Is It Safe to Take Alprazolam (Xanax) While Breastfeeding?

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Written by Editorial Team

Editorial Team

With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting..

Is It Safe to Take Alprazolam During Breast Feeding

Medications during pregnancy are not a safe bet, and that is the reason why doctors prescribe very light dosages and not strong ones. Breastfeeding is yet another time that comes post-delivery and is crucial for the baby as well as the mother. Many antibiotics are considered not safe during breastfeeding. Post-delivery also comes Postpartum depression as well as anxiety attacks and often the medicine alprazolam or Xanax during breastfeeding is taken to alleviate or reduce it.

However, one needs to be also cautious to see if its consumption is not posing any threat to the breastfeeding output or schedule. It has been seen that this medication enters the mother’s milk and finally in the infant in no time. So let’s find out if entering the infant’s body, does it cause any harm, what are its side-effects, the effect of low dosages on nursing, and the better ways to manage anxiety.

Alprazolam- What Does it Mean?

Xanax is the brand name of the drug called alprazolam, and this is recommended by medical health experts for the treatment of anxiety attacks and panic ailments as well. It belongs to the class of drugs that can easily find their way to the mother’s milk.

Is Taking Xanax is Safe During Breastfeeding?

Xanax is undoubtedly the right choice for the cure of panic attacks and anxiety disorders but should be prohibited if the pregnant woman is feeding the baby as this drug can enter the infant’s body in smaller quantities by breast milk. Even though the dosages are not a threat to life, they can lead to breathing issues and can lead to the baby being sedated.

It is also important to consult the medical health experts and mention that the woman is breastfeeding so that s/he can take the necessary steps. Few health problems that can cause discomfort for the baby because of the consumption of this drug are given below:

Fatigue
Loss of weight
Feeding issues or not ready to get breastfed
Sleepiness

Facts To Know About Xanax

Xanax is an ideal remedy to alleviate or cut down panic attacks and anxiety ailments. Yet, few specific details are important to know about Xanax. Some of them are mentioned below:

It is one of the most common medications that are recommended by medical experts for anxiety and depression.
The dosages come in four forms; 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1mg and 2 mg.
This is available in a bar form which can further be taken in small doses.
These pills are white in color, but their generic form could even be green or yellow.
The consumption of the dosage of Xanax upsurges the levels of the element in the human brain that induce calmness and offers relaxation.
It is addictive in nature due to its instant relief properties.
In the process of sudden or unexpected stoppage of this medication, one can witness depression, sweating, headaches during breastfeeding, suicidal attempts, etc.
Not only the mother, but even the baby shows signs of irritation, sleep disorders in babies, or weepiness.
The Excess dosage of this medication can also lead to health ailments like body aches, headaches, sleepiness, lack of coordination, etc.
It is recommended to only take the prescribed dosage during pregnancy as well as lactation.
Its consumption increases the production of breast milk, but in turn, also affects the mood and hormone levels. Read here to know other food that can increase breast milk.

Possible Side Effects of Alprazolam While Breastfeeding

side effects of Aprazolamduring breastfeeding

As discussed earlier, Xanax is not an ideal option to be given to nursing mothers as it has its own disadvantages and side effects as well. The side effects could be between mild to acute ones dependent on the dosage that is taken. Not always, are they harmful, most of the time they disappear with the passing phases of time. In case any side-effects are experienced or manifested, immediate medical consultation is a must. The common side-effects that are seen after consuming Xanax while nursing is as below:

Dry mouth
Sleepiness
Forgetfulness
Libido changes
Blurry or unclear vision
Constipation
Swelling

The acute side effects that need consideration are as below:

Breathing issues
Jaundice
Suicidal tendency
Vertigo
Slurred speech
Memory loss
Unable to pass urine

Allergic signs are breathing issues and swelling of lips, face, throat, and tongue.

The side effects or any allergies that are related to the consumption of Xanax should be reported to the medical experts immediately.

Breastfeeding and Taking a Low Dose of Xanax

Lactation does get affected by excess consumption or regular intake of Xanax. But one single dosage of this drug does not harm much. In case you want to take a single dose, then express the milk and discard it for a period of 14 hours after consuming the medicine. After this time period, the Xanax will not be in the body, and you can breast feed the baby after that.

In case this drug is taken at regular intervals it can pose several health hazards for the baby and if the medical experts believe its benefits are less, but disadvantages are more, in that case, donor milk needs to be arranged, or the baby needs to wean off or start with top feed.

Ways to Deal With Anxiety

The lactation period after the delivery is yet another phase that characterizes stress and anxiety. It is totally new for the mother and with it comes the challenges of the new baby, sleepless nights, getting up at regular intervals, total lifestyle changes, adjusting to the time, understanding and fulfilling the needs of your own body and the baby, but it is always best to opt for natural ways to be able to combat it than getting on medication. Some natural ways are listed as under:

Always take time for yourself and keep yourself relaxed and buy recreational pastimes, be it listening to music, doing yoga, body massage, meditation, etc.
It is seen that if the mother listens to music while nursing the baby, it calms down the nerves and boosts milk production as well.
Always be open to taking help from family members or a life partner.
Never skip meals as you need the energy to sail smoothly.
Have caffeine in limitation.
Prohibit taking alcohol as they tend to induce anxiety and panic.
The body needs to have a good amount of rest and throw away toxins from the body.
Let positivity surround you and do not let negative people or thoughts put you in depression.
Everybody has their own anxieties, so be open and talk about your feelings and challenges to friends and family members.

Thus, Xanax is undoubtedly not the recommended drug to be taken at regular intervals while nursing more so, when the baby is a premature one. It is best to look for supplements of the same to be able to combat anxiety issues and help with breastfeeding as well.

FAQ’s

1. Can I take Alprazolam For my PPD While Breast Feeding?

No, it is not recommended. In case of severe PPD, your doctor might prescribe. Ensure they are aware of your breast feeding.

2. Will Alprazolam Impact my Breast Milk?

Yes, it can. It is infact one of the medicines that can seep into the milk. Ensure your doctor is aware of you breastfeeding if they prescribe this.

3. Is Alprazolam During Breast Feeding Dangerous for my Baby?

Yes, it can. It can seep into the breast milk, if mother consumes. It can make the baby irritable or sleep deprived.

4. Can I Get Addicted to Xanax During Breast Feeding?

Yes, you can. This is a highly addictive medicine. Since it alters your state of mind to calm you, you can get addicted to it.

Editorial Team,

With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.

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