Can you take muscle relaxers in nursing?

Can You Take Muscle Relaxers While Nursing?
The question of whether nursing mothers can safely take muscle relaxers is a nuanced one, requiring careful consideration of both the medication’s effects and the potential impact on breastfeeding. Muscle relaxants are commonly prescribed to alleviate muscle spasms and pain, particularly in cases of acute injuries or chronic conditions like back pain. However, their use during nursing raises important safety concerns.
Understanding Muscle Relaxants
Muscle relaxants are classified into two main categories: centrally acting muscle relaxants and peripherally acting muscle relaxants. Centrally acting agents, such as baclofen and cyclobenzaprine, work by depressing the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce muscle tone and spasms. On the other hand, peripherally acting agents, like dantrolene, act directly on the muscle tissue. Both types can be effective in managing pain and discomfort associated with muscle injuries or conditions that cause spasticity.
Safety Considerations for Nursing Mothers
When it comes to nursing, the safety of muscle relaxants largely depends on the specific medication prescribed. Some muscle relaxants may pass into breast milk, potentially affecting the nursing infant. Therefore, it is crucial for nursing mothers to consult healthcare providers to determine which muscle relaxants are safe for use during lactation. For instance, certain medications may be contraindicated due to their sedative effects, which could interfere with the baby’s feeding and overall alertness.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Muscle relaxants are known to be CNS depressants, which means they can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired motor function. These side effects can pose risks not only to the nursing mother but also to the infant if the medication affects the mother’s ability to care for her child. Additionally, the sedative effects of these drugs could potentially lead to decreased milk production or alter the infant’s feeding patterns.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
For nursing mothers considering muscle relaxants, the following guidelines are advisable:
1. Consult a Healthcare Provider: Always discuss with a doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication. They can provide insights into which muscle relaxants are considered safe during breastfeeding.

2. Monitor for Side Effects: If a muscle relaxant is prescribed, mothers should be vigilant about any side effects they experience and how these might affect their ability to care for their infant.
3. Consider Alternatives: In some cases, non-pharmacological treatments such as physical therapy, heat application, or gentle stretching may be effective alternatives to muscle relaxants for managing pain and discomfort.
4. Timing of Medication: If a muscle relaxant is deemed necessary, timing the dose to coincide with the infant’s longer sleep periods may help minimize exposure during breastfeeding.
In conclusion, while muscle relaxers can be effective in treating muscle pain and spasms, their use during nursing requires careful consideration and professional guidance. The safety of both the mother and the infant should always be the top priority, ensuring that any treatment plan is tailored to meet the unique needs of nursing mothers.

Can I breastfeed while taking muscle relaxers?

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.

What medicine should be avoided with the nursing mother?

Common medicines that are not recommended when you’re breastfeeding include: codeine phosphate. decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow. some nasal decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops – check with a GP or pharmacist before using them.

Which drug is generally not recommended for lactating mothers?

Drugs contraindicated during breastfeeding include anticancer drugs, lithium, oral retinoids, iodine, amiodarone and gold salts.

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.

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.

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.

What is muscle relaxant in nursing?

(MUH-sul ree-LAK-sunt) A type of drug that is used to relax the muscles and reduce tension, stiffness, and pain caused by muscle spasms or muscle spasticity (stiff, rigid muscles). Muscle relaxants are also used to prevent muscle movement during surgery.

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.

Is Flexeril safe while breastfeeding?

Cyclobenzaprine Breastfeeding Warnings
Caution is recommended. The effects in the nursing infant are unknown. This drug has been shown to be excreted in rat milk and achieve concentrations in the milk which are 50% of those in the rat maternal plasma.

Can breastfeeding moms take muscle relaxers?

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.