Pregnancy is an exciting process full of anticipation for the baby and quite often, unfortunately, filled with anxiety and fear. In addition, hormonal storms force the entire body (and in particular the nervous system) to work to the limit, and therefore very often expectant mothers are emotionally labile.
Constant stress during pregnancy can cause hypoxia in the baby, and in some cases, premature birth. There are various ways to deal with stress in pregnant women (with the help of drugs, gymnastics, and so on). Is it possible to take Afobazol during pregnancy? This article will tell you.
What is Afobazol?
This drug is classified as a sedative and anxiety-reducing drug (that is, anxiolytic-tranquilizer). “Afobazole” does not cause addiction, does not affect concentration and memory, and does not reduce muscle tone, which is confirmed not only by clinical trials, but also by patient reviews. With Afobazole therapy, withdrawal syndrome does not occur.
In accordance with the instructions, the drug has a double effect: it relieves anxiety and has a mild stimulating effect. As a result, both the mental and physical condition of the patient improves.
By reducing anxiety, the drug eliminates gastrointestinal, muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms that accompany somatic disorders.
In addition, Afobazole reduces the severity of autonomic disorders (dizziness, dry mouth, sweating).
Taking the drug has a beneficial effect on concentration and memory, which is reflected in numerous reviews. A positive effect is observed within a week after the first dose of Afobazol. The maximum effect of the drug is observed in the 3-4th week of therapy and remains so for about 2 more weeks.
“Afobazol” perfectly helps patients with self-doubt, suspiciousness, emotional lability and vulnerability.
The drug has high absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and has a high degree of binding to plasma proteins. “Afobazol” is eliminated quickly, thereby reducing the likelihood of an overdose with this drug.
Brief description of the drug
The medicine is available in tablet form.
Flat-cylindrical pills have a cream color. One tablet contains 5 mg or 10 mg of fabomotizole. Additional components included in the product:
- E 572
- Starch
- Povidone
- MCC
- Lactose.
The pharmacological action of the anxiolytic is based on its effect on the σ1 receptors of nerve fibers in the brain. The drug stabilizes and restores the sensitivity of receptors to neurotransmitters. Fabomotizol also increases the energy biopotential of nerve cells.
The therapeutic effect of Afobazole occurs on days 5-7 of treatment. The maximum effect can be achieved only after 1 month of taking the medicine. It is noteworthy that the therapeutic effect lasts for 7-14 days after stopping taking the tablets.
After use, the medicine is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Afobazole is excreted in feces and urine.
"Afobazol": indications
The prescription of Afobazole is justified in the following cases:
- Somatic diseases: arrhythmia, SLE, irritable bowel syndrome, ischemia, bronchial asthma, hypertension.
- Anxiety conditions: general anxiety disorders, adaptation disorder, neurasthenia.
- Sleep disorders.
- Alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
- Neurocirculatory dystonia.
- Dermatological or oncological pathologies.
- Relief in the treatment of tobacco addiction.
- Premenstrual syndrome.
In what cases should it be used?
Indications for the use of Afobazole correlate with the problems that women often experience during pregnancy:
- excessive vulnerability and emotionality;
- constant fears for no reason;
- insomnia;
- uncontrollable state of anxiety;
- arrhythmia, hypertension, irritable bowel syndrome and other somatic diseases;
- nervous state during the period of quitting cigarettes;
- anxiety associated with various stressful situations;
- poor concentration;
- memory losses.
Afobazole is prescribed for oral administration. The patient takes one tablet after meals three times a day. Treatment usually lasts 2-4 weeks.
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Sometimes – up to 3 months. Using alcohol together with the drug will not cause poisoning. However, the healing properties will decrease to zero.
According to the instructions, Afobazole should not be used by children under 18 years of age, pregnant or lactating women. And also for those who cannot tolerate the components of the drug.
"Afobazol" during early pregnancy
According to the instructions, it is prohibited to take the drug “Afobazol” during pregnancy/lactation. Based on experimental studies, Afobazol did not have a negative effect on the fetus of animals; similar tests were not carried out on pregnant women. However, based on the side effects and the fact that the drug belongs to the group of tranquilizers, Afobazole is prohibited from being taken during pregnancy.
Behavioral changes, anxiety and restlessness are typical for pregnant women (especially in the early stages), which is associated with hormonal storms in the woman’s body. However, it is in the first three months of pregnancy that a woman should limit any medications, since at this time the formation of all the systems and organs of the unborn baby occurs.
If pregnancy was not planned and occurred during Afobazol therapy, the drug should be immediately discontinued and a consultation with a geneticist should be done to be on the safe side.
If anxiety and anxiety occur during pregnancy, it is recommended to take herbal medicines.
There are many herbal remedies that gently and harmlessly cope with nervousness, improve general condition and normalize sleep. However, any remedy, even the most harmless one, should be prescribed to a pregnant woman by an obstetrician-gynecologist. It is allowed to take infusions of lavender or lemon balm before bed, and place pads with special soothing mixtures nearby.
If anxiety and nervousness are associated with certain problems, a visit to a psychotherapist or psychologist is recommended.
Yoga classes for pregnant women are a great way to cope with apathy, bad mood and anxiety. That is, “Afobazol” during pregnancy can always be replaced with safer means.
Possible side effects
Afobazole should be taken with caution during pregnancy. This drug may cause an unwanted reaction in your body.
Allergic reactions may occur: rashes, hives, severe itching. Possible dermatitis, rhinitis, sneezing. The functioning of the digestive system may be disrupted: loose stools, vomiting, and nausea appear. Headaches that go away on their own after adjusting the dosage or stopping the drug are possible.
Caution should be exercised during pregnancy. If adverse reactions occur, you should stop taking the medication and consult a doctor to adjust the treatment regimen.
The manifestation of any obvious adverse reactions in the embryo was not observed when the mother complied with the dosage.
"Divaza"
A drug that is part of the pharmacological group of tranquilizers (that is, “Divaza” and “Afobazol” are analogues). When taking this drug, cerebral circulation is normalized, fatigue and tension go away.
"Divaza", like "Afobazol", has indications similar to this group of drugs: autonomic disorders, disorders in brain activity that are caused by neurodegenerative, ischemic pathologies and injuries; neuroinfections, increased anxiety, headaches and insomnia.
Characteristics and effect of the medicine
Afobazol tablets contain fabomotizole dihydrochloride. This substance gives the product the properties of a tranquilizer and anxiolytic. That is, the medicine can calm the human nervous system, while eliminating the feeling of anxiety. The drug stands out from other analogues due to its selective effect on parts of the brain. Its peculiarity lies in its ability to suppress pathological nervous activity in certain areas of the central nervous system without inhibiting the functions of the organ.
Theoretically, taking Afobazole during pregnancy should improve the mood of the expectant mother, relieve her of unreasonable fears and anxieties, and irritability. Due to the specificity of the effect, these effects are not accompanied by apathy, drowsiness or lethargy. The drug does not provoke a decrease in muscle strength and does not cause decreased physical or mental activity of the patient.
It is taken in a course of 2-4 weeks and during this time it should not cause a decrease in performance or concentration. With an adequate reaction of the body, on the contrary, there is an improvement in memory, an increase in reaction speed, and activation of brain activity.
“Afobazole” is often prescribed to suspicious, vulnerable, psycho-emotionally unstable people. The medicinal composition helps to cope with stress, emotional and physical overload.
The medicine helps cope with stress.
Studies have proven the absence of toxic effects on the body. Its components are quickly absorbed in the intestines, entering the blood, and with its help, the brain. After this, they are destroyed in the liver and excreted by the kidneys within a few hours. This eliminates the possibility of accumulation of the main substance in tissues - the medication is not addictive and does not provoke withdrawal symptoms.
Opinion of practicing doctors
Our experts also have their own opinion about whether Afobazole can be taken during pregnancy.
I would not advise pregnant women to take this drug. The safety of its use for mother and child has not been confirmed. Therefore, it is not worth the risk.
I note that constant nervousness and anxiety can be a consequence of a lack of B vitamins. I would recommend pregnant girls under stress to consume more vitamins. It is possible to introduce additional additives. Change your surroundings, do something enjoyable, like swimming. And all anxiety will go away. Take care of yourself and your baby.
Psychiatrist Alexander Dyatchin
Would I take this on my conscience? No. Because I am aware that exposure to certain medications can affect the development of the placenta. And not only.
Some even cause defects of the heart and other organs. I don't want to say anything bad about this product. In ordinary life, it helps well to cope with worries and depression. But not in the life of an expectant mother.
Psychiatrist Ivan Anisimov
It wouldn't hurt to get acquainted with women's experiences.
I took Afobazole during pregnancy. On the doctor’s recommendation, I started taking it 1 tablet a day. To be honest, I didn’t even look at the instructions for use.
I really became calmer. All the problems at work, scandals with my bosses no longer affected me. I stopped being bitter. She didn’t take it out on her husband for no reason. In general, everything was fine. Until they told me that pregnant women shouldn’t take it at all. I immediately stopped taking this remedy. I decided not to risk it and switched to motherwort. True, it is of little use. But what can you do?
Irina
My toxicosis was terrible. Everything infuriated and irritated me. I just didn't know what to do. At week 13, I gave up because all these gentle medications did not give any relief. I took Afobazole from a friend. I took it one day, two, three.
She became the sweetest and most peaceful person on earth! The apathy has disappeared. But dizziness appeared. Fortunately, I came to my senses in time. I read the instructions and realized that my baby is dearer to me. And somehow I’ll be able to endure a few months without antidepressants. I'll do yoga, for example.
Anastasia
As practice shows, the effectiveness of Afobazole is far from a myth.
It is not for nothing that it became the first drug in the country, available without a prescription, to be recognized by WHO as an effective and safe remedy for anxiety and stress.
When you feel that it is difficult for you to cope with life's adversities, you are worried about insomnia, apathy towards everything, the best thing is to go to the doctor. He will assess the degree of malaise and help in choosing the necessary drug.
Marina, taking Afobazole during pregnancy is contraindicated! But there are medications that can be taken during pregnancy. Such remedies include valerian and motherwort in the form of tablets and alcohol tinctures. In addition, it is allowed to use drugs such as Novo-Passit.
Novo-Passit is based on plant extracts. This drug will help relieve mental stress, relax muscles, and normalize the functioning of the heart muscle. Novo-Passit is available in the form of liquid and tablets. Novo-Passit should be taken with caution by those patients who suffer from hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. Before taking the drug, do not forget to consult your doctor! Perhaps in your case you can get by with other means!
The same group of sedatives allowed during pregnancy includes a medicine called Persen. The composition of Persen is as follows: extracts of valerian, lemon balm and mint. A wonderful and completely safe medicine. Available in the form of tablets and capsules.
Persen will help you improve your sleep and mood. Persen may slightly impair your reaction speed, be aware of this.
You should not take Persen only if you have low blood pressure! But this drug should not be taken without consulting a doctor! Herbal teas can also be used as a sedative during pregnancy. Their composition, of course, will include the same motherwort, mint and lemon balm. By the way, you can drink lemon balm tea after the birth of your baby. In addition to having soothing properties, it also increases the amount of breast milk.
Sometimes excessive nervousness and anxiety are a consequence of a lack of B vitamins in the diet. During pregnancy, the need for vitamins increases, so introduce more foods containing vitamins of this group into your diet, and also be sure to take vitamin and mineral supplements created specifically for pregnant women.
During the period of bearing a child, every sane woman will always think twice before taking medicine. What the body accepted calmly before pregnancy can now harm the child. This applies to most medications. Is Afobazole an exception? What is it and can it be taken during pregnancy?
Composition, release forms
It is produced in the form of tablets for oral administration. Sold in packages from 10 to 100 pieces and jars from 30 to 120 tablets.
The active ingredient of the drug is fabomotizole. Substances such as magnesium stearate, potato starch, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, and medium molecular povidone are used as excipients.
Afobazole during pregnancy: how does it work?
Afobazole acts selectively, influencing the necessary brain structures to suppress anxiety, without inhibiting the function of the central nervous system. That is, after taking the drug, anxiety goes away, well-being improves, while drowsiness, lethargy, lethargy, laziness are not monitored, which cannot be said about standard benzodiazepine sedatives. The drug does not relax muscles and does not impair attention and memory.
The latter fact plays a significant role during pregnancy: taking the drug will not provoke relaxation of the uterine muscles at any stage of pregnancy; therefore, the possibility of interruption due to treatment is excluded.
The main purpose of Afobazole is to relieve anxiety caused by fears, excitement, mental disorders or stress. At the same time, it moderately activates the central nervous system, increasing well-being and the speed of mental/mental reactions/processes. For these purposes, it can be prescribed when planning pregnancy.
When taking Afobazole, irritability, anxiety, misgivings and fears, tension, timidity, tearfulness, anxiety, insomnia, and horror go away. This remedy is also capable of relieving somatic autonomic manifestations of anxiety: mental-vascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory disorders, muscle twitching, increased sensitivity, sweating, dizziness, dry mouth.
At the same time, memory improves and attention intensity increases. The listed conditions can be expected within 5-7 days from the start of therapy. They fully appear after 3 weeks. After discontinuation of the drug, the therapeutic results persist for a couple of weeks.
The drug is often prescribed to people with asthenic body features: anxious suspiciousness, indecision in themselves and their strengths, vulnerability, sensitive instability, and a tendency to sensitive reactions to stress.
The drug is non-toxic, rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream from the intestines, reaching brain tissue, excreted in urine and feces, and does not accumulate in the body during a long course of treatment.
Afobazole: use when planning pregnancy
The drug is indicated for the relief of anxiety that appears against the background of the following diseases and conditions:
- To give up smoking;
- Generalized anxiety disorder;
- Neurasthenia;
- Adaptation disorder;
- Chronic diseases – bronchial asthma, coronary disease, irritable bowel syndrome, lupus erythematosus, hypertension, arrhythmia, etc.;
- Oncological pathologies;
- Dermatological diseases (eg lichen, psoriasis); insomnia;
- Neurocircular dystonia.
Afobazole: use during early pregnancy
Surely every expectant mother knows that it is not recommended to take any medications at this time. If you cannot do without them, then take them only as prescribed by the doctor. When the gynecologist leading the pregnancy has prescribed these, but the patient is undecided about the rationality of taking them, it is recommended to visit several more experts.
In addition, the existing pathology can harm a progressive baby more than medications. It is also worth noting that it is impossible to call all medications harmful. The fact is that many manufacturers indicate in the instructions for their product that it is contraindicated for this category of women only for the reason that it has not been tested on them. That is, there is no data on the effect of a certain drug on the fetus, on the formation of the placenta, since from an ethical point of view, similar experiments are inhumane.
If, despite contraindications, the drug is widely used for this category of women, then it is absolutely clear that it is not dangerous. In addition, doctors in such settings prescribe the most minimally effective doses and the shortest possible courses of therapy.
It is also worth noting that it is quite unsafe to take medications in the early stages - in the first 12 weeks (1st trimester). This is due to the fact that it is during this period that the foundation of the baby’s future organs and systems is laid. Consequently, there is an extremely high probability that the active substances of medications will harm the fetus, provoking the formation of congenital anomalies.
Medicines that are approved for pregnant women are primarily tested in the laboratory for the presence of teratogenic and embryotoxic effects (congenital abnormalities and toxic effects that cross the placenta, respectively). Later, such research is carried out in clinical trials.
How to take Afobazol for different periods
Can women take Afobazole during pregnancy and how can they do it positively? As usual, tablets are taken in full dosage, because they are not addictive and have a mild effect.
They can also be canceled at any time; there is no need to gradually reduce the dose.
The tablets are taken after meals, swallowed whole. It is impossible to chew them, bite them, or grind them in other ways. They should be washed down with a small amount of primitive water.
Usually doctors prescribe 3 doses per day, 1 tablet each at equal intervals. The standard duration of therapy is from 2 to 4 weeks. After a month, the course can be repeated. However, during pregnancy, only in the early stages, the doctor can adjust the dosage and duration of the course, changing it, as usual, to a lesser extent.
Overdose, side effects, contraindications
Overdose traditionally occurs when taking too large a dose of the drug. This manifests itself in the form of drowsiness without muscle relaxation and sedation.
As for allergic reactions, this could be allergies, headaches. These usually go away on their own, without medical help.
You should not take Afobazole in the following cases: intolerance/increased sensitivity to the components of the drug; lack of lactase; galactose intolerance; glucose-galactose malabsorption; childhood.
Perhaps the expectant mother and her doctor will discuss the option of replacing this remedy. For example, you can use plant-based sedatives. The most famous of these is valerian, as well as motherwort. Persen and Novopassit have similar therapeutic results to Afobazole. However, Afobazole also relieves pathological conditions associated with anxiety - palpitations, extrasystole, pressure jumps. That is, natural drugs relieve only psychological discomfort.
Take care of yourself and do not prescribe medications to yourself independently! Health to you and your baby!
Navigation
The process of bearing a child proceeds differently for each woman. Some expectant mothers experience serious psycho-emotional discomfort during this period. Usually you can get rid of unpleasant manifestations with the help of yoga, proper nutrition, meditation, breathing exercises, and natural traditional medicine. In exceptional cases, medications selected by a doctor taking into account the specifics of the situation are used. Experts rarely prescribe Afobazole during pregnancy, despite the product’s short list of contraindications and many positive consumer reviews.
Afobazole is rarely prescribed to pregnant women, despite a short list of contraindications.
Analogs
- Valerian. A herbal product that causes a moderate sedative effect. The drug facilitates the onset of natural sleep. Taken for increased nervous excitability and functional disorders of the cardiovascular system.
- Novopassit is a drug with sedative properties based on herbal ingredients. Relieves nervous tension, fatigue, stress. It will also have a good effect on headaches or sleep problems.
- Persen. The drug has a sedative and antispasmodic effect; it will also help with sleep problems, improving its quality, but without causing drowsiness during the day. The composition of the drug includes herbal components.
Folk remedies and methods of prevention
- Doctors say that nervous tension in a pregnant woman may be due to a lack of B vitamins in her body. Therefore, before taking pills, you can try to get rid of anxiety and nervous swings by increasing the amount of foods containing them in your diet: liver, cheese, peas, eggs, walnuts, peanuts, potatoes, green vegetables and brown rice.
- Good results are obtained by taking infusions and herbal teas, the components of which are plants such as lemon balm, mint, chamomile, linden blossom, hawthorn, and motherwort. But they should be taken regularly and only after consultation with your doctor.
- Essential oils can also create a calming state for the expectant mother. Sandalwood, lavender, mint, pine needles - these are the oils that can undoubtedly be placed in an aroma lamp.
- Moderate physical activity can cope with attacks of apathy, depression, and nervous tension: walks in the fresh air, light exercise. Yoga classes have an undoubted positive effect on stabilizing the mental health of the mother.
Despite the fact that Afobazol is a fairly effective drug, it is still not worth purposefully resorting to its services during the period of bearing a child. If you have mental health problems, you must first try all possible safe remedies and only then, after the doctor’s permission, resort to his help. Under no circumstances should you take the drug on your own initiative.
How to use?
Afobazole is taken orally.
The recommended treatment regimen for pregnant women does not differ from that given in the instructions for the drug: 1 - 3 tablets per day for a month. It is strictly forbidden to take the entire recommended daily dose at one time, in order to avoid the development of side effects. The tablets are taken after meals and must be washed down with water. Naturally, the doctor can offer his own dosage based on the patient’s condition and the degree of development of her pathological condition. A prerequisite for successful treatment is strict adherence to the recommendations given by the doctor and non-violation of the designated treatment regimen.
Other techniques
If necessary, during pregnancy, the use of Afobazole can be replaced with aromatherapy, because the beneficial effects of essential oils of some plants on the body and psycho-emotional state of pregnant women have been known for a long time. However, we must not forget that different aromas can have different effects: the same smell can calm someone down, but on the contrary, invigorate someone.
Nevertheless, “universal” aromas that have calming properties do exist. These are the smells of lavender, pine, mint and sandalwood. Essential oils of these plants can be purchased at any retail pharmacy outlet.
In some cases, the doctor may recommend homeopathic medicines as a sedative during pregnancy.
Only a doctor can decide which means to eliminate psycho-emotional instability during pregnancy. Self-prescription of any medications is highly undesirable. First of all, this applies to any sedatives of chemical origin: the use of barbiturates and tranquilizers, including Afobazol, is prohibited.
We must not forget about their harm to the health of the fetus, as well as the possibility of provoking abnormal deviations in the intrauterine development of all body systems, and especially the central nervous system.
Often, nervous conditions are provoked by a lack of vitamins. Therefore, instead of a woman drinking Afobazol during pregnancy (as, indeed, any other synthetic drug), it may be enough to ensure a balanced diet and regular intake of vitamins.
