How long do benzos stay in breast milk?

Understanding Benzodiazepines and Breast Milk
Benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia, have raised concerns regarding their safety during breastfeeding. The transfer of these medications into breast milk and their potential effects on nursing infants is a critical consideration for new mothers who may require these medications.
How Long Do Benzodiazepines Stay in Breast Milk?
The duration that benzodiazepines remain detectable in breast milk varies depending on the specific drug and its pharmacokinetics. Generally, benzodiazepines are known to transfer into breast milk, but the concentrations are typically low. For instance, lorazepam, a commonly used benzodiazepine, has a short half-life and is found in low levels in breast milk. Studies indicate that lorazepam can be safely administered to breastfeeding mothers without causing adverse effects in infants when taken at usual maternal dosages.
On the other hand, alprazolam, another benzodiazepine, has been associated with sedation in infants, leading to recommendations against its repeated use during breastfeeding, particularly with neonates or premature infants. This highlights the variability in how different benzodiazepines affect breast milk and, consequently, nursing infants.
Factors Influencing Benzodiazepine Presence in Breast Milk
The concentration of benzodiazepines in breast milk is influenced by several factors, including the drug’s half-life, the timing of administration relative to breastfeeding, and the mother’s metabolism. Research suggests that while benzodiazepines do enter breast milk, the amounts are generally compatible with breastfeeding.
For most benzodiazepines, the presence in breast milk peaks shortly after ingestion and can remain detectable for several hours. However, the actual duration that benzodiazepines stay in breast milk can vary widely. For example, short-acting benzodiazepines may clear from the system more quickly than long-acting ones, which can linger longer.
Clinical Considerations
Healthcare providers often weigh the benefits of treating maternal anxiety or insomnia against the potential risks to the infant. While some benzodiazepines may be used cautiously during breastfeeding, others may pose more significant risks. The general consensus is that lorazepam is among the safer options, while alprazolam may require more caution.
In conclusion, while benzodiazepines do transfer into breast milk, the levels are typically low and vary by medication. Mothers should consult healthcare professionals to determine the safest approach to managing their mental health while breastfeeding, ensuring both their well-being and that of their infants.

How long do I need to wait to breastfeed after taking Xanax?

Summary of Use during Lactation
If alprazolam is used long term, monitor the infant for sedation, poor feeding and poor weight gain. After a single dose of alprazolam, there is usually no need to wait to resume breastfeeding.

How long should I wait to breastfeed after taking Klonopin?

Klonopin and breastfeeding
Klonopin treatment is not recommended while breastfeeding. The drug is known to pass into breast milk. Klonopin may cause harmful effects in children who are breastfed.

Do Benzos go into 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.

Can you breastfeed with Benzos?

Can benzos enter human milk? It may be safe to nurse your baby while you’re taking oxazepam, clobazam or lorazepam that comes from a pharmacy. While you’re taking other types of benzodiazepines, doses that make you high, or pills that aren’t from a pharmacy, it isn’t safe to chest/breastfeed.

Do benzodiazepines go into 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.

Is it bad to breastfeed after getting angry?

Stress May Affect Cortisol Levels
Studies have shown that breast milk from distressed mothers may contain higher levels of cortisol. 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.

Can you breastfeed with lorazepam?

Lorazepam has low levels in breastmilk, a short half-life relative to many other benzodiazepines, and is safely administered directly to infants. Evidence from nursing mothers indicates that lorazepam does not cause any adverse effects in breastfed infants with usual maternal dosages.

Does 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.

What is the half-life of Ativan while breastfeeding?

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.

How soon after narcotics can you breastfeed?

A breastfeeding plan
If you do use drugs such as amphetamines or heroin as a one-off, you will need to express your breast milk in the 24 hours afterwards and throw it away before you breastfeed again. After using drugs, it is not safe for you to care for or breastfeed your baby.