Lorazepam in Pregnancy — Is It Safe?
Last reviewed: · Source: US FDA drug label database
This page contains affiliate links through Amazon and CJ Affiliate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
Lorazepam should be avoided in pregnancy — benzodiazepines cause neonatal withdrawal syndrome and floppy infant syndrome near delivery.
Confirm parentage with confidence — order a DNA test at Paternity Lab →
- Lorazepam used near delivery can cause neonatal withdrawal syndrome and floppy infant syndrome in the newborn.
- Floppy infant syndrome includes poor muscle tone, feeding difficulty, and breathing problems that need special care after birth.
- Never stop lorazepam abruptly in pregnancy without medical guidance — sudden withdrawal carries its own serious risks.
- If you're pregnant and taking lorazepam, this needs a planned, supervised approach with your doctor, not a decision made alone.
Is it safe to take Lorazepam with Pregnancy?
Lorazepam and all benzodiazepines are generally avoided in pregnancy. Chronic use leads to fetal dependence and neonatal benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome after birth. Use near delivery causes floppy infant syndrome (hypotonia, respiratory depression, hypothermia). If acute seizure or severe anxiety requires benzodiazepine treatment in pregnancy, it is given under medical supervision as a one-off at the lowest effective dose.
How do Lorazepam and Pregnancy interact?
Benzodiazepines readily cross the placenta; the fetus lacks the hepatic enzyme maturity to clear them. Lorazepam is glucuronidated — relatively less affected by fetal CYP immaturity than diazepam, but still accumulates. Neonatal withdrawal: 24-72 hours after birth. Floppy infant syndrome: within hours of delivery.
Data sourced from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label database: OpenFDA lorazepam label — neonatal withdrawal and floppy infant warnings.
Interaction severity
Rated major: benzodiazepines like lorazepam used near delivery cause well-documented neonatal withdrawal syndrome and floppy infant syndrome (poor muscle tone, feeding difficulty, respiratory problems) — a serious, predictable risk that is best avoided or carefully tapered under medical supervision.
This page contains affiliate links through Amazon and CJ Affiliate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
Supports bump, back and hips for a more comfortable night's sleep throughout pregnancy.
Check Price →Comprehensive pregnancy supplement with folic acid, iron and vitamin D — NHS recommended nutrients.
Check Price →Week-by-week guide to pregnancy, birth and the first weeks of parenthood.
Check Price →Who should be careful?
All pregnant women. Women on regular lorazepam (anxiety, epilepsy) should not stop suddenly — seek urgent GP review for a managed plan.
What if I've already taken Lorazepam and Pregnancy?
Do not stop suddenly. Contact your GP for a planned taper or alternative. Tell your delivery team about lorazepam use.
Managing multiple medications day to day? AutomationHomeGuide covers smart medication reminders and other home tech that helps.
Confirming a pregnancy raises questions medication alone can't answer.
Paternity Lab offers fast, confidential DNA testing with results in as little as 24 hours.
Order a DNA test at Paternity Lab →Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
This page contains affiliate links through Amazon and CJ Affiliate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
CJ — LAWDEPOTLawDepot — legal documents made simple. Child travel consent forms, wills, power of attorney and more — fill in online, print immediately.
Create legal document at LawDepot →Curious what a DNA test can reveal beyond parentage? 247GeneticCheck covers health and ancestry testing alongside DNA verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take lorazepam while pregnant?
No — avoid it. Benzodiazepines cause neonatal withdrawal and floppy infant syndrome. Never stop suddenly without medical guidance.
What is floppy infant syndrome?
Hypotonia, respiratory depression and lethargy in newborns exposed to benzodiazepines near delivery. Requires neonatal monitoring but resolves as the drug clears.
What can I take for anxiety in pregnancy?
CBT and psychological therapies are first-line. Discuss medication options with your perinatal mental health team.
I'm on lorazepam and just found out I'm pregnant — what do I do?
Do not stop suddenly. Contact your GP this week to plan a safe taper or switch. Abrupt withdrawal can cause seizures.