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A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry has shed light on a concerning association between benzodiazepine use during pregnancy and an increased risk of miscarriage. Researchers analyzed data from extensive health databases in Taiwan, comprising over 3 million pregnancies among nearly 2 million women.
The study’s key finding was alarming: women who took benzodiazepines before completing 19 weeks of gestation faced a staggering 70% higher risk of miscarriage. This risk was observed even after accounting for various factors that could contribute to miscarriage, such as age, medical history, and lifestyle.
Dr. Rachel Zhuk, an assistant clinical professor in psychiatry at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City, emphasized the significance of exploring alternative treatments for anxiety or sleep disorders during pregnancy. She highlighted psychotherapy and medications like SSRIs as potential alternatives to benzodiazepines, urging a cautious approach when considering medication during pregnancy.
The study scrutinized different benzodiazepines commonly prescribed for anxiety, revealing varying levels of increased risk for miscarriage associated with each type. Notably, lorazepam showed the smallest risk among benzodiazepines studied, while fludiazepam exhibited a staggering 252% increased risk for miscarriage.
Dr. Fei-Yuan Sharon Hsiao, director of the Graduate Institute of Clinical Pharmacy at National Taiwan University’s College of Medicine and a coauthor of the study, stressed the importance of evaluating individual risks and benefits before prescribing benzodiazepines during pregnancy.
While acknowledging the challenge of weighing the risks and benefits of benzodiazepine use during pregnancy, experts highlighted the necessity of informed decision-making regarding these medications. Dr. Zhuk underscored the need to consider safer alternatives to benzodiazepines whenever feasible, especially before and during pregnancy.
This comprehensive study aims to draw attention to the nuanced risks associated with benzodiazepine use during pregnancy and underscores the importance of informed discussions between patients and healthcare providers regarding medication choices.
The study was funded by the National Science and Technology Council, with the authors reporting no conflicts of interest. Dr. Rachel Zhuk also confirmed no relevant conflicts of interest.
