What benzo is safe for breastfeeding?

Benzodiazepines and Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know
When it comes to the use of benzodiazepines during breastfeeding, safety is a paramount concern for nursing mothers. Benzodiazepines are a class of medications commonly prescribed for anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions, but their effects on breastfed infants can vary significantly depending on the specific drug used.
Preferred Benzodiazepines
According to recent guidelines, lorazepam and oxazepam are considered the safest options for breastfeeding mothers when clinically appropriate. These medications have been shown to have low levels in breast milk and are less likely to cause adverse effects in infants. Lorazepam, in particular, has a short half-life, which means it is eliminated from the body relatively quickly, reducing the potential for accumulation in breast milk.
Clinical Evidence and Recommendations
Research indicates that lorazepam does not produce adverse effects in breastfed infants when taken at usual maternal dosages. In fact, studies have shown that the levels of lorazepam in breast milk are low enough that they are unlikely to affect a healthy, full-term infant. Similarly, oxazepam is also recommended due to its favorable pharmacokinetic profile, making it a suitable choice for nursing mothers.
Other Considerations
While lorazepam and oxazepam are preferred, some mothers may be prescribed other benzodiazepines like alprazolam. Although alprazolam is a shorter-acting benzodiazepine, it is essential for mothers to monitor their infants for signs of sedation, poor feeding, or weight gain issues if they use this medication long-term. After a single dose of alprazolam, mothers can typically resume breastfeeding without needing to wait, as the risk of significant transfer to breast milk is low.
Conclusion
In summary, for breastfeeding mothers requiring benzodiazepine treatment, lorazepam and oxazepam are the safest choices, supported by clinical evidence indicating minimal risk to infants. However, as with any medication, it is crucial for mothers to consult with their healthcare providers to ensure that their treatment plan is safe for both them and their babies.

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 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.

What benzos can you take while breastfeeding?

Lorazepam and oxazepam are the preferred benzodiazepines during breast feeding, if clinically appropriate. Recommendations apply to full term, healthy infants.

What is the safest anxiety medication 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.

Is lorazepam safe while breastfeeding?

There’s not much information about taking lorazepam while breastfeeding, but the information shows that it passes into breast milk in very small amounts. If you take lorazepam for a longer time, in high doses, or with other medicines, your baby may be more likely to get side effects, although this is still rare.

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.

How long after taking Halcion can I breastfeed?

A lactating woman may consider interrupting breastfeeding and pumping and discarding breast milk during treatment and for 28 hours (approximately 5 elimination half-lives) after HALCION administration in order to minimize drug exposure to a breast fed infant.

Which sedative is safe in breastfeeding?

This includes the benzodiazepines and antihistamines such as promethazine. However, the ‘z- drugs’ (zolpidem and zopiclone) are preferred for the short-term management of insomnia during breastfeeding, as they have shorter half-lives than the benzodiazepines and appear to pass into breast milk in small amounts.

Is diazepam safe while breastfeeding?

Diazepam passes into breast milk, usually in small amounts. If you take it for a long time or in high doses, it can build up in your milk. This can make your baby sleepy and can make it difficult for them to feed. It is important not to share a bed with your baby until you have finished taking diazepam.

Is Klonopin safe to take while breastfeeding?

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. These include difficulty feeding, sedation, and insufficient weight gain.