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What anxiety medication can you take while breastfeeding?

Understanding Anxiety Medication During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing anxiety while ensuring the safety of their infants. The choice of medication is crucial, as some drugs can pass into breast milk and potentially affect the baby. Fortunately, there are several options that are considered relatively safe for breastfeeding mothers.
Preferred Medications
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), particularly sertraline (commonly known as Zoloft), are frequently recommended for treating anxiety in breastfeeding mothers. Research indicates that sertraline has a low relative infant dose (RID) of 0.4% to 2.2%, meaning that only a small amount of the medication is transferred to breast milk. This low transfer rate suggests that adverse effects in infants are unlikely, although mothers should monitor their babies for any signs of gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Another SSRI, duloxetine, is also used for anxiety and depression. While it is effective, its safety profile during breastfeeding is less established compared to sertraline.
Benzodiazepines and Alternatives
For short-term management of anxiety, benzodiazepines like lorazepam and diazepam may be prescribed. Lorazepam, in particular, is noted for its low levels in breast milk and a short half-life, making it a safer option for breastfeeding mothers. Studies have shown that lorazepam does not typically cause adverse effects in breastfed infants when taken at standard maternal dosages. However, due to the potential for sedation, it is generally recommended for short-term use only.
Propranolol, a beta-blocker often used for anxiety, is another option that may be considered. It is generally regarded as safe during breastfeeding, although specific monitoring may be necessary.
Monitoring and Consultation
While many medications are deemed safe, it is essential for breastfeeding mothers to consult with their healthcare providers before starting any medication. The provider can help weigh the benefits against potential risks and may suggest monitoring the infant for any side effects, especially if the mother is on higher doses of medication.
In summary, managing anxiety while breastfeeding is a delicate balance. SSRIs like sertraline are often the first line of treatment due to their favorable safety profile, while benzodiazepines can be used cautiously for short-term relief. Always consult with a healthcare professional to ensure the best outcomes for both mother and child.

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.

Can anxiety decrease milk supply?

Maternal psychological distress (e.g., perceived stress, anxiety, depression) has also been linked to lactation difficulty and breastfeeding cessation.

Can I breastfeed on Lexapro?

The study shows that escitalopram is safe for use during breastfeeding. Because its absolute infant dose is lower than that for an equivalent antidepressant dose of rac-citalopram, it may be preferred over rac-citalopram in treating depression in lactating women.

What anxiety medicine is safe 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.

What is the safest antidepressant to take while breastfeeding?

Paroxetine and sertraline are the SSRIs of choice during breastfeeding. More evidence is available on the use of SSRIs during breastfeeding than other antidepressant groups and limited data show encouraging outcomes when considering longer term effects on infants.

What medication is best for postpartum anxiety?

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the most widely used and most researched medication for postpartum anxiety and postpartum depression.

What medication is used for anxiety in nursing?

Anxiolytics Nursing Interventions

  • Lorazepam.
  • Diazepam.
  • Alprazolam.
  • Clonazepam.

Is Zoloft better than Prozac for breastfeeding?

Finally, when taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding, there may be an increased risk for congenital disabilities associated with using Prozac compared to other SSRIs. Taking Zoloft during pregnancy tends to be the safest antidepressant option.

What can I take for severe anxiety while pregnant?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety during pregnancy and after delivery. It does not appear that SSRIs are associated with an increased risk of major congenital malformations.

Is Zoloft safe while breastfeeding?

Is Zoloft safe for you and baby if you’re breastfeeding? In general, Zoloft is considered fairly safe for people who are breastfeeding. When thinking about the safety of a medication, doctors will consider the ramifications of not prescribing a medication.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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