This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and the benefit outweighs the risk.

AU TGA pregnancy category: B3
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.

Risk summary: There are inconclusive data available on use of this drug in pregnant women to inform a drug-related risk.

Comments:
-The child born to a mother taking benzodiazepines may be at risk for withdrawal symptoms.
-Supplementation with folic acid is recommended before conception and during pregnancy.
-Pregnancy itself, and discontinuation of treatment, may result in exacerbation of epilepsy.
-The patient should be warned of the potential risks to the fetus prior to initiation; patients who become pregnant should continue treatment, and monotherapy should be used at the lowest effective dose (if possible).

Animal studies have revealed evidence of decreased number of pregnancies, lower number of surviving offspring until weaning, malformations, decreased maternal weight gain, and reduced fetal growth. There have been reports of neonatal flaccidity, respiratory and feeding difficulties, irregular heart rate, and hypothermia in children born to mothers who have been taking benzodiazepines late in pregnancy. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.

To monitor maternal-fetal outcome of pregnant women exposed to antiepileptic drugs, the North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry has been established. Healthcare providers are encouraged to prospectively register patients. For additional information: http://www.aedpregnancyregistry.org/

AU TGA pregnancy category B3: Drugs which have been taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformation or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage, the significance of which is considered uncertain in humans.

US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.

See references

A decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
-Some experts recommend: This drug should be used only if clearly needed.

Excreted into human milk: Yes

Comments:
-Sedation, weight loss, and feeding difficulties have occurred in nursing infants.
-The WHO considers this drug compatible with breastfeeding when given at normal doses.
-Monitoring for drowsiness, weight gain, and developmental milestones should be considered in younger, exclusively breastfed infants and/or those exposed to combinations of psychotropic drugs.
-Some experts state that this drug may be an acceptable choice for refractory restless leg syndrome during lactation.

See references