Is it safe to take buspirone while breastfeeding?

Understanding Buspirone and Breastfeeding
Buspirone, commonly known by its brand name BuSpar, is an anxiolytic medication primarily used to treat anxiety disorders. For breastfeeding mothers, the safety of taking buspirone is a significant concern, as medications can potentially affect breast milk and, consequently, the nursing infant.
Current Research and Recommendations
According to available literature, buspirone does pass into breast milk, albeit in low levels. Studies indicate that maternal doses of up to 45 mg daily result in minimal concentrations in breast milk. This suggests that while some buspirone may be ingested by a breastfeeding infant, the amounts are generally considered low.
However, the implications of these low levels are not fully understood. There is limited information regarding the long-term effects of buspirone on breastfeeding infants, particularly newborns or preterm babies. Due to this uncertainty, healthcare providers often recommend considering alternative medications, especially for mothers nursing very young or vulnerable infants.
Clinical Considerations
The decision to use buspirone while breastfeeding should be made collaboratively between the mother and her healthcare provider. Factors to consider include the mother’s mental health needs, the potential risks to the infant, and the availability of alternative treatments. It is crucial for mothers to communicate openly with their healthcare providers about their breastfeeding status and any concerns they may have regarding medication use.
Additionally, buspirone is known to increase serum prolactin levels, which could potentially affect milk production. While the clinical significance of this effect is not fully established, it is another factor that mothers should discuss with their healthcare providers.
Conclusion
In summary, while buspirone can be taken during breastfeeding, it is essential to weigh the benefits against potential risks. The low levels of the drug in breast milk suggest that it may be safe for many mothers, but the lack of comprehensive long-term studies necessitates caution. Mothers should always consult with their healthcare providers to ensure that their treatment plan is safe for both them and their breastfeeding infants.

What can I do for anxiety while breastfeeding?

Increase skin-to-skin contact: If you’re breastfeeding, try bringing your baby closer to your body. This feeling can lower your cortisol levels and decrease your heart rate, almost like a calming effect. Practice meditation or deep breathing: Trying to relax is key. This lowers anxiety and reduces stress.

Is buspirone a high risk medication?

While it’s generally considered low-risk, some individuals may experience addictive tendencies, especially when misused. BuSpar can be abused by taking higher doses or combining it with alcohol. This can lead to severe consequences, including overdose and death.

What drugs should be avoided during lactation?

Drugs contraindicated during breastfeeding include anticancer drugs, lithium, oral retinoids, iodine, amiodarone and gold salts. An understanding of the principles underlying the transfer into breast milk is important, as is an awareness of the potential adverse effects on the infant.

Can BuSpar affect a newborn?

There are reports that looked at effects of buspirone in breastfed infants. One report found no short-term side effects in an 11-week-old baby whose mother was taking 2 medications including 10 mg/day of buspirone. Another report described seizure-like activity in a 3-week-old infant.

Does buspirone affect breast milk?

The subsequently low relative infant dose (RID) in the range of 0.21% to 2.17% is below the 10% threshold for infant safety, suggesting that the transfer of maternal buspirone and its active metabolite (1-PP) into human milk is clinically insignificant and poses minimal risk to a breastfed infant.

Is buspirone ok to take while pregnant?

Evidence shows Buspirone won’t harm the fetus or cause significant adverse effects to the pregnant woman. Healthcare providers prescribe it based on a thorough risk-benefit assessment, considering the severity of maternal anxiety and the potential consequences of untreated anxiety.

What anxiety medication is safe while breastfeeding?

Safe medication in breastfeeding
They include, in no particular order: SSRI antidepressants e.g. sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine all have anti- anxiety activity. They take 4 to 6 weeks to exert full benefit. Tri-cyclic antidepressants e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine.

What anxiety medications are safe during pregnancy?

SSRIs usually are an option during pregnancy. These include citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac). Risks include high blood pressure for the pregnant person and premature birth. These risks are small.

What is the safest antidepressant while breastfeeding?

Sertraline and paroxetine (among SSRIs) and nortriptyline and imipramine (among TCAs) are the most evidence-based medications for use during breastfeeding because of similar findings across multiple laboratories, usually undetectable infant serum levels and no reports of short term adverse events.

Is it safe to take bupropion while breastfeeding?

Bupropion gets into breast milk in small amounts. Taking bupropion while breastfeeding is not expected to cause harmful effects for most breastfed infants. There are two case reports of seizures in 6-month-old babies exposed to bupropion through breast milk. The seizures stopped when bupropion was no longer used.