Psychopharmacology and Psychiatry Updates Benzodiazepines in High-Risk Populations
May 16, 2025
Discover the complexities surrounding benzodiazepine use in high-risk populations such as pregnant women, nursing mothers, and adolescents. The discussion highlights the potential risks and necessary precautions, emphasizing the need for cautious prescription practices. Learn about the delicate balance between benefits and risks, and explore alternatives for safer management. Key insights focus on fostering coping skills to address the challenges at these critical life stages.
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Updated Risks of Benzodiazepine Use
- Recent research questions the previously assumed high risk of congenital malformations from benzodiazepines in pregnancy.
- Adolescents' neurobiological vulnerabilities make benzodiazepine use riskier during critical brain development.
Benzodiazepines in Pregnancy Advice
- Avoid benzodiazepines during pregnancy when possible and taper off by the third trimester to reduce neonatal risks.
- If needed, use shorter half-life benzodiazepines sparingly and consider switching to safer antidepressants like SSRIs (excluding paroxetine).
Benzodiazepines While Breastfeeding
- Avoid benzodiazepines during breastfeeding if possible due to risk of sedation and respiratory depression in infants.
- If necessary, choose benzodiazepines with shorter half-lives and use sparingly to minimize infant exposure.