A recent study from the Motherisk program examined 124 infants exposed to benzodiazepines through breastfeeding. Women seeking advice on benzodiazepine use during lactation were recruited, providing information on medication use, breastfeeding frequency, infant health, and demographics. Lorazepam (52%), clonazepam (18%), and midazolam (15%) were the most commonly used benzodiazepines, with half of the women also taking antidepressants and opioids. Adverse events, primarily sedation, were observed in only 1.6% of infants exposed.
Of the sedated infants, one mother reported using alprazolam occasionally alongside sertraline and zopiclone, while the other was on clonazepam, flurazepam, risperidone, and bupropion. Notably, these women were taking multiple psychotropic medications, suggesting a potential correlation between polypharmacy and adverse events.
This study indicates a minimal risk of adverse events in infants exposed to benzodiazepines through breastfeeding. Considering that sedated infants were also exposed to other sedating drugs, the actual risk may be even lower. Consequently, benzodiazepines represent a viable treatment option for breastfeeding women with anxiety. However, close monitoring of exposed infants for sedation is prudent, particularly if the mother is using multiple medications.
