What anxiety meds are safe during breastfeeding?

Understanding Safe Anxiety Medications During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding mothers often face the challenge of managing anxiety while ensuring the safety of their infants. The good news is that several anxiety medications are considered safe for use during breastfeeding, allowing mothers to maintain their mental health without compromising their child’s well-being.
Antidepressants: A Common Choice
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are among the most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety and depression during breastfeeding. Sertraline, known by its brand name Zoloft, is frequently recommended due to its favorable safety profile. Studies indicate that sertraline has a low relative infant dose (RID) of 0.4% to 2.2%, meaning that only a small amount of the medication passes into breast milk. This low transfer rate suggests that it is unlikely to cause adverse effects in breastfed infants, making it a preferred option for many healthcare providers.
Other SSRIs, such as paroxetine and nortriptyline, have also been shown to be safe during breastfeeding. These medications are well-studied and have established safety records, providing reassurance for mothers who need to manage their anxiety.
Benzodiazepines: Use with Caution
Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam, are sometimes prescribed for short-term anxiety relief. Lorazepam is noted for its low levels in breast milk and a short half-life, which minimizes the risk of exposure to the infant. Evidence suggests that lorazepam does not lead to adverse effects in breastfed infants when taken at standard maternal dosages. However, it is essential for mothers to use these medications judiciously and under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as prolonged use can lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms in both the mother and child.
Other Considerations
While medications like valproic acid and carbamazepine are considered safe for breastfeeding, they are typically used for conditions other than anxiety. The American Academy of Pediatrics has classified these medications as safe, but they are not first-line treatments for anxiety disorders.
Mothers should also be aware of the potential side effects of any medication and monitor their infants for any unusual symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, especially when starting a new medication. Regular consultations with healthcare providers are crucial to ensure that both the mother’s mental health needs and the infant’s safety are prioritized.
Conclusion
In summary, managing anxiety during breastfeeding is possible with the right medications. SSRIs like sertraline are generally safe and effective, while benzodiazepines like lorazepam can be used cautiously. Mothers should always consult with their healthcare providers to tailor a treatment plan that best suits their needs while ensuring the safety of their breastfeeding infants. By taking informed steps, mothers can navigate their mental health challenges without compromising their breastfeeding journey.

What can they give you for anxiety during birth?

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” is a tasteless and odorless gas used as a labor analgesic by some hospitals. It reduces anxiety and increases a feeling of well-being so that pain is easier to deal with.

What is the safest anxiety medication during pregnancy?

In general, these antidepressants are options during pregnancy: Certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs usually are an option during pregnancy. These include citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro) and fluoxetine (Prozac).

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 antidepressants are not affecting breast milk?

In terms of selecting an appropriate antidepressant, one should try to choose an antidepressant for which there are data to support its safety during breastfeeding (i.e., sertraline, paroxetine, fluoxetine, tricyclic antidepressants).

What medication is used for anxiety in nursing?

Anxiolytics Nursing Interventions

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

What to do for anxiety while breastfeeding?

Self-care is crucial for nursing moms’ mental health. Accortt encourages active relaxation, such as deep breathing, gentle yoga poses or a grounding meditation, before each breastfeeding shift. These techniques power down the body’s fight-or-flight instinct, lowering the stress hormone cortisol.

Can you pass anxiety through breast milk?

In line with the fetal programming hypothesis, it might be argued that, when the environment is stressful, mothers could physiologically signal this information to their infants via breast milk cortisol, and infants could subsequently adjust their behavioral phenotype to their (future) environment.

What anxiety medication can I take 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 is the safest SSRI for 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. However, they all have relatively long half-lives.

Is it safe to take Zoloft while breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding while taking sertraline:
Most reports show no problems for babies who are exposed to sertraline through breast milk. Babies who were also exposed to sertraline in the third trimester of pregnancy may have a lower chance of withdrawal after birth if they are breastfed.