Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility while taking lorazepam - Brand name: Ativan

Lorazepam and pregnancy

Lorazepam can be taken during pregnancy.

However, taking lorazepam for a long time, particularly towards the end of pregnancy, may make your baby drowsy after they're born and can cause withdrawal effects. The baby may need to be observed in hospital after they're born, so you may need to stay in hospital for longer than usual.

If you become pregnant while taking lorazepam, speak to your doctor. They can explain the risks and the benefits of taking it, and will help you choose the best treatment for you and your baby.

Lorazepam and breastfeeding

If your doctor, health visitor or midwife says your baby is healthy, you can usually take lorazepam if you're breastfeeding.

There's not much information about taking lorazepam while breastfeeding, but the information shows that it passes into breast milk in very small amounts.

If you take lorazepam for a longer time, in high doses, or with other medicines, your baby may be more likely to get side effects, although this is still rare. This can make your baby drowsy or tired and can make it difficult for them to feed.

Talk to your health visitor, midwife, doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you have any concerns, including if your baby:

• is not feeding as well as usual
• seems unusually sleepy
• has unusual breathing

It's important not to share a bed with your baby while you're taking lorazepam.

Lorazepam and fertility

There's no evidence that lorazepam will affect fertility in either men or women.