Can I take muscle relaxers while breastfeeding?

Can I Take Muscle Relaxers While Breastfeeding?
The question of whether muscle relaxers can be safely taken while breastfeeding is a significant concern for many new mothers dealing with pain or discomfort. The consensus among healthcare professionals is generally cautious, with several important factors to consider.
Safety Concerns
Muscle relaxers, such as cyclobenzaprine (commonly known as Flexeril), are not typically recommended for breastfeeding mothers. The primary reason for this caution is that these medications can pass into breast milk, potentially affecting the nursing infant. Studies indicate that muscle relaxants may cause drowsiness or other side effects in babies, which raises concerns about their safety during lactation.
Monitoring and Consultation
If a breastfeeding mother is prescribed a muscle relaxer, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide guidance tailored to the individual’s situation, weighing the benefits of pain relief against the potential risks to the infant. In some cases, if the medication is deemed necessary, close monitoring of the baby for any adverse effects—such as excessive drowsiness or poor feeding—becomes essential.
Specific Medications
While some muscle relaxants may have limited data supporting their use during breastfeeding, the general recommendation leans towards caution. For instance, cyclobenzaprine has been studied, and while it appears that the amounts transferred into breast milk are small, the effects on infants can vary. Therefore, healthcare providers often suggest that if a mother must take such medication, she should do so under strict medical supervision.
Conclusion
In summary, while muscle relaxers can provide relief for conditions like chronic pain, their use during breastfeeding is fraught with potential risks. The best course of action for nursing mothers is to engage in an open dialogue with their healthcare provider to explore safe alternatives and ensure the well-being of both mother and child.

Is it safe to take a muscle relaxer while pregnant?

In these studies, there was no evidence of harm to the parent or baby. And while there’s little evidence to say it causes harm to human babies, some small case reports show potential complications if it’s used in the third trimester.

What can I take for muscle pain while breastfeeding?

Paracetamol is the first choice pain medication during breastfeeding. While it appears in breast milk, the amount is too small to cause harm to your baby. Sometimes paracetamol alone may not control your pain. In this case a non- steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), for example ibuprofen, can also be taken.

Which pain medication should be avoided in breastfeeding mothers?

Products containing codeine are not recommended when you are breastfeeding. Small amounts of codeine can pass through to your baby in your breastmilk and may cause drowsiness or breathing problems.

Can you get a relaxer while breastfeeding?

Information about having hair treatments while breastfeeding is limited. However, the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists states that it is highly unlikely that a significant amount of the chemicals used would enter the breastmilk because very little enters the mother’s bloodstream.

Can you take muscle relaxers nursing?

Breastfeeding. There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

What kind of relaxer is safe during pregnancy?

Chemical products designed to straighten or relax hair are generally considered to be safe to use during pregnancy. However, you should avoid products that contain substances called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and products that release formaldehyde when they’re heated.

Who should not take muscle relaxers?

Heart attack, recent or. Heart block or. Heart rhythm problems (eg, arrhythmia) or. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.

Can you breastfeed after taking a muscle relaxer?

Summary of Use during Lactation
Amounts of cyclobenzaprine in milk appear to be very small and two infants apparently tolerated the drug in milk well. If cyclobenzaprine is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding.

Which drugs cannot be taken when breastfeeding?

ANSWER: Only a few drugs pose a clinically significant risk to breastfed babies. In general, antineoplastics, drugs of abuse, some anticonvulsants, ergot alkaloids, and radiopharmaceuticals should not be taken, and levels of amiodarone, cyclosporine, and lithium should be monitored.

What muscle relaxer can I take while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding while taking baclofen:
No harmful effects in nursing infants have been reported.