Does Ativan pass into breast milk?

Does Ativan Pass into Breast Milk?
Ativan, known generically as lorazepam, is a medication commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. A significant concern for nursing mothers is whether this medication passes into breast milk and what implications it may have for breastfeeding infants.
Transfer to Breast Milk
Research indicates that lorazepam does indeed transfer into breast milk, but the levels are relatively low. According to the LactMed database, lorazepam has a short half-life compared to many other benzodiazepines, which means it is metabolized and eliminated from the body fairly quickly. This characteristic is beneficial for breastfeeding mothers, as it reduces the potential exposure of the infant to the drug.
Safety for Infants
Evidence suggests that lorazepam does not cause adverse effects in breastfed infants when mothers take the medication at usual dosages. Studies involving nursing mothers have shown that the low levels of lorazepam in breast milk are not associated with significant risks to infants. Furthermore, guidelines from health organizations recommend lorazepam as one of the preferred benzodiazepines for breastfeeding mothers, particularly when clinically appropriate.
Recommendations for Nursing Mothers
For nursing mothers who are prescribed Ativan, it is generally advised to time breastfeeding around medication doses. This means that mothers can take lorazepam right after breastfeeding, allowing time for the drug to clear from their system before the next feeding. This practice can help minimize the infant’s exposure to the medication.
Conclusion
In summary, while Ativan does pass into breast milk, the levels are low and typically considered safe for breastfeeding infants when taken at standard dosages. Nursing mothers should always consult with their healthcare providers to discuss their specific circumstances and any potential risks associated with medication use during breastfeeding.

Can lorazepam harm my baby?

Lorazepam and pregnancy
Lorazepam can be taken during pregnancy. However, taking lorazepam for a long time, particularly towards the end of pregnancy, may make your baby drowsy after they’re born and can cause withdrawal effects.

Do benzos go through breast milk?

Yes. If you take benzodiazepines, your milk will have benzodiazepines in it. The amount that is in your milk depends on how much you take, which benzodiazepines you take and the amount of time that has passed since taking it.

Does Ativan affect birth control?

Lorazepam will not affect any contraception, including the combined pill, progestogen-only pill or emergency contraception. Some contraceptives may make lorazepam less effective. Talk to a doctor if you’re taking a contraceptive and you think your lorazepam is not working very well.

Can Ativan affect the fetus?

The use of lorazepam during pregnancy can cause temporary symptoms in newborns soon after birth. These symptoms are sometimes referred to as withdrawal. Symptoms can include irritability, crying, sleep disturbances, tremors, jitteriness, trouble breathing, or muscle weakness.

What benzo is safe for breastfeeding?

Lorazepam and oxazepam are the preferred benzodiazepines during breast feeding, if clinically appropriate. Recommendations apply to full term, healthy infants.

What is the half-life of lorazepam in breast milk?

Dear NicoleRN, Lorazepam (Ativan) transfer into human milk is minimal, and it is the ideal choice for use in breastfeeding since it has a short half-life of 12 hours (compared to the parent drug valium that has a half-life of 40 hours) and is not as addicting.

Can my anxiety affect my breastfed baby?

Stress May Affect Cortisol Levels
As your stress level rises, the level of cortisol in your breast milk also increases. When your baby nurses, they may consume some of this extra cortisol.

Is Ativan safe while breastfeeding?

Briittneyc, Ativan is rated an L3-limited data probably compatible. The amount that transfers into breast milk is 2.6-2.9% of your dose. We recommend avoiding the first 2 hours after a dose to nurse as this is when it is most concentrated in the breast milk. This is a low dose so probably ok especially just to travel.

Do anxiety meds pass through breast milk?

All medications taken by the mother are secreted into the breast milk, and there is no evidence to suggest that certain antidepressants pose significant risks to the nursing infant.

Can I take anxiety pills with birth control?

Like antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications — such as SSRIs — do not have any known interactions with birth control medications. An essential consideration for anti-anxiety and antidepressants is that these medications can have starting side effects, such as mood swings or headaches.