Benzo link to birth defects still not confirmed by study

01 November 1998

The jury's still out on the controversial issue of benzodiazepines and their possible cause of birth defects.

Canadian researchers have confusingly concluded that studies show no connection, while case control data indicate a tripled risk of major birth malformations, such as cleft lip and palate.

As many women take the drugs for anxiety, insomnia and epilepsy doctors may have to increase prenatal tests to rule out the likelihood of any malformations (BMJ, 1998; 317: 839-43).

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