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Many women have postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety after giving birth. While it’s simple to take a prescription medicine such as Alprazolam (or Xanax) to calm your anxiety, you might be wondering, “is Xanax safe while breastfeeding?”
These drugs can pass through the breast milk and reach your baby in very small doses, which was determined in the study conducted by Oo et al. The researchers looked at the levels of maternal Alprazolam in the breast milk of mothers who received a daily dose of 0.5mg of the drug. The study revealed that the half-life of Alprazolam in breast milk is 14.5 hours. Therefore, it is necessary to consult your obstetrician to determine the safety aspects of the drug while breastfeeding.
What is Xanax?
Xanax (a brand name of the generic drug alprazolam) is a commonly prescribed drug used as an anxiety medication and to treat panic disordersi. It belongs to the benzodiazepines drug class that includes drugs known to enter the breast milk.
Number of alprazolam prescriptions in the U.S. 2004-2020
Source: Number of alprazolam prescriptions in the U.S. from 2004 to 2020
Point to considerCan You Take Xanax While Breastfeeding?
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It is advised to avoid Xanax during the lactation period. Because the drug might reach nursing infants in small amounts through breastmilk. Even though the ingested dosages are not lethal, they can cause respiratory issues and sedation in babies. Do mention to your physician that you are breastfeeding and discuss any medications you are taking, before they prescribe anything. If your healthcare provider still recommends Xanax while nursing, watch for side effects in your baby.
Some common health discomforts that the baby experiences as a result of Alprazolam are:
- Drowsiness
- Weight loss
- Feeding problems or refusal to breastfeed
- Lethargy
If you notice unusual behavior or severe side effects in your baby, contact your healthcare provider immediately to ensure their safety.
Note:
Remember, a doctor’s prescription is required to take any medication during breastfeeding.
Important Facts About Xanax
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To have a deeper understanding, let us learn some more vital facts about Xanax.
- It is one of the most popularly prescribed psychiatric medications in the US.
- You can find Xanax in four basic dosage strengths 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg and 2mg in the market.
- Xanax comes in a bar-shaped pill (commonly called Xanax bars) that is scored so it can be broken into smaller doses.
- Xanax pills are white, but the generic form of the drug may be yellow or green.
- With the same dosage, Xanax is 20 times more potent than another benzodiazepine Valium.
- The medication works by elevating the levels of the neurotransmitteriChemical messengers in the brain that send signals throughout the body to carry out different functions. GABA in the human brain. It promotes calmness and makes you feel relaxed.
- The quick-acting effect and short half-lifeiThe time taken by the body to reduce the quantity of the drug to half of its initial concentration. make people addicted to Xanax.
Quick tipAbrupt discontinuation of this medication leads to withdrawal symptoms like tremors, sweating, depression, suicidal thoughts, and headache. Even your baby can show the withdrawal symptoms like irritability, crying, and sleep disturbances.
An overdose of Xanax during breastfeeding may result in mild to severe health troubles including drowsiness, headache, confusion, impaired coordination and body pain. A drug overdose combined with alcohol, illicit drugs, or antidepressants may result in high toxicity.
Xanax may increase the prolactin levels, thereby, boosting the milk production (1). But the increase in the prolactin level decreases progesterone levels, affecting hormone levels and mood.
It is imperative to take only the prescribed dosage of Xanax during both pregnancy and breastfeeding and consult your healthcare provider to monitor its effects on your health.
Side Effects Of Taking Xanax While Breastfeeding
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The side effects range from mild to severe and depend on the dosage. Most side effects are innocuous. They tend to fade away over time. Seek medical attention immediately after experiencing any side effects.
Most common side effects of Xanax include constipation, swelling of extremities, insomnia, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, amnesiaiA condition of memory loss due to medications, treatments, head injury, or health problems. , changes in libidoiThe overall sexual drive of a person influenced by hormones, personal preferences, health, and relationship conditions. , headache, changes in vision.
Severe side effects include depression, short-term memory loss, jaundice, respiratory problems, slurred speech, suicidal ideation, unsteadiness, impaired coordination, urinary retention, and vertigoiA spinning sensation commonly caused by an inner ear infection or issues with the brain. .
Typical signs of allergy are breathing problems and swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
Any side effect or allergy associated with Xanax should be reported to the prescribing physician.
Can A Nursing Mother Take A Low Dose Of Xanax?
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According to Wendy Colson, a California-based registered nurse and international board-certified lactation consultant, “Alprazolam (Xanax) at low doses is generally considered safe, with only 8.5% transferring to breast milk. A dose of 0.25mg, especially taken at night, is considered low. The highest concentration of Alprazolam in breast milk typically occurs one to two hours after ingestion and remains for 12-15 hours.”
A single dose of Xanax need not stop a lactating mother from breastfeeding. If you have to take a single Xanax dose, for the 14-hour period.
Pump out the milk and discard for 14 hours after taking medicine, to ensure that Xanax is out of your system and signal the breasts to continue milk production. Then, you can resume breastfeeding.
However, regular ingestion of the medication can cause several infant health issues. If you have to use Xanax regularly for a period, and if your physician feels that the benefits of Xanax outweigh breastfeeding, which is rarely the case, you may have to consider arranging donor milk for your nursing infant, or weaning your baby or offer formula milk.
Further, consult the International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) or your doctor if you can get another drug. The alternatives for Xanax include Lorazepam, and Oxazepam.
Quick factNote: Inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking before he prescribes Xanax.
Tips To Manage Anxiety While Breastfeeding
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It is common to feel stressed out and nervous during your lactation period. Opt for one of these natural ways to cope with it:
- Take time out from your busy routine to indulge in recreational activities such as listening to music, practicing yoga, meditation or getting a body massage done. Listening to music while breastfeeding is known to calm the nerves and increase milk supply.
- Do not hesitate to seek help from your partner or a family member.
- Take in a well-balanced diet and do not skip your meals. Energy-boosting foods help remain active.
- Limit caffeine and avoid alcohol completely. They can easily aggravate anxiety and cause panic attacks.
- Sleep well and rest enough. Resting helps you get rid of harmful toxins.
- Remain positive and welcome humor in life. Negative thoughts lead to depression.
- Talk to your friends and family about your feelings about parenting your newborn. You can also join a support group for new mothers for emotional support and practical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How soon can I breastfeed after taking Xanax?
You need not wait to breastfeed after taking a single dose of alprazolam or Xanax (2). However, consult your Ob/Gyn to be safe and prevent adverse reactions.
2. Will alprazolam impact my breast milk?
Alprazolam may increase the serum prolactin level of your breast milk, but the increase does not adversely affect breastfeeding (2).
3. Can Xanax affect the quality or quantity of breast milk?
Limited information is available specifically about Xanax’s effect on breast milk quality or quantity. However, studies suggest that drug exposure through breast milk, including benzodiazepines like Xanax, is generally small (6). Healthcare professionals should be consulted to assess individual risks and benefits.
4. Can Xanax affect the sleep patterns of a breastfeeding baby?
The use of Xanax while breastfeeding can disrupt a nursing baby’s sleep patterns. Many medications, like Xanax, pass into breast milk and can make infants drowsy and experience other reactions (2).
“Is Xanax safe while breastfeeding?,”- this is a common concern for most mothers who get a prescription for Xanax for postpartum depression treatment or anxiety relief. Xanax (alprazolam) can pass through breast milk and reach the baby in smaller quantities. It is not often prescribed for lactating mothers due to possible side effects such as respiratory issues in babies. However, sometimes healthcare providers may prescribe Xanax if the benefits outweigh the risks. You may follow the doctor’s instructions to take medications, schedule feeding patterns, or pump and store breast milk before taking medications to reduce potential drug interactions in babies.
Infographic: Precautionary Measures To Be Followed By Nursing Mothers Taking Xanax
Xanax or Alprazolam is prescribed to lactating mothers when its risks outweigh its benefits. However, if you are a lactating mother taking Xanax, you should follow certain precautionary measures to ensure your and your baby’s safety. Go through the infographic below to know the same. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Xanax increases the brain neurotransmitter GABA, inducing a feeling of relaxation and calmness.
- Postpartum depression patients are warned against taking Xanax to avoid drug ingestion by babies through breast milk that can lead to drowsiness and weight loss.
- Overdosing on Xanax while breastfeeding may cause headache, confusion, impaired coordination, and drowsiness.
- Natural remedies like meditation, yoga, and music listening are suggested for anxiety and stress management, instead of taking Xanax.
Illustration: Is It Safe To Take Alprazolam (Xanax) While Breastfeeding?
Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team
In this informative video featuring a healthcare professional, explore crucial information on how to use Alprazolam (Xanax) correctly. Gain valuable insights into dosage, potential side effects, and receive expert guidance for optimal usage.
References
- Can you take Xanax while pregnant?
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/xanax-treatment/pregnancy - Alprazolam;
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501199/#:~:text=Summary%20of%20Use%20during%20Lactation&text=A%20shorter-acting%20benzodiazepine%20without - Benzodiazepine and Z-Drug Safety Guideline.
https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/static/pdf/public/guidelines/benzo-zdrug.pdf - Alprazolam (Xanax).
https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Alprazolam-(Xanax) - Alprazolam.
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a684001.html - Benzodiazepine Concentrations in the Breast Milk and Plasma of Nursing Mothers: Estimation of Relative Infant Dose; PMC
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33449825/
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