Original article
Understanding Rivotril risks during pregnancy begins with one key fact: Rivotril is a brand name for clonazepam, a benzodiazepine also sold in the United States as Klonopin. Learning about substance risks during pregnancy and pregnancy safety and help can provide helpful context.
Rivotril is a brand name for the benzodiazepine clonazepam. In the U.S., this same medication is known under a different brand name: Klonopin. Any guide to Rivotril abuse and addiction will include a range of potential risks to your health. Some of these risks are associated with pregnancy. Under limited circumstances, pregnant women may take clonazepam. However, doctors try to avoid prescribing it because of the dangers involved.
At Women’s Recovery in Colorado, we offer comprehensive outpatient addiction treatment services to women all across The Centennial State. If you or a loved one are concerned about Rivotril use during pregnancy, call Women’s Recovery today at 833.754.0554. Our caring and knowledgeable team can answer any questions, verify insurance, or help you begin treatment if you or a loved one are caught in the cycle of benzodiazepine addiction.
Rivotril/Clonazepam Basics
Benzodiazepines – or benzos – are a large, modern family of sedatives and tranquilizers. They have a range of everyday uses. Rivotril/Klonopin, in particular, is used as a treatment for panic disorder and any additional symptoms of agoraphobia. You may also receive it for certain kinds of seizure disorders.
Rivotril/Klonopin is considered a high-potency benzo. The medication also has a long half-life. This means that it takes your body longer to eliminate it once you use it. Other common benzos and their uses include:
- Valium (diazepam) – for anxiety and seizures
- Xanax (alprazolam) – for anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and agoraphobia
- Ativan (lorazepam) – used to treat anxiety disorders and insomnia
- Versed (midazolam) – used for sedation during medical procedures
- Restoril (temazepam) – for insomnia and sleep disorders
Benzodiazepines, like all medications, carry side effects and potential risks. The side effects of clonazepam in pregnancy, along with the other commonly prescribed benzos mentioned above, should be discussed with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.
Rivotril and Pregnancy – Potential Health Risks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, provides information on the risks of taking medications while pregnant. These risks are ranked according to the chance of causing harm to you or your developing child. Some medications are harmless and can be taken at any stage of your pregnancy. Others are dangerous only during certain stages of pregnancy. In addition, some options are too risky to take at all if you’re pregnant.
If a medication is capable of causing harm in certain circumstances, doctors must weigh its benefits against its risks. To do this, they must consider:
- The medication’s positive effects on your health
- The chances of exposing you or your child to a severe or fatal health issue
- The availability of safer alternative medications
- Rivotril/Klonopin is in a relatively high-risk category. The medication has a known ability to produce problems such as:
- Genetic fetal mutations during your first trimester of pregnancy
- Toxic reactions in your newborn at the time of delivery
- Symptoms of benzodiazepine withdrawal following birth
Your doctor must consider these potential problems when deciding whether to prescribe it.
Rivotril and Pregnancy: Reasons for Prescribing the Medication
With care, the risks of taking Rivotril or Klonopin while pregnant can be controlled. For example, your doctor may prescribe a lower medication dose to avoid toxic reactions. The same step may help prevent withdrawal symptoms. As a rule, the chances for fetal mutations are limited to the first trimester. After that point, they are unlikely to occur. Your doctor may feel that Rivotril/Klonopin is your best option for anxiety or seizures. If so, you may receive the medication with these safeguards in place.
The Potential for Rivotril Abuse
All benzos are capable of triggering addiction. Your addiction risks go up if you abuse your medication. You can do this by taking more Rivotril/Klonopin than prescribed or taking it more often. You can also do this by using your prescription for recreational purposes. Rivotril abuse also occurs if you use the medication without a prescription.
Effective addiction treatment can help you overcome Rivotril/Klonopin or other benzo problems. That treatment typically includes a gradual, medically supervised detox process. It also provides recovery support in the form of psychotherapy.
Seek Women-Centered Benzo Addiction Treatment at Women’s Recovery
Women’s Recovery is dedicated to the gender-specific treatment of all manner of substance problems. That includes addiction to Rivotril/Klonopin or any other benzodiazepine. Our benzo addiction treatment is fully customized. Recovery options are chosen to meet your specific needs. Whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe, we have treatment plans that provide you with proper support.
Contact Women’s Recovery online or call 833.754.0554 today to learn more about our benzo treatment program.