Can you breastfeed with gabapentin?

Breastfeeding and Gabapentin: What You Need to Know
Gabapentin, a medication primarily used to treat nerve pain, seizures, and certain anxiety disorders, has raised concerns among nursing mothers regarding its safety during breastfeeding. As more women are prescribed this medication, understanding its implications for breastfeeding becomes crucial.
How Gabapentin Works
Gabapentin functions by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain and affecting neurotransmitters. While it is effective for its intended uses, its safety profile, particularly in breastfeeding, requires careful consideration.
Gabapentin and Breast Milk Transfer
Research indicates that gabapentin does pass into breast milk, but generally in low concentrations. Studies suggest that the levels of the drug found in breast milk are typically much lower than the doses administered to infants. For instance, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) classifies gabapentin as a medication that is usually compatible with breastfeeding, although they advise caution and monitoring.
Potential Effects on Infants
While the concentration of gabapentin in breast milk is low, there are still potential risks for nursing infants. Some infants may experience side effects such as sedation or lethargy. It is essential for breastfeeding mothers taking gabapentin to observe their infants for any unusual behavior, particularly during the first weeks after starting the medication.
Consulting Healthcare Providers
Before starting gabapentin while breastfeeding, it is vital for mothers to consult with their healthcare provider. A thorough discussion can help assess the benefits versus the risks based on the mother’s medical history and the infant’s health. In some cases, alternative medications that pose less risk to breastfeeding may be recommended.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding with gabapentin is generally considered safe due to low milk transfer levels, nursing mothers should always engage with healthcare professionals to ensure the best outcomes for both themselves and their infants. The key is to remain vigilant and informed, making decisions grounded in medical advice and personal circumstances.

Is it safe to breastfeed while taking gabapentin?

Gabapentin and breastfeeding
If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, you can take gabapentin while breastfeeding. It’s important to keep taking gabapentin to keep you well. Gabapentin passes into breast milk in small amounts. It has not been known to cause any side effects in breastfed babies.

Is gabapentin safe for babies?

CONCLUSIONS. Gabapentin was well tolerated and associated with decreases in pain scores. It’s use resulted in decreased requirements for analgesic and sedative medications. Gabapentin therapy appears to be an effective option for neonates and infants with refractory pain and agitation.

Is gabapentin safe for nursing puppies?

Gabapentin should be USED WITH CAUTION in pets that: have kidney disease. are pregnant and/or lactating.

What is the strongest painkiller I can take while breastfeeding?

Morphine (Oramorph®, Actimorph®) is the strong opioid of choice while breastfeeding. It can be used with caution at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest possible duration. Oral morphine is frequently given to mothers after a caesarean section. You can use it with caution when breastfeeding.

What pain medications should be avoided while breastfeeding?

In some cases, low doses of oxycodone or hydrocodone are safe when used for short-term pain relief while breastfeeding, but you should avoid medications or formulas that contain codeine if possible. Many adults can be slow or rapid metabolizers of codeine which may increase the possibility of side effects in your baby.

What drugs can be passed through breast milk?

most antibiotics. asthma inhalers. vitamins (but only at the recommended dose) the painkiller paracetamol – you should check with a GP or midwife before taking paracetamol if it’s combined with other medicines.

Which drug is usually avoided with breastfeeding?

Table. Examples of drugs contraindicated in breastfeeding.

Drug	Comment
Iodine	High doses (>150 micrograms daily) lead to risk of infant hypothyroidism
Lithium	Breastfeeding only feasible with rigorous monitoring
Radiopharmaceuticals	Contact obstetric information service
Retinoids (oral)	Potential for serious adverse effects

What nerve pain medication is safe while breastfeeding?

The three drugs normally used to treat this type of pain are amitriptyline, gabapentin and pregabalin. Amitriptyline has been used for many years even in breastfeeding women as an antidepressant as well as to treat neuropathic pain.

Can newborns withdraw from gabapentin?

Gabapentin use has also been recommended for hyperemesis gravidarum and restless leg syndrome in pregnant mothers. Objective: Although gabapentin use is deemed safe during pregnancy, no clinical reports of gabapentin withdrawal syndrome in a neonate have been described.

Who should avoid gabapentin?

have ever misused or been addicted to a medicine. are trying to get pregnant or are already pregnant. are on a controlled sodium or potassium diet, or your kidneys do not work well (gabapentin liquid contains sodium and potassium, so speak to your doctor before taking it)