Sex, pregnancy & benzodiazepines

Taking medication can often affect sexual activity and it is important to consider potential risks of taking medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Sex

Benzodiazepines do not have any known significant direct effects on people’s sex lives, although their sedative effect may come into the equation in relation to this.

Pregnancy


Benzodiazepines are best avoided during pregnancy. During the first three months exposure to benzodiazepines is associated with a high risk of oral clefts in newborns. Exposure during the last three months is commonly associated with neonatal difficulties.

You are strongly advised to contact your doctor to talk about options if you are planning to have a baby or breastfeed.

Breastfeeding

Diazepam is excreted in the breast milk from a nearly undetectable rate to nearly 14%. In some infants no adverse effects were noted, in others, reported adverse effects included sedation, lethargy and weight loss. Lorazepam, temazepam and clonazepam are excreted in the breast milk in small amounts but few adverse effects are reported.