Does Klonopin pass through breast milk?

Klonopin and Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know
Klonopin, the brand name for clonazepam, is a medication commonly prescribed for anxiety and seizure disorders. For breastfeeding mothers, understanding the implications of taking Klonopin while nursing is crucial, particularly regarding its transfer into breast milk and potential effects on infants.
Does Klonopin Pass Through Breast Milk?
Yes, Klonopin does pass into breast milk, albeit in small amounts. Research indicates that while clonazepam is excreted in breast milk, the levels are generally low. This means that the exposure for a breastfeeding infant is minimal, but it is not negligible.
Potential Effects on Infants
While the transfer of Klonopin into breast milk is low, there are some concerns regarding its effects on breastfed infants. Maternal use of clonazepam can occasionally lead to sedation in infants, particularly if the mother is also taking other central nervous system depressants. Reports have noted instances of excessive sleepiness and respiratory pauses in infants whose mothers began treatment during pregnancy. Therefore, while adverse effects are not commonly reported, vigilance is advised.
Guidelines for Use During Breastfeeding
Health professionals often recommend that if a breastfeeding mother needs to take Klonopin, it should be done with caution. The consensus among experts suggests that low doses may be acceptable, but it is essential to monitor the infant for any signs of sedation or unusual behavior. If a mother is concerned about the effects of Klonopin on her breastfeeding infant, consulting with a healthcare provider is crucial to weigh the benefits and risks.
Conclusion
In summary, Klonopin does pass into breast milk in small amounts, and while significant adverse effects in infants are rare, there is a potential for sedation. Mothers should approach the use of this medication during breastfeeding with caution and seek medical advice to ensure the safety of both themselves and their infants.

What drugs don’t go into breast milk?

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

Is it okay to take Klonopin while pregnant?

Benzodiazepines: Women should avoid using tranquilizers, such as diazepam, alprazolam and clonazepam, in high doses during pregnancy because they can lead to sedation and respiratory distress in the newborn. You can still use them in small doses for short periods of time.

Can you breastfeed while taking clonazepam?

If your doctor, health visitor or midwife says your baby is healthy, you can usually take clonazepam if you are breastfeeding. There is not much information about taking clonazepam while breastfeeding, but it is thought that it passes into breast milk in very small amounts.

How long does Klonopin stay in your system?

Based on the estimate of clonazepam’s 30- to 40-hour half-life, Klonopin is likely to stay in your system for approximately six to nine days after your final dose. Both Klonopin and its metabolite 7-amino-clonazepam are detectable in the urine for about four days after the last use.

Do anxiety meds pass through breast milk?

From the available data, it appears that all medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotic agents, mood stabilizers, and benzodiazepines, are secreted into the breast milk. However, concentrations of these agents in breast milk vary considerably.

Do benzodiazepines pass 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.

How long does Klonopin stay in your breastmilk?

Klonopin and Breastfeeding
Because of its long half-life, Klonopin will likely be present in breastmilk for 1–2 weeks after taking a dose.

How long does Klonopin stay in your bloodstream?

The half-life of a drug refers to the amount of time it takes for half of the drug’s concentration to decrease in the body. In the case of Klonopin, the half-life is approximately 30 to 40 hours. Because of its long half life, it can take approximately 6-9 days for the drug to be eliminated from your system completely.

What is the safest benzodiazepine during pregnancy?

The available literature suggests that it is safe to take diazepam during pregnancy but not during lactation because it can cause lethargy, sedation, and weight loss in infants. The use of chlordiazepoxide during pregnancy and lactation seems to be safe.

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.