscle tone, and difficult sucking. The babies can appear floppy or limp and this poor muscle tone can last for a number of months, although the babies do eventually recover.
  


• If benzodiazepines have been used consistently throughout the pregnancy, withdrawal symptoms can last for one week or more (although they can take some days to appear).
  

What You Can Do

• NEVER STOP TAKING BENZODIAZEPINES SUDDENLY. People who stop taking benzodiazepines suddenly will often experience withdrawal symptoms which can be severe and can include a withdrawal seizure or fit. Withdrawal can occur for the baby as well. A tapered reduction is the recommended way of coming off benzodiazepines.
  


• Consult your doctor, alcohol and drug counselling service, TRANX or the Chemical Dependency Unit of the Royal Women's Hospital if you wish to reduce your use of benzodiazepines during pregnancy.
  

• If you are thinking of becoming pregnant talk to your doctor or other health services about going on a reduction program before pregnancy.
  


• The lower the dose of benzodiazepines, the safer for the baby's development and risk of withdrawal.
  

Breast Feeding

• Benzodiazepines reach the baby through breast milk. The baby's body cannot process them quickly and they can accumulate in high doses. The baby may be more affected if the mother is taking high doses or if the baby is sick.
  


• The baby may have a lowered body temperature, poor muscle tone and breathing problems. The baby may also appear to be sedated and feed poorly. Each baby requires individual observation.