Anti-anxiety Medications with the birth control pill
Many women of reproductive age take a combined or progestogen-only oral contraceptive while also using a chronic medication such as Anti-anxiety Medications (Anti-anxiety Medications). The combination is generally fine at 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, but a small number of medications can reduce contraceptive efficacy meaningfully and need either a backup method or a switch.
How Anti-anxiety Medications can affect contraceptive efficacy
Combined and progestogen-only contraceptives are metabolised through CYP3A4. Strong CYP3A4 inducers (some antiepileptics, rifampicin, St John's Wort) lower contraceptive plasma levels and reduce efficacy. Whether Alprazolam, Buspirone, Clonazepam, Lorazepam acts on CYP3A4 determines whether Anti-anxiety Medications affects contraception. Most agents in Anti-anxiety Medications have no clinically meaningful effect on the pill at 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg, 5mg, 7.5mg.
Practical guidance
According to the prescribing information for Alprazolam, Buspirone, Clonazepam, Lorazepam, women on hormonal contraception should review Anti-anxiety Medications with the prescribing pharmacist or doctor. Where an interaction is documented, additional barrier contraception or switching to a non-oral method (IUD, implant) for the duration of Anti-anxiety Medications therapy is the standard mitigation.
Frequently asked questions
Will Anti-anxiety Medications make my pill less effective? ▾
Most Anti-anxiety Medications medications at 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg, 5mg, 7.5mg do not affect oral contraceptive efficacy. The exceptions are CYP3A4-inducing drugs and a small number of others. The prescribing information for Alprazolam, Buspirone, Clonazepam, Lorazepam states whether the interaction is meaningful.
Do I need a backup contraceptive on Anti-anxiety Medications? ▾
Backup contraception is needed only when there is a documented interaction between Anti-anxiety Medications and the contraceptive method. For most users at 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, no backup is required. The pharmacist confirms whether Alprazolam, Buspirone, Clonazepam, Lorazepam interacts with hormonal contraception.
Medications in Anti-anxiety Medications
More on Anti-anxiety Medications
- With alcoholAnti-anxiety Medications and alcohol — is it safe to drink?
- With foodShould Anti-anxiety Medications be taken with food?
- Side effectsAnti-anxiety Medications side effects: common, rare and warning signs
- For older adultsAnti-anxiety Medications after 60: doses and safety in older adults
- For womenAnti-anxiety Medications for women: indications and considerations
- For menAnti-anxiety Medications for men: indications and considerations
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.