Question

Jordyn is a 27-year-old patient who presents to the clinic with GAD. She is 30 weeks pregnant and has been well controlled on a regimen of sertraline 50mg daily. Jordyn says that "about once or twice a week my husband really gets on my nerves and I can't take it." She is opposed to having the sertraline dose increased due to the risk of further weight gain. You have decided to prescribe the patient a short-term course of benzodiazepines for breakthrough anxiety. Which of the following is the LEAST appropriate benzodiazepines to prescribe to this patient? a.diazepam b.alprazolam c.clonazepamx d.lorazepam

Answer 1

The least appropriate benzodiazepine to prescribe to a pregnant patient like Jordyn would be:

c. clonazepam

Clonazepam is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks to the developing fetus, especially when used in the later stages of pregnancy. It's important to consider the potential effects on the baby, including the risk of withdrawal symptoms or other complications.

Options a (diazepam), b (alprazolam), and d (lorazepam) may also have risks during pregnancy, and their use should be carefully considered, but clonazepam is typically associated with a higher risk profile in this context. The decision to prescribe any medication during pregnancy should involve a thorough discussion of the potential risks and benefits with the patient, and it's important to consider alternative approaches when possible.